Arizona Hot Springs

Arizona Hight Desert Hot Springs
Hot springs in Arizona are grouped into 3 regions

Natural Hot Springs in Arizona: A Comprehensive Guide to Access, Regions, and Conditions

Arizona's rugged landscapes conceal a network of natural hot springs in the US that offer therapeutic soaks amid striking desert and mountain scenery. These geothermal delights range from undeveloped pools in remote canyons to managed sites within state parks, each with unique characteristics.

This guide focuses on geological, logistical, and practical details about Arizona’s hot springs, emphasizing accessibility, seasonal considerations, and visitor facilities.

Arizona Hot Springs Map

3 Arizona Hot Springs Regions

Arizona’s hot springs offer diverse experiences, from primitive backcountry pools to ritzy resorts. This guide organizes the state’s hot springs by 3 regions, providing detailed descriptions of each location to help visitors plan their geothermal adventures.

  1. Northwest Arizona: Goldstrike Hot Springs, Arizona/Ringbolt Hot Springs
  2. Central Arizona: Kaiser Hot Springs, Verde Hot Springs, Sheep Bridge Hot Springs, Castle Hot Springs, El Dorado Hot Springs
  3. Southeast Arizona: Essence of Tranquility, Roper Lake State Park, Hot Well Dunes

Arizona’s hot springs are concentrated in regions with active geothermal activity, often near fault lines or volcanic features. Key areas include:

1. Northwest Arizona

Goldstrike and Arizona Hot Springs (Ringbolt Hot Springs) lie within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, where geothermal waters emerge along the Black Canyon near the Colorado River. The springs form due to heated groundwater rising through fractures in the bedrock, creating pools with temperatures up to 120°F.

Goldstrike Hot Springs (Black Canyon, near Nevada border)

Located just across the state line in Nevada but accessible from Arizona, these pools range from 100°F to 109°F and are nestled within Black Canyon’s volcanic landscape. The hike involves technical scrambling and rope-assisted sections, making it ideal for adventurous visitors.

Four miles from Boulder City, look for the Gold Strike Canyon Trailhead on the right side of the highway. There is trailhead parking available shortly before the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge.

The hike to the hot springs is classified as a Grade 2 Canyoneering Route, meaning it is a very strenuous and technical hike with approximately 1,200 feet of elevation change, featuring multiple dry falls, scrambling, climbing, and the use of ropes.

Gold Strike Hot Springs Map
Arizona Hot Springs AKA Ringbolt Hot Springs (Lake Mead National Recreation Area)

Situated along the Colorado River in Black Canyon, this series of three-tiered pools is heated by geothermal activity, with temperatures ranging from 85°F to 120°F. The pools are separated by sandbags and surrounded by volcanic rock walls within a dramatic desert canyon.

Find the White Rock Canyon/Arizona Hot Springs Trailhead just off US-93, a couple of miles south of the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge.

From the trailhead, you have three route options for reaching Ringbolt Hot Springs:

Option 1: The Hot Springs Canyon Trail/Arizona Hot Springs Trail

This 2.6-mile route follows a wash that leads directly to the hot springs. You'll wade through water in the canyon as you approach the springs and encounter a 20-foot metal ladder to climb to reach the main hot pools.

Option 2: The White Rock Canyon Trail

This 3.2-mile route takes you through a scenic slot canyon down to the Colorado River. From there, you'll walk the riverbank (sometimes scrambling) to the hot springs canyon where you'll climb the ladder.

Option 3: Loop Hike

Maximize your experience in this beautiful place by going down one canyon and coming up another. The most popular route involves going down White Rock Canyon and coming up via the Hot Springs Canyon/Arizona Hot Springs Trail.

Ringbolt Hot Springs Map
  • Access: A strenuous 2.6–3.2 mile hike via White Rock Canyon Trail or Hot Spring Canyon Trail; includes a 20-foot ladder climb.
  • Facilities: Primitive camping is allowed along the Colorado River; pit toilets are available downstream of the springs.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to April (closed May 15–September 30).

