Top 11 Hot Springs in Arizona - Mapped
Arizona Hot Springs, photo courtesy of @_vanessachen
Arizona has plenty of geothermal activity and several hot springs for you to check out throughout the state. Here’s our guide and map to the top 10 hot springs in Arizona for your next rejuvenating soak.
If you’re going to be staying in Sedona, we created a hot spring guide just for you, check it out HERE
Hot Springs Arizona Map
This map includes both natural hot springs as well as resorts, spas, and parks with hot springs in Arizona.
Map Key:
Light Blue = Natural Hots Springs
Dark Purple = Hotels, Resorts, & Parks with Hot Springs
1. Arizona Hot Springs (Ringbolt Hot Springs)
Ringbolt Hot Springs, Photo Courtesy of @readtravelhike
Arizona Hot Springs, also known as Ringbolt Hot Springs, is located near the Hoover Dam in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Arizona. To reach the hot springs, you need to hike about 6 miles round trip from the trailhead off U.S. Route 93. The hike includes desert paths, slot canyons, and a 20-foot ladder. The trail offers views of the Colorado River and rugged terrain.
The hot springs consist of several natural pools with varying temperatures. The mineral-rich water provides a soothing soak. The best times to visit are from October to April due to high summer temperatures. Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and be prepared for a moderately challenging hike. The combination of the hike and the hot springs makes for a rewarding experience.
Directions: From the Lake Mead Visitor Center, head down HWY 93 east for about eight miles, and then follow the signs to the Arizona Hot Spring Trail Head. There is a $25 fee per vehicle to enter the park.
Location: It's located near the Hoover Dam, within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Hike Required: To get there, I have to hike about 3 miles from the parking area near U.S. Route 93. The trail can be challenging with some climbing and tight spots.
Hot Springs Setup: The springs form several natural pools stacked in a slot canyon. The water gets hotter as you move up the ladder to the upper pools.
Scenery: The area around the hot springs is striking, with canyon walls that offer a beautiful backdrop to the warm pools.
Temperature Variation: The temperatures in the pools vary, usually between 85°F and 120°F, which lets me pick just the right heat level for a relaxing soak.
Best Times to Visit: Fall and spring are the best times to visit because the weather is cooler, making the hike more comfortable.
No Amenities: There are no built facilities like restrooms or changing rooms, so I always make sure to come prepared and leave no trace.
2. Castle Hot Springs Resort
image courtesy of @castlehotsprings
Castle Hot Springs Resort, located in the Bradshaw Mountains of Arizona, is a historic luxury retreat known for its natural hot springs. The resort features three hot spring pools with temperatures ranging from 86°F to 106°F, rich in minerals like lithium, magnesium, and bicarbonates. These springs are central to the resort’s appeal, providing a relaxing and therapeutic experience for guests. The resort offers a range of accommodations, from upscale bungalows to sky-view cabins, all designed to provide comfort while blending with the natural surroundings.
In addition to the hot springs, Castle Hot Springs Resort offers various activities, including guided hikes, yoga sessions, and farm tours. The on-site farm supplies fresh ingredients for the resort’s restaurant, which emphasizes farm-to-table dining. The resort's remote location ensures a peaceful and secluded environment, perfect for relaxation. It’s a popular destination for those looking to disconnect from daily stress and enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the Arizona desert.
More info and booking: castlehotsprings.com
Location: Nestled in the Bradshaw Mountains, about an hour northwest of Phoenix.
Historic Resort: The area is home to a luxury resort that dates back to the late 1800s. It's known for being a retreat for celebrities and public figures.
Natural Hot Springs: The springs are the main attraction. The water is naturally heated by geothermal activity and is rich in minerals.
Scenery: The setting is incredibly picturesque with lush palm trees and rugged mountain landscapes.
Exclusivity: Access to the hot springs is exclusive to guests of Castle Hot Springs Resort, making it a private and secluded experience.
Activities: As a guest, I enjoyed not only the thermal pools but also hiking, horseback riding, and farm-to-table dining experiences.
