6 Sedona Hot Springs For a Relaxing Soak

If you are looking for the best Sedona Hot Springs, in this guide, we cover the best hot springs near Sedona, as none are located within the city.

But given the easy accessibility, all the below Sedona hot springs can be easily visited as day trips. Better, you can combine a few more attractions for a perfect weekend getaway.

If you are looking for all the awesome Arizona hot springs, check this guide. Check this guide for the best Arizona waterfall hikes.

Let us start with these hot springs near Sedona right away, including valuable tips and how to get there.

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 Sedona hot springs, as a few of them may be closed due to repairs or during the sweltering days of the summer months.

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 Sedona hot springs 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 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 excellent for our bodies, and they are located in a sensitive terrain, and it is best left that way.

Plus, although rare, hot springs in Sedona, 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 some time alone in a hot spring, it is best to get there early, an hour 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 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 pools have valves to regulate temperatures, so you can control them as per your comfort level, but ensure 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 Sedona hot springs.

Pack layers ideal for all unexpected weather changes to enjoy your hot springs trip comfortably.

NO PUBLIC BATHROOMS

Many of these hot springs near Sedona do not have bathrooms, so you must 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 Sedona 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 SEDONA HOT SPRINGS

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 in Sedona, 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.

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 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 start 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, as 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 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 on BLM land.

There are two natural pools to soak into, and both 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.

No amenities exist, so bring water, snacks and other hiking essentials.

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 must 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.

ESSENCE OF TRANQUILITY

About 2 hours away from Tucson 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 sizeable 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, with a common-use area, shared bathrooms, and a kitchen area for all to use.

Each water tub offers privacy, has 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 their variable temperature from 98 to 105°F.

Book a casual casita for a night and spend your entire day enjoying the hot springs with 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

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, and enjoy massages and reflexology to 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.

WHERE TO STAY?

APARTMENTS AND LUXURY HOTELS

A Sunset Chateau – This bed and breakfast features an outdoor pool and hot tub, A fully equipped kitchenette and stunning mountain views from select rooms. 

Hiking is possible in the nearby area. A Sunset Chateau is highly loved by families and couples. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.

Junipine Resort – Offering apartments with a full kitchen and a living room with a fireplace, this resort boasts rustic elegance.

Close to the creek and many attractions, it is one of the best places to indulge. 

Check out rooms and the latest prices here.

Enchantment Resort – If you want a luxurious experience, check out Enchantment Resort, known for its spectacular vistas of Boynton Canyon. 

Enjoy luxurious delicacies and outdoor activities, besides enjoying the comforts of suites and villas with private balconies. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.

Adobe Village Villa with Private Patio – Sunset Villa – Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Adobe Village Villa with Private Patio – Sunset villa offers access to a balcony and free private parking.

It is one of my favourite recommendations for its rich exteriors and comfortable villas. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.

Sky Ranch Lodge – Sky Ranch Lodge provides spacious accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a bar. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.

El Portal Sedona Hotel – El Portal Sedona Hotel is 20 20-minute drive from Red Rock State Park.

You can also enjoy a spa bath, which is also featured in some rooms. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.

Matterhorn Inn – Matterhorn Inn provides excellent accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi throughout the property.

The 4-star hotel has mountain views. Check here for the latest prices and deals.

If you are looking for a B&B, I recommend Whispering Creek Bed & Breakfast, which features accommodation with free WiFi, barbecue facilities, a shared lounge and free private parking.

They have excellent reviews and great prices. Click here for more details. 

MID-RANGE HOTELS

Hilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit – Situated in the Sedona Plateau and offering stunning views of the Arizona desert, Hilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit features studios and one and 2-bedroom suites. Check out their reviews and prices here. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.

Sugar Loaf Lodge – Offering a seasonal outdoor pool and a hot tub, Sugar Loaf Lodge is one of the top-rated hotels. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.

MAP OF THE HOT SPRINGS IN SEDONA

Check out the Sedona Hot Springs map below.