She created Wander In Arizona to share first-hand information about traveling to the many fantastic cities, trails, national parks, monuments and more as she continues to explore.
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Are you looking for the best hot springs in Arizona? You are in the right place.
Arizona is home to the most treasured and well-preserved hot springs in the United States, thanks to many ancient volcanic activities in the Grand Canyon state.
Whether you are looking to beat the heat by dipping into one of these or want to relax and enjoy, this list is full of Arizona Hot Springs, how to get there, the best time to visit and anything else you need to know.
These natural hot springs in Arizona are surprisingly some of the best places to get into when Arizona gets too hot.
And although you may think that it is not a great idea to visit these AZ Hot Springs during the hot weather, it is not what you think.
But in Arizona, it’s only scorching for about 4 months of the year, the rest of the year is ideal for planning a trip to these hot springs in Arizona.
Although a few of these involve Arizona hot springs hikes, it is best for everyone, including beginners and people traveling with kids.
Plus, most of the hot springs in Arizona are easily accessible from Tucson, Phoenix, and Stafford, making it perfect for adding at least a few of them to your itineraries.
Since hot springs are fed by mineral-rich and crystal-clear waters, you can cool off while experiencing healing properties, including stress reduction and increased blood circulation.
Enjoy the serenity of nature by listening to the sound of water running through these natural Arizona hot springs and taking in the blissful views around.
Let’s get started with the guide to the best Arizona hot springs, then.
For more summer adventures, check out our guide to 30 Arizona’s best waterfall hikes and the list of 25 best beaches in Arizona.
THINGS TO KNOW WHILE VISITING THE HOT SPRINGS IN ARIZONA
CHECK THE SEASON
It is best to check the weather and the opening details of these hot springs in Arizona, as a few of them may be closed due to repairs or during the very hot days of the summer months.
If you are specifically looking for something in central Arizona, check out this guide to the best swimming holes in Sedona, or better, cool off at the best Arizona swimming holes this summer.
PRACTICE LEAVING NO TRACE
Natural hot springs are one of the fragile areas in the environment, and as with anywhere outdoors, practice Leave No Trace principles, including cleaning up after yourself, staying in the designated trails, and not touching or harming the surrounding natural things in and around Arizona hot springs.
If you are going to camp or picnic, make sure you dispose of waste properly.
There is no trash collection at many public hot springs, so ensure you take all trash with you.
NUDITY/CLOTHING OPTIONAL
The hot springs in Arizona allow nudity or are clothing-optional pools.
Hence it is common to find people enjoying the baths in their birthday suits.
People going nude are respectful and give you privacy, but if you plan to visit with kids or feel uncomfortable, it is better to know this before your trip.
You can enjoy it with your swimsuit on if you are not into going clothing optional, which is completely fine.
If the tub is tiny, wait until there is appropriate personal space for all involved. If you use your camera in the pool, wait until the naked visitors are away from the lens.
EXPECT AND BE READY FOR THE CROWDS
Despite its difficult accessibility or weather, many hot springs in Arizona are crowded most days, especially during the holidays and peak months.
So although you may wish to have these hot springs to yourselves, it may not be practical in reality.
It is best to wait for other visitors to leave if you wish to have some space, but you need to be patient and also, keep in mind that you need to do the same and let other travelers soak once your time is up.
STICK TO THE TRAILS
Although you can venture around the hot springs to some distances, it is not suggested to wander off too further as there are no trails and the ecosystem is fragile and sensitive.
Keep to the trails and look for markers when you go around the springs, especially if you are here during the night.
DO NOT TAKE A BATH IN THE SPRINGS
Although it goes with saying, the natural hot springs are not where you take a bath.
They are for soaking and hence please do not use soaps or any chemicals while in the pool.
The minerals in the water are wonderful for our bodies, and they are located in a sensitive terrain, and it is best left that way.
Plus, although rare, hot springs in Arizona like anywhere else can sometimes be home to the rare but terrifying bacteria, Naegleria fowleri, which can be deadly as it eats the brain if entered through your nose.
PLAN IF YOU WANT TO HAVE A PRIVATE EXPERIENCE
If you want to have some time alone in a hot spring, it is best to get there very early, an hour or so before sunrise.