Restoration: The resort was recently restored and reopened, offering modern luxury while preserving its historical charm.
3. El Dorado Hot Springs
El Dorado Hot Springs, photo courtesy of @caramiaprovenzano, jediyogawarrior.com
El Dorado Hot Springs, located in Tonopah, Arizona, offers a rustic and natural soaking experience. The hot springs are geothermally heated, providing mineral-rich water known for its soothing properties. The facility features several private soaking areas, ensuring a tranquil and personal experience. Each soaking area is set in a desert landscape, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings while they relax in the warm waters. The site is off-grid, emphasizing a simple and eco-friendly environment.
In addition to the soaking pools, El Dorado Hot Springs provides basic amenities such as picnic tables, benches, and shade structures. There are no modern luxuries, aligning with the site's emphasis on a back-to-nature experience. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own supplies, including water and snacks, as there are no on-site dining options. The hot springs are open year-round, but the best times to visit are during the cooler months, from fall to spring. El Dorado Hot Springs is ideal for those looking to unwind in a quiet, natural setting without the distractions of modern life.
Location: Just off Interstate 10, about an hour west of Phoenix, making it easy to reach.
Type of Hot Springs: It's a natural, off-the-grid hot spring set in a quiet desert environment.
Setup: The springs are divided into several private soaking areas which can be rented by the hour for privacy. There's also a communal pool.
Water Quality: The mineral-rich water is unfiltered and flows continuously, ensuring it stays clean and fresh.
Atmosphere: The vibe is very laid-back and earthy, with basic facilities that match its natural desert setting.
Night Soaking: They offer overnight soaking options, which is a great way to experience the starry desert nights.
Camping Available: You can camp on the property, either in your own tent or in accommodations provided by the springs.
El Dorado Hot Springs, photo courtesy of @courtneyjamescj
More info: el-dorado.com
4. Gold Strike Hot Springs
Gold Strike Hot Springs , Photo Courtesy of @_six.deuce_
Gold Strike Hot Springs, located near Boulder City, Nevada, in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, is a popular destination for hikers and hot springs enthusiasts. To reach the springs, visitors must complete a challenging 4-mile round-trip hike that involves navigating rocky terrain, scrambling over boulders, and using ropes to climb steep sections. The trail offers scenic views of the Colorado River and the surrounding desert landscape, making the hike itself a rewarding experience.
The hot springs feature several natural pools with temperatures ranging from warm to hot, providing a soothing soak after the strenuous hike. The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to April, to avoid the extreme heat of summer. There are no facilities at the springs, so visitors should come prepared with plenty of water, sturdy hiking shoes, and other necessary supplies. The combination of a demanding hike and relaxing hot springs makes Gold Strike Hot Springs a unique and memorable adventure.
Directions: The best way to access these hot springs is the trailhead off of HWY 93. The hike is about 2 miles to the waters and it is not a beginner’s trek. Be prepared for 20-foot rope climbs and hiking/climbing for at least 3 hours in each direction.
Location: Located near Boulder City, Nevada, just a few miles from the Hoover Dam.
Hike Required: Accessing the springs involves a challenging hike that's about 4 miles round trip. It includes scrambling over boulders and using ropes to navigate down steep sections.
Hot Springs Setup: The springs consist of several natural pools cascaded down a rugged canyon, and the water gets warmer as you go further down.
Scenery: The canyon setting is breathtaking, with high rock walls and a view of the river, adding to the adventurous feel.
Water Temperatures: The temperatures in the pools vary, usually warm enough for a relaxing soak that feels therapeutic after the hike.
Best Times to Visit: Fall and spring are ideal because the temperatures are cooler, making the hike more manageable.
No Amenities: It's a completely natural area with no built facilities, so I always bring plenty of water, snacks, and pack out all my trash.
5. Essence of Tranquility
Image courtesy of @angelladyterriemarie
This hot spring resort offers 6 outdoor soaking tubs, with waters ranging from 98 to 105 degrees. The amenities provide a “hippie vibe” and are well-maintained and clean. Drop by for the day or do an extended stay in the casitas and camping that are available for lodging. The resort is about 3 hours outside of Phoenix.