2. Central Arizona

Kaiser, Verde, and Sheep Bridge Hot Springs are situated in this region, along with Castle and El Dorado Hot Springs (closer to the valley), where tectonic activity facilitates geothermal outflow. The public hot springs in this area often appear near riverbanks, with water temperatures moderated by mixing with cooler surface flows.

Kaiser Hot Springs (near Wikieup)

A hidden gem in Kaiser Canyon, this site features two rock-walled basins fed by geothermal seepage at 99–100°F. The pools are surrounded by rugged desert scenery and offer a tranquil soaking experience.

Find Mile Marker 135 on US-93, north of Burro Creek Campground and south of Wikieup. Look for the "Kaiser Spring Wash" sign and turn onto a narrow dirt road that u-turns back under the bridge to a parking area on the east side of the highway.

Once parked, hike under the bridge and 1.5 miles downstream (west) into the Warm Springs Canyon wash. Look for where the canyon walls rise and open up to find Kaiser Hot Spring spilling out into the wash.

Kaiser Hot Springs Map
  • Access: A moderate 1.5-mile hike through sandy terrain; high-clearance vehicles are recommended for the dirt road approach.
  • Facilities: None onsite; primitive camping allowed nearby.
  • Nearby: Burro Creek Campground (12 miles south) offers vault toilets and picnic tables ($6/night).
  • Best Time to Visit: October to April (avoid May–September).
Verde Hot Springs (Tonto National Forest)

Once part of a historic resort destroyed by fire in the mid-20th century, Verde Hot Springs now consists of two main pools fed by geothermal seeps at temperatures up to 104°F. The site is surrounded by scenic cliffs along the Verde River.

The journey to Verde requires a 30+ mile, 2-hour drive on rough, unpaved roads and a river crossing on foot. From Camp Verde, take AZ-260 East 6-7 miles before turning onto Forest Road 708.

Take your high-clearance vehicle up the very rough, rocky, and washboarded FR 708 for 15 miles to the junction with FR 502.

Travel south (right) on FR 502 for about 6 miles down to the Child's Power Plant and the banks of the Verde River. Be prepared for even worse road conditions on FR 502.

From the power plant/trailhead parking, you will need to hike 2 miles along the river, fording across to reach the hot springs in the ruins of an old resort.

Verde Hot Springs Map
  • Access: A moderate 2-mile hike from Fossil Creek Road that includes a river crossing. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for the rough access road.
  • Facilities: Primitive camping allowed nearby; no developed amenities.
  • Nearby: Verde River RV Resort offers RV hookups and cottages 30 minutes away.
  • Visitor Notes: Clothing optional.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to April (avoid May–September).
Sheep Bridge Hot Springs (Tonto National Forest)

Located near the Verde River Sheep Bridge, this hidden gem offers a small, primitive hot spring tub nestled among reeds on the west side of the bridge. The spring provides a secluded soaking experience with clear, warm water at approximately 100°F. The tub is lined with river rocks and can comfortably fit 2-3 people.

Reached via a challenging 45-mile drive north from Carefree, AZ. Take Cave Creek Road/Forest Road (FR) 24 for about 33 miles, then turn right onto FR 269 for the final 12 miles to Sheep Bridge.

Sheep Bridge Hot Springs Map
  • Access: High-clearance 4x4 vehicles are strongly recommended due to rough, unpaved roads.
  • Facilities: No developed amenities. Dispersed camping is allowed for up to 14 days in the surrounding area.
  • Best Time to Visit: October to April (avoid May–September).
Castle Hot Springs (Morristown)

Located in a secluded canyon, Castle Hot Springs is a luxury resort offering exclusive access to its geothermal pools. The springs produce 200,000 gallons of water daily at temperatures up to 115°F, making them among the hottest non-volcanic springs in the world.

The resort features three pools ranging from 86°F to 106°F, surrounded by lush greenery and desert cliffs.

Castle Hot Springs Map
  • Access: Resort guests only; rates range from $600–$800 per person per night.
  • Facilities: Luxury accommodations, farm-to-table dining, and wellness activities.
  • Family Policy: Children under 16 are not permitted.
  • Fees: Check current rates and availability.
El Dorado Hot Springs (Tonopah)

A rustic retreat located about an hour west of Phoenix, El Dorado Hot Springs offers naturally heated mineral waters with no sulfur odor. The average water temperature is 107°F, described as “bathing in liquid silk.”