Not only will you be able to witness the dramatic sunrise, but you will also get to enjoy the hot springs all by yourself.
It may not be the case exactly though if you are here during the weekends or the peak weeks of holidays as you will probably encounter a few fellow early morning birds but soaking in peace is possible on weekday mornings.
REGULATING AND TESTING WATER TEMPERATURE
Before immersing yourself wholly into the pools, it is best to test the waters for the temperature.
If previous visitors have not turned off the valve for higher temperatures, it is highly possible that the water may be burning hot.
Most of the pools have valves to regulate temperatures so you can control them as per your comfort level, but make sure you do not leave it too hot for the next visitors.
WEATHER CAN CHANGE
The weather gets unpredictable irrespective of the seasons. Expect winds, hot sun, or even a cold breeze when exploring Arizona hot springs.
Be prepared by packing layers ideal for all unexpected weather changes to comfortably enjoy your hot springs trip.
NO PUBLIC BATHROOMS
Many of these hot springs in Arizona do not have bathrooms, so you will have to go before you visit or go out in nature, especially if you have had too many beers or water.
There are also no changing rooms, so keep that in mind if you plan to wear swimsuits.
BE REASONABLE
Since many of the Arizona natural hot springs are compact, you may share your soak with other travelers.
It may not be to your liking, but instead of being hostile, you have the option of waiting out until you are by yourself, or you can join them and make new friends.
If you are particular about enjoying the hot springs privately, aim to visit before and around sunrise when there is a high possibility.
BEST TOUR TO EXPERIENCE HOT SPRINGS
If you are planning a day trip to Arizona hot springs from nearby Las Vegas, I highly recommend this combinational tour that offer the best value for your money and time.
MAP OF THE HOT SPRINGS IN ARIZONA
Check out the Arizona Hot Spring map below.
BEST NATURAL HOT SPRINGS IN ARIZONA
RINGBOLT HOT SPRINGS, LAKE MEAD RECREATIONAL AREA
- Entry Fee – $25 per vehicle(Willow Beach)
- Elevation – 1,545 m
- Temperature – 95°F to 110°F
- Location – near Hoover Dam, Lake Mead Recreational Area
- Permit Required – Yes
Although known as Arizona Hot Spring, Ringbolt Hot Springs is one of the most popular natural hot springs in Arizona.
Located in Lake Mead National Park at the border of Arizona-Nevada along the Colorado River in the middle of the desert, this hot spring offers splendid views of Arizona slot canyons, the stunning Colorado River, and the unique vegetation, wildlife, and wilderness.
Ringbolt has a sizzling temperature of 85 to 120 degrees or 110 F year-round.
Ringbolt Hot Spring comprises four pools separated by rocks, located about 1,000 feet from the Colorado River and a gorgeous 25-foot waterfall surrounded by the high walls of the Canyon.
Temperatures cool slightly by the time it reaches and disperses through the other three pools.
The bottom two pools are located near the Colorado river and offer some magnificent views of canyons and the river, while the top two are accessible by ladder.
You will first see the first two pools and then climb the ladder to view the other two.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT RINGBOLT HOT SPRING
The best time to visit Ringbolt Hot Spring is between October and May, the ideal conditions for the water flow in the Colorado River.
Note that since the trail gets very hot in the summer months, it is closed from May 15 to September 30 for safety.
Although it is possible to reach the hot spring and enjoy soaking in a few hours, it is best to spend a whole day experiencing Ringbolt Hot Springs, completing the hike and soaking in the pools surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Note that there are no restrooms or amenities here. Carry your food, snacks, water, swimming suit and anything else.
HOW TO REACH RINGBOLT HOT SPRING
Ringbolt Hot Spring is located about an hour from Las Vegas in neighbouring Nevada, the nearest city, and about 4 hours from Phoenix in Arizona. (263 miles).
There are many fantastic day tours to Ringbolt Hot Spring from Las Vegas, like this one.
Or check this Kayak Hoover Dam with Hot Springs in Las Vegas, with excellent reviews.
Ringbolt Hot Spring can only be reached in the following three ways.