Location: It’s situated in a quiet part of southeastern Arizona, providing a peaceful retreat.
Type of Hot Springs: The facility offers several private soaking tubs and one communal tub, each filled with natural thermal water.
Privacy: One of the best parts is the option to rent private tubs, which means you can have a secluded and personal soaking experience.
Atmosphere: The place has a simple, homey feel with basic amenities, making it cozy and unpretentious.
Therapeutic Benefits: The mineral-rich waters are soothing and reputed to have healing properties, which I found very relaxing.
Accommodations: They offer overnight stays in small, basic casitas, making it easy to extend the relaxation into a mini-vacation.
Landscaping: The grounds are modestly landscaped with desert plants, adding to the tranquil and natural vibe of the place.
More info: azhotmineralspring.com
6. Boy Scout Hot Springs
Boy Scout Hot Springs, also known as Arizona Hot Springs, is a natural hot spring located along the Colorado River in Arizona, offering a unique desert oasis experience. It's accessible via a 3-mile hike from a parking area on highway 93, about 15 miles from Boulder City, Nevada. The hot springs flow into natural pools created with sandbags, allowing for various pool sizes and temperatures. Hiking to these springs is considered an intermediate challenge, and visitors can enjoy a scenic hike through gravel, canyons, and wash areas. The hot spring is free to visit, but summer hikes are not recommended due to high temperatures.
Location: It's tucked away in a remote area, accessible through a hike in the Sierra Nevada, near Mammoth Lakes.
Hike Required: Getting there involves a moderate to challenging hike, depending on the trail conditions and the time of year.
Natural Setting: The hot springs are completely natural, situated in a wild and scenic part of the forest.
Hot Springs Setup: There are a few small pools, which are naturally formed and vary in temperature. The settings are rustic and very much part of the natural landscape.
Privacy and Seclusion: This spot is less known, which typically means fewer people and more tranquility during the visit.
No Amenities: Like many remote natural hot springs, there are no facilities or amenities nearby, so it’s essential to bring everything you might need and pack out all your trash.
Preservation Efforts: The area is sensitive, so it’s important to tread lightly and respect the natural environment to keep the springs pristine for future visitors.
7. Hot Well Dunes
Image courtesy of @iperambulate
Located on BLM land in the southern desert of Arizona, this hot spring is the off-road adventurers’ dream spot. Be ready to traverse dirt roads to access this spot. The spot has two cement tubs that are powered by solar panels.
Location: Situated about two hours east of Tucson, in a remote desert area.
Hot Springs: There are two large, man-made pools fed by natural hot spring water. The pools are fenced but open to the public.
Temperature: The water is comfortably warm, ideal for soaking, especially during the cooler months.
Activities: Besides soaking, Hot Well Dunes is known for its 2,000 acres of sand dunes where people can ride ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-road vehicles.
Camping: There’s a designated camping area close to the hot springs, which is pretty basic but functional with pit toilets and fire rings.
Scenery: The landscape around the springs is a striking desert with vast open skies—perfect for stargazing at night.
No Amenities: The facilities are minimal, so it’s important to come prepared with plenty of water, food, and any necessary supplies.
8. Kachina Mineral Springs Spa
Image courtesy of @kachinamineralsprings
Kachina Mineral Springs Spa, nestled near Safford, Arizona, offers a unique retreat with hot mineral bath soaks, massages, and reflexology. It features Roman-style mineral tubs with temperatures averaging 108℉, providing a casual ambiance for relaxation. The spa accommodates singles, couples, or larger groups, with packages available for multiple sessions at a discount. Located at 1155 W Cactus Rd, Safford, AZ 85546, it's a perfect day spa for anyone looking to unwind in natural healing waters year-round.
For more details, you can reach them at 928-235-4590.
Location: The spa is in a quiet, rural area outside of Safford, making it a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle.
Hot Springs: The mineral waters here are said to have healing properties. The spa offers both private and semi-private soaking tubs that draw from these natural sources.