Visitors can choose between private soaking areas and communal pools like the clothing-optional Desert Pete.

El Dorado Hot Springs Map
  • Access: Drive-up access; open year-round.
  • Facilities: Private soaking areas, communal pools, camping, RV hookups, and bunkhouses. Overnight stays start at $50 per person with a $100 minimum.

3. Southeast Arizona

Essence of Tranquility, Kachina Mineral Springs Spa, and Roper Lake State Park are located near Safford, and Hot Well Dunes near Bowie. All of which benefit from subterranean heating in areas of crustal extension. The pools in the Basin and Range Province are typically milder (85–100°F), making them suitable for family visits.

Essence of Tranquility (near Safford)

A peaceful retreat featuring six mineral-rich soaking tubs (five private and one communal), with temperatures ranging from 96°F to 104°F. Known for its healing properties, this location offers a serene environment ideal for relaxation.

Essence of Tranquility Map
Kachina Mineral Springs Spa (near Safford)

Kachina Mineral Hot Springs is a private spa and retreat where visitors can book appointments for indoor and outdoor soaking tubs, spa packages, massage, and other treatments.

Its location in Southeast Arizona, near other hot springs, makes it possible to visit multiple hot soaks in the area.

Kachina Mineral Hot Springs Map
  • Access: Open year-round. All services require advanced booking except for soaking. While walk-ins are welcome, availability cannot be guaranteed.
  • Pools: Various types and sizes of indoor and outdoor soaking tubs.
  • Facilities: Private soaking rooms/areas, spa services, restrooms, changing areas, complimentary drinking water, and clean towels.
  • Fees: View current rates and availability.
Roper Lake State Park (near Safford)

Located at the base of Mount Graham, Roper Lake State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, and swimming. The park features a 32-acre lake surrounded by desert landscapes.

While the park previously had a hot tub fed by natural hot springs, it has been permanently closed as of February 2025.

Roper Lake State Park Map
  • Access: Drive-up access; open year-round. The entrance gate closes nightly at 9 p.m.
  • Pools: A 100°F artificial hot tub fed by natural springs, adjacent to a swimmable lake.
  • Facilities: Developed campground with RV sites ($25–$30/night), showers, and picnic areas.
  • Day-use fee: $7 per vehicle.
Hot Well Dunes Hot Springs (near Bowie)

Located in a remote desert area popular with off-road enthusiasts, these two solar-powered concrete tubs are fed by geothermal wells at ~98°F. The surrounding sand dunes provide a unique backdrop for soaking and camping.

The hot springs can be found by taking Haekel Road either south from Safford or north from Bowie to the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area, managed by the BLM.

Hot Well Dunes Map
  • Access: Drive-up access; no hiking required. Check status.
  • Facilities: Vault toilets and picnic tables available; dispersed camping permitted.
  • Fees: $3 per vehicle.

Seasonal Considerations and Soak Timing

  • Optimal Seasons: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer mild daytime temps (65–86°F) and reduced crowds.
  • Summer Risks: Many springs, including Arizona Hot Springs, close due to extreme heat (temps >110°F) and flash flood risks.
  • Winter Visits: Possible but require cold-weather gear; nighttime temps often dip below freezing.

Arizona Hot Springs Safety and Health Considerations

  • Waterborne Pathogens: Avoid submerging your head; Naegleria fowleri amoeba infections, though rare, can occur.
  • Water Quality: Learn how to test the water quality of hot springs.
  • Flash Floods: Check weather forecasts; avoid canyons during rainstorms.
  • Heat Exhaustion: Carry 2–3 liters of water per person for hikes.
  • Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and human/pet waste.

Arizona’s natural hot springs cater to diverse preferences, from the rugged adventurer seeking solitude in Verde Hot Springs to families enjoying the developed amenities of Roper Lake.

While accessibility varies widely, strategic planning around seasonal closures and trail conditions ensures a rewarding experience. For those willing to navigate desert trails, the therapeutic rewards of soaking in these geothermal oases are unparalleled. ♨️