- On foot by hiking through the canyon on one of the three trails
- Paddling downstream by renting a kayak or canoe from Willow Beach, 8 miles upriver. ($25 per vehicle entry). Check this fantastic tour that exactly makes this possible and fun!
- Float down the waters of the Colorado River for 4 miles from the Hoover Dam. (A permit needs to be taken first and there is a fee).
No matter how you arrive, you will be rewarded with fantastic views of the Colorado River and cooling off by soaking in the pools overlooking the water and the canyons.
You can also camp at the base of the Colorado River overnight or raft a boat on weekends.
But since it is located in a slot canyon, it is always wise to check the weather beforehand if you wish to camp overnight, as flash floods are frequent in this area.
HERE ARE SOME AMAZING TOURS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT
Kayak Hoover Dam with Hot Springs in Las Vegas – Swap the hustle and bustle of city life for some quality nature time with this combination of a Hoover Dam kayaking experience and a hot springs trip. Find out more here.
Half-Day Willow Beach Kayak Tour with Optional Pick Up – Set off on an adventure that uncovers boulders, volcanic canyon walls, and spectacular scenery with this kayaking trip to see Emerald Cave, a Fish Hatchery, and Gauger’s Homesite. Read the reviews and more here to book.
Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Las Vegas Pickup – Leave behind the bustle of Las Vegas—and get up close and personal with the beautiful Colorado River—on this half-day kayaking tour. Find out more details.
Half-Day Emerald Cove Kayak Tour – Experience the serenity of Emerald Cave, a picturesque natural attraction on the Colorado River. Check out more details here to book.
Black Canyon Kayak at Hoover Dam Day Trip from Las Vegas – This paddling trip, which navigates several miles of placid water close to Hoover Dam, is great for kayakers of all experience levels. Check out reviews to book here.
Self-Drive Half Day Kayak Tour in the Black Canyon – Skip the crowds and hassle of bus tours with this half-guided, half-self-drive Colorado River tour.
Make your own way to the launch point at Willow Beach; board a kayak, and then paddle into the Black Canyon. Read more to book here.
REACHING RINGBOLT THROUGH HIKING
The first one is you will hike for approximately 3 miles from White Rock Canyon Trailhead along Highway 93.
You can hike to Ringbolt hot springs from the Arizona Hot Springs Canyon Trail or the White Rock Canyon trail(3 miles one way). You can also combine these two trails into a loop.
The White Rock Canyon is a beautiful trail taking you through many slot canyons, small waterfalls, stunning views of the Colorado River, and many distinct desert plants, including cheese bush, Mormon tea, rabbitbrush, desert fir, and globe mallow.
It is a moderately complex trail, as there is a lot of gravel. Wear waterproof shoes.
If you come from this White Rock Canyon Trail, you will have to climb a 20-foot ladder to access the top two pools, and it can be slippery, so watch out.
Note that this trail is closed during the peak of the hot season, between mid-May through September.
ESSENCE OF TRANQUILITY
About 2 hours away from Tucscon in the southeastern part of the state is Essence of Tranquility, one of the best hot springs in Arizona located near Safford.
The essence of Tranquility is a rustic commercial resort, comprising five private hot springs, where clothing is optional, and a large public tub each with different temperatures.
You can choose from many public and private soaking tubs that can be rented for day use, including clothing-optional tubs.
There are also campsites, day-use areas, ear coning, reflexology, essential oil therapy, and massage options available, with a common-use area, shared bathrooms, and a kitchen area for all to use.
Each water tub offers privacy, come with unique decor ranging from Roman style to Japanese types, and has a separate plumbing system with clean water continuously flowing in & out of the tubs.
The best thing about the pools is that they have a variable temperature from 98 to 105°F.
Book a casual casita for a night and spend your entire day enjoying the hot springs with some Arizona sunshine and admiring the views of Mt. Graham in the distance.
Visitors have to bring in their drinks and towels as those are not available here.
The fees for entering this hot spring in Arizona are $8 for 1 hour and $15 for 3 hours.
It costs $15 per hour and daily rates are $35 to soak in the tubs. Casitas cost between $50 and $70 per night, and campsites cost $20 per person per night.
You must make reservations in advance for accommodation, massages, and day use of the hot spring pools.