Spa Treatments: In addition to the mineral baths, I enjoyed a range of treatments, including massages and mud wraps, which added to the relaxation experience.
Atmosphere: The setting is simple and modest, with a focus on natural healing rather than luxury. It feels very down-to-earth and welcoming.
Staff: The staff at Kachina Mineral Springs are knowledgeable and friendly. They made sure my visit was relaxing and comfortable.
Facilities: While not ultra-modern, the facilities are clean and well-maintained, fitting well with the natural environment.
Reservations: It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially for spa treatments, as they tend to fill up due to the spa's popularity with both locals and visitors.
9. Kaiser Warm Springs
Image courtesy of @mrsphotog
Hiking to Kaiser Warm Springs was quite the adventure, honestly. Just a mile trek through Kaiser Canyon and there it was, this quiet little oasis with a couple of pools side by side, perfectly heated by nature itself to about 100°F. It felt like stumbling upon a secret, tucked away in those towering canyon walls. No signs or anything, just the desert and then, suddenly, these pools. Totally worth the hike for that moment of peace and a soak under the open sky.
Location: Situated in a serene and somewhat remote area, the springs are surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful escape.
Natural Springs: The springs are natural and the water is comfortably warm, ideal for soaking and relaxing muscles.
Setting: The environment around Kaiser Warm Springs is quite rustic. It’s not commercialized, which I appreciate because it maintains the natural charm.
Facilities: Facilities are minimal; there’s just a basic setup with no frills. This means no restrooms or changing areas, so it’s best to come prepared.
Privacy: Because it's less well-known, I found it to be less crowded, providing a more private and tranquil experience.
Access: Reaching the springs requires a bit of a hike, which adds to the sense of adventure and seclusion.
Preparation: I made sure to bring water, snacks, and everything I needed for the day since there are no services or shops nearby.
10. Roper Lake State Park Hot Springs
Image courtesy of @azstateparks
I recently heard that the hot tub at Roper Lake State Park is permanently closed. It's a bit of a bummer since soaking in it after a hike around the lake was such a chill way to relax. The park itself, though, is still a great spot for camping, fishing, and enjoying the water with awesome views of Mt. Graham. Even without the hot springs, there's plenty to do, from bird watching to just kicking back by the lake.
Location: The park is easy to find and access, right off the main highway, which makes getting there straightforward.
Hot Springs: The hot springs are located within the park in a designated hot tub. It's a man-made pool but is fed by natural hot spring water.
Recreational Opportunities: Besides soaking in the hot springs, the park offers a variety of activities like hiking, bird watching, and fishing in Roper Lake.
Camping: There are excellent camping facilities available, including tent sites, RV hookups, and even rentable cabins.
Facilities: The park is well-equipped with restrooms, picnic areas, and a small shop for essentials, which adds convenience to the visit.
Scenery: The views around the lake are beautiful, especially with Mount Graham in the background. It’s a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature.
Family-Friendly: The park is great for families, with safe, clean areas for kids to play and enough activities to keep everyone entertained.
11. Verde Hot Springs
image courtesy of @tallnfancy
Location: Verde Hot Springs, central Arizona, near Camp Verde.
Hot Springs:
Main Pool: 98°F to 102°F, enclosed by old bathhouse ruins.
Smaller Pool: 104°F, located closer to the Verde River.
Clothing-Optional: Relaxed atmosphere with optional dress code.
Hike to the Hot Springs:
Distance: 2.5 miles out and back (5 miles round trip).
Elevation Gain: 200 feet.
River Crossing: Seasonal water levels may require wading.
Terrain: Rocky, uneven trail with scenic river views.
Unique Features:
Historic Ruins from the 1920s resort.
Mineral-Rich Waters with soothing and therapeutic benefits.
Remote, Peaceful Location along the Verde River.
Verde Hot Springs offers a scenic hike, historic charm, and soothing geothermal pools perfect for those seeking a remote desert retreat.
Check out our full guide on Verde Hot Springs!