VERDE HOT SPRINGS
- Entry Fee – None
- Temperature – 98°F to 105°F
- Location – near Camp Verde and Payson
- Permit Required – No
Verde Hot Springs is located in the ruins of a former resort in south Sedona in Yavapai County.
The hot springs, sitting on the site of an abandoned hot spring resort which burnt down in the 1960s, left only two cement pools and a few fountains.
Located near the Fossil Springs Wilderness Area, you can easily plan a day trip to Verde Hot Springs while exploring Sedona, Flagstaff, and Prescott.
Verde Hot Springs has water temperatures reaching 98.6°F to 105°F.
Among the best natural hot springs, these hot springs are free to enter and a perfect way to unwind while enjoying the stunning landscapes around the resort.
The pools also attract hot spring purists or nudists regularly, so expect people to be soaking in their birth suits.
Check out the many myriads of colourful graffiti from the 1960s around the hot tubs.
Besides the hot springs, you can check out the many hiking & biking trails, horseback riding, and wildlife.
You can plan a weekend trip by extending to explore nearby hikes around Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend or even the Grand Canyon.
Check these best Antelope Canyon tours, including best trips to explore the landmark easily.
At Childs Dispersed Camping Area, camping is free, authorized, and permitted for a maximum of 5 days per year.
Except for a vault toilet, there are no amenities, so carry your camping essentials and practice leaving no trace.
HOW TO REACH VERDE HOT SPRINGS?
The hot springs are free to enter. You need to hike for a mile which also involves crossing a river or wading through it and a slight uphill climb to access Verde Hot Springs.
Alternatively, if you have a high-clearance vehicle, drive through rough dirt roads amidst the forest for about 6 miles to arrive at the hot springs.
Check the weather before you go since the roads may be closed if the weather gets rough. Avoid going during or after rains when the water levels are high in the river.
Wear waterproof shoes, and carry snacks, water, and anything else you need, as there are no amenities or basic facilities.
EL DORADO HOT SPRINGS
- Entry Fee – $15 per hour per person
- Temperature – 100°F to 110°F
- Location – near Phoenix
One of the famous hot springs in Arizona is El Dorado Hot Springs, located conveniently an hour away west of Phoenix in Tonopah.
The desert oasis, surrounded by stunning landscapes, offers the perfect respite to unwind after exploring the attractions of Phoenix.
You can easily visit El Dorado as a day trip from Phoenix or stay later to watch an incredible sunset as it is one of the best spots to watch Phoenix sunset over the desert and Saddle Mountain in their sunset pools that can be booked in advance.
And even though El Dorado is located in an open desert, El Dorado Springs are a privately owned set of pools.
El Dorado Hot Springs comprises a wooden frame structure built over an underground spring featuring many pools of various sizes.
These pools receive naturally heated water of 107°F from this subterranean spring.
El Dorado includes smaller foot-bath-sized pools and six larger stone pools for private bathing, and one for communal bathing.
Clothing is optional in all pools. Private tubs are offered for day or hourly use.
The water these pools receive is pure, odour-free, tasteless, sulfur-free mineral water with a pH of 8.3 because it is heated naturally underground.
El Dorado’s waters are frequently drunk for these mineral properties, as well as being an excellent conditioner for hair and skin due to their natural pH levels.
The hot springs cost USD 15 per hour. You can use the showers, lounge areas, fish ponds, and fire pits located on the site.
Alternatively, you can stay overnight at the campground, including rooms, or bring your RVs which includes hot spring access. Campsite prices per slot starts from USD 30 per night.
CASTLE HOT SPRINGS
- Entry Fee – Overnight stay at the resort required
- Temperature – 98°F to 105°F
- Location – near Scottsdale
If you are looking for a luxurious weekend trip involving a relaxing spa, staying in a luxurious cabin, tasting delicious food and admiring stunning views, Castle Hot Springs has got you covered.
Nestled in the heart of the Bradshaw Mountains northwest of Scottsdale, Castle Hot Springs is a historic resort and spa built on a natural underground well of hot water.
Home to one of the top hot springs in Arizona, Castle Hot Springs resort features wide open spaces to explore with its multiple hot spring pools known for their healing properties.
Castle Hot Spring is the largest non-volcanic hot spring in the world.
Located 50 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix and near Scottsdale in the Sonoran desert, Castle Hot Springs has a long history.
The indigenous people of the region, especially the Apache and Yavapai tribes, treated the hot springs as a medicinal retreat due to their healing properties.
After 1896, the area was bought by a local entrepreneur and converted into a luxury resort and Arizona’s first wellness retreat.
Surrounded by the typical gorgeous desert wilderness of Arizona comprising rock formations and towering palm trees, the pools are the best way to unwind on the weekend.
The pool temperature ranges from 98°F to 105°F, and each tub is large enough for multiple swimmers and features crystal-clear water.
You can enjoy these waters in the private tubes if you book their suites.
You have to be a guest at Castle Hot Springs Resort to enjoy the pools. Still, it is well worth a stay for a weekend or more.
You can enjoy delicious on-site dining, a full-service spa overlooking gorgeous views, spectacular views of the night sky, and even a 3-acre farm, which produces 150 varieties of rare fruits and vegetables for Harvest Restaurant, the in-house restaurant serving some of the best local and international cuisines.
The room prices range from USD 1700 to USD 2800 per night, and you can choose between Spring Bungalows, Sky View Cabins, and The Cottage. All these rooms have various facilities and luxuries.
The resort’s rates include all meals, access to the springs, and many indoor and outdoor activities. No pets are allowed, and swimsuits are mandatory.
HOW TO REACH CASTLE SPRINGS?
Castle Hot Springs oasis is accessible after a drive through the Sonoran Desert. It is about an hour away from Phoenix.
You can hike through the Sonoran Desert, climb up the canyon walls, and take helicopter tours to admire stunning bird views of the rugged desert landscapes.
KAISER HOT SPRINGS
- Entry Fee – None
- Temperature – 98°F to 100°F
- Location – near Wikieup
- Permit Required – No
One of the best hot springs in Arizona is Kaiser Spring Canyon, located near Burro Creek in the Kaiser Spring Canyon near Wikieup.
It is one of the best day trips from Phoenix as you need only two hours to reach these hot springs located on BLM land.
There are two natural pools to soak into, and both of them are divided by a natural rock wall with a constant temperature of 100°F all year round.
The pool has gravel on the bottom and is surrounded by pebbles and stones. It is best to wear sandals when getting in the spring.
Admire the beautiful views of the surrounding basalt hills, Burro Creek, many types of cacti and the canyon while soaking in the spring.
The pool is just big enough for three people at a time, so be courteous and wait for your turn if there are people there when you arrive.
There are no amenities, so make sure to bring water, snacks and other hiking essentials with you.
HOW TO REACH KAISER HOT SPRINGS?
To reach Kaiser Hot Springs, take US Highway 93 north from Wickenburg for 5 miles, continuing past Burro Creek Bridge.
Follow the signs for Kaiser Spring Wash. The parking lot is just off highway 93 on the west. The campground is free to access.
To reach Kaiser Hot Springs, you’ll need to tackle a 1.5-mile hike, which isn’t very well-marked. Start your hike from the way down under the bridge.
You will have to pass through a narrow canyon, leading you to a broader gorge containing the hot spring. The hike takes less than an hour or more to complete.
GILLARD HOT SPRINGS
- Entry Fee – None
- Temperature – 180°F
- Location – near
- Permit Required – No
Gillard Hot Springs is the hottest spring in Arizona, with its water temperature reaching almost 180°F.
If you are looking for one of the best hot springs in Arizona to relax your muscles, Gillard Hot Springs is your best choice.
Gillard Hot Springs is free to access since it is located and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It is located along the Gila River, off the Black Hills Byway.
Gillard Hot Springs is one of the few hot springs in Arizona that you cannot swim in due to high temperatures. The water seeps out at about 400-500 gallons per minute into the adjacent Gila River.
Enjoy the water of this hot spring by taking a dunk in the water downriver from the Gillard Hot Springs outlet, only if you are comfortable at a higher water flow.
You’ll get some pretty bad burns if you try to take a dip so keep that in mind.
Admire the views of the canyon walls and bright green trees in the Gillard Hot Springs area.
You can access the spring on a half-mile hike or biking along the trail.
PUMPKIN SPRING
- Location – Grand Canyon National Park
- Permit Required – Yes
One of the best stops to make while exploring the gorgeous Grand Canyon National Park is the Pumpkin Hot Spring, located at mile 212.9 along the Colorado River, which gets its name from an unusual rock formation, the bright orange rock, near the hot spring.
It is one of the unusual hot springs in Arizona known for its splendid blue-green waters formed due to hundreds of years containing high levels of arsenic, lead, zinc, and copper, making it as poisonous as beautiful it looks.
So, unfortunately, you can only admire the pool as soaking in it is strongly prohibited. Capture the many stunning shots of the hot spring surrounded by the gorgeous Canyon views.
HOW TO REACH?
The nearest city to the Pumpkin spring is Flagstaff, a three-hour drive.
You can either drive or hike along on of the trails or rent a kayak and row along the waters of the Colorado River to mile 212.9.
OFFBEAT HOT SPRINGS IN ARIZONA
SHEEP BRIDGE HOT SPRINGS
- Entry Fee – None
- Temperature – 98°F to 105°F
- Location – near Camp Verde and Payson
- Permit Required – No
One of the hidden Arizona hot springs that you should add to your itinerary when you are in Yavapai County is the Sheep Bridge Hot Springs.
Located along the western side of Yavapai County’s Sheep Bridge, above the Verde River, this hot spring is open throughout the year.
The Sheep Bridge, which spans the Verde River, was constructed in the 1940s to help transport sheep across the river.
After it got destroyed in the 1980s, a duplicate was built, allowing hikers to cross the river.
You can find the original suspension tower standing alongside the rebuilt bridge, and although there are no sheep in the area, it is one of the best places to soak if you are up for a secluded getaway surrounded by cliff views.
The tub is small, lined with river rocks, and great for holding two to three people. The water is clear and about 100°F in temperature.
You can go hiking along the nearby trails, enjoy swimming in the Verde River, or, better, get into the river using the rope swing or from a jump-off point.
Cross the sheep bridge to enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding hills.
HOW TO REACH THE SHEEP BRIDGE HOT SPRINGS?
It is a long and arduous journey to get to the Sheep Bridge Hot Springs, as you need a high-clearance vehicle.
Drive down Cave Creek Road for 33 miles. Then turn right onto Forest Road 269 and drive for 12 miles. The dirt roads can be challenging to navigate. There is no cell service.
Although the long trip to Sheep Bridge might be tiring, you will be rewarded with relaxing waters as you soak in the hot spring.
You can also camp around here for up to 14 days.
ROPER LAKE STATE PARK HOT SPRINGS
One of the best stops to make if you plan a trip to Phoenix or Tucscon is Roper Lake State Park Hot Springs, a natural hot tub and a perfect oasis in the middle of a quiet desert.
The state park itself offers a lot of activities, especially if you are visiting during spring, as you can explore the many hiking trails, enjoy swimming, fishing, boat trips in the lake, picnic in the shaded areas or camp overnight.
It is also a popular spot for bird-watching, including blackbirds, Great horned owls, Cardinal, flycatchers, Kingfisher, Herons, and Egrets, and admiring the stunning views of Mount Graham.
You can also sometimes spot bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, and rabbits.
The waters in the hot spring, created by park rangers, consist of a rock-lined pool filled with natural spring water, reaching 98.6°F.
Visitors to the lake can also camp within the park or rent a cabin.
Staying in the park varies in cost; however, bathing in the spring is free.
There are three campsites, RV hookups, and eight well-maintained cabins for families with general bathrooms with showers, public phones, grills, vending machines, picnic tables, and other necessary camping amenities.
It is best to make the reservations if you wish to camp as early as possible, as the sites get booked quickly.
There is an entry fee of $10 per person, and you can check in at noon if are camping.
HOT WELL DUNES HOT SPRING
- Entry Fee – $3 per vehicle for parking
- Elevation – 3,450 feet
- Temperature – 106°F to 115°F
- Location – near Safford
Considered one of the hardest-to-access hot springs in Arizona, Hot Well Dunes Hot Springs offers a guaranteed relaxing day if you are willing to overlook the discomfort of commute.
The Hot Well Dunes are located on BLM land (Bureau of Land Management) in southeastern Arizona, 2 hours away from the nearest city Safford, amidst 2000 acres of off-road trails and dunes in a former ancient lakebed and oil well before that.
It is a popular spot with dirtbike and ATV drivers, hikers and campers.
Although most people head to Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area for off-roading and camping, the hot springs are a good enough reason to plan your trip to the area.
The water is fed into the pools from underground hot springs using solar-powered pumps, with the water temperature in the tubs varying according to the different seasons, although the average temperature is 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is the perfect place to relax after a long day of riding in the desert, surrounded by beautiful dunes. You can also bring in your pets but on a leash.
Ten camping sites and RV sites with fire grills and vault toilets, picnic areas, and facilities are available. It is a great spot for bird watching, and fishing as well.
Since the conditions of the dirt road may vary, it is best to check conditions before planning your trip.
If road conditions are right, you can drive right up to the hot spring tubs.
GOLD STRIKE HOT SPRINGS
- Entry Fee – $25 per car, $20 per motorcycle, $15 per bicycle
- Elevation – 1,561 feet
- Temperature – 110°F to 120°F
- Location – near Boulder City and Hoover Dam
Although not technically in Arizona, one of the easily accessible hot springs near Arizona is Gold Hike Hot Springs, a hot mineral water spring located on the border of the two cities, between the Hoover Dam and Boulder City.
It is one of the popular hot springs frequented by hikers and nature lovers.
You can access the pools by hiking for three miles one way, from the Highway 93 trailhead.
This trail is slightly challenging due to the rope climbs, hiking in the gravel and climbing large boulders and going through washes through Goldstrike Canyon, offering beautiful views along the way.
Note that due to dangerously high temperatures during the summer months, the hot springs are typically closed every year from May through September.
KACHINA MINERAL SPRINGS
One of the famous hot springs in Arizona located near Safford is Kachina Mineral Springs, between Mount Graham and Roper Lake on Highway 191, offering spectacular views of the mountain. Also, stop by the famous telescope when visiting this mineral spring.
Kachina Mineral springs comprise two indoor Roman-style tubs where you can soak, a perfect way to unwind after being outdoors or on a hectic day.
The waters come from the Pinaleño Mountains and Roper Lake and are tasteless and odourless, and offer healing properties through the 20 minerals found in it.
The average temperature of this mineral-rich water is 108°F.
Built on the site of a natural mineral hot spring, Kachina Mineral Springs is more of a spa in Safford to detoxify, rejuvenate, enjoy massages and reflexology invigorate your mind and body.
You can choose from their many spa packages that feature different treatments, including massages for couples. You also have the option of sharing or using separate soaking indoor tubs.
LOST MAN AND LONE PALM HOT SPRINGS, LAKE MEAD RECREATION AREA
Another among the lesser-visited hot springs in Arizona is Lost Man Hot Spring, located on the Nevada-Arizona border, only a few miles south of the Hoover Dam.
You can plan the 7.3 miles loop trek going through Lone Palm and Lost Man Hot Springs in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Arizona.
Note that it is a difficult trek involving a quick elevation gain of 2100 feet, taking about 6 to 7 hours to complete.
But if you are game for this adventure, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Canyon and the perfect stop to unwind is soaking in these hot springs.
CLIFTON HOT SPRINGS
- Entry Fee – None
- Temperature – 98°F to 105°F
- Location – near Clifton
- Permit Required – No
Located in the little hamlet of Clifton, it is one of the best hot springs in Arizona if you want to go off the beaten path.
Formerly a relaxing spot for troops and miners, Clifton Hot Springs, located in the geothermal resource area, is now open to the public.
It is an awesome fresh spring to enjoy the blissful views soaking in these naturally heated pools, which receive hot water through discharges from numerous seeps and small springs 2 miles north of Clifton along the San Francisco River.
COFER HOT SPRINGS, WIKIEUP
Among the hidden hot springs in Arizona is Cofer Hot Springs, located in Mohave County.
Despite being close to the famous Kaiser Hot Springs, it is one of the best Arizona hot springs to relax with only a handful of visitors.
