1. Castle Hot Springs - 1 hour from Wickenburg
Location: Castle Hot Springs, AZ
Recommended For: Couples, wellness seekers, luxury travelers, and anyone craving peaceful desert rejuvenation.
What I Love: ♥ "At the end of a dusty desert road, a lush oasis awaits—natural hot springs, crisp air, and the stillness of time. Castle Hot Springs is Arizona’s best-kept secret for soul-deep relaxation."
- Soak in pure mineral-rich waters flowing through natural rock formations—ideal for relaxing muscles and clearing the mind.
- Unplug in a serene canyon surrounded by desert silence, chirping birds, and the sounds of gently flowing water.
- Experience the timeless magic of a place where modern stress fades and stillness takes over, whether for a stay or day visit.
Cost: Rates vary by accommodation and package—day access may be limited to overnight guests; check availability online or by phone.
Best time to visit: Fall through spring for cooler weather and ideal soaking conditions.
Local tips: Access is via a dirt road—high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Reservations are essential, as the resort is exclusive and intimate.
Distance: About 1.5 hours northwest of Phoenix; 1 hour from Wickenburg, AZ.
How to Get to Castle Hot Springs: From Phoenix, take I-17 N to Carefree Highway (AZ-74), then north on Castle Hot Springs Road—follow signs through the desert trail to the resort.
Address: 5050 East Castle Hot Springs Rd, Castle Hot Springs, AZ 85342
Phone: 877-600-1137
2. El Dorado Hot Springs - 1 hour west of Phoenix
Location: Tonopah, AZ
Recommended For: Road trippers, rustic wellness seekers, hot springs enthusiasts, and travelers craving a quirky desert escape.
What I Love: ♥ "A wooden sign that simply says 'Hot Spring' opens the door to one of Arizona’s most laid-back, soulful soak spots. With relics, friendly hosts, and bamboo-lined pools, El Dorado feels like stepping into a desert daydream."
- Soak in the Sunset Pool, surrounded by living bamboo and perfectly positioned for golden-hour views.
- Relax in the Corral Pool—rustic yet roomy, with modern touches and open-sky ambiance.
- Wander past vintage artifacts and desert relics before unwinding in mineral-rich waters under Arizona’s wide-open skies.
Cost: Prices vary by soaking area and duration—typically offered by the hour or day; check on-site for latest rates.
Best time to visit: Fall through spring for comfortable weather and cooler soaking conditions.
Local tips: Bring towels and water; reservations aren’t always required, but it’s best to call ahead—especially for private soaks or sunset times.
Distance: About 1 hour west of Phoenix along I-10.
How to Get to El Dorado Hot Springs: Take I-10 west from Phoenix to Exit 94 (411th Ave), then head north to Indian School Road. Turn left—look for the wooden “Hot Spring” sign.
Address: 41225 Indian School Rd, Tonopah, AZ 85354
Phone: 623-386-5412
Romantic Hot Springs
3. Hot Well Dunes Hot Springs
Location: Safford, AZ
Recommended For: Off-roaders, boondockers, desert adventurers, and hot spring seekers looking for a wild, rustic escape.
What I Love: ♥ "Two solar-powered tubs in the middle of 2,000 acres of desert dunes? It’s pure Arizona grit meets geothermal bliss—remote, raw, and ridiculously fun for off-roaders and wild wanderers."
- Soak in two gated hot spring tubs fed by an artesian well, with solar-powered circulation and a natural desert vibe.
- Ride miles of off-road trails through rolling dunes—perfect for ATVs, dirt bikes, and high-clearance exploration.
- Camp primitively nearby and enjoy unobstructed desert skies, peaceful silence, and thermal relaxation after a dusty ride.
Cost: $3 per vehicle per day or $15 for a 7-day permit; camping is allowed for up to 14 days.
Best time to visit: Fall through spring for cooler temps and milder soaking conditions; summer can be extremely hot.
Local tips: The access road is rough—high-clearance or 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended. Bring your own water, shade, and supplies.
Distance: About 35 miles south of Safford, AZ; approximately 3 hours from Tucson.
How to Get to Hot Well Dunes Hot Springs: From Safford, take US-191 south, turn onto Haekel Road (a dirt road), and follow signs for Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area—conditions vary, so check with BLM before traveling.
Address: Safford, AZ 85546
Phone: 928-348-4400
4. Kaiser Hot Springs - 2 hours southeast of Kingman, AZ
Location: Wikieup, AZ
Recommended For: Hikers, solitude seekers, desert explorers, and fans of hidden natural hot springs.
What I Love: ♥ "Tucked inside a rugged canyon, this gravel-bottomed pool feels like a secret desert reward—simple, silent, and surrounded by raw Arizona beauty. The journey is just as rejuvenating as the soak."
- Hike a 1.5-mile round-trip trail through Kaiser Canyon’s narrows and sandy washes to reach the spring.
- Soak in a rock-walled geothermal pool set in Warm Springs Canyon—perfect for a quiet, natural dip.
- Explore the nearby Burro Mine, located just beyond the springs, for a touch of rugged history.
Cost: Free and open to the public—no permit required for day use.
Best time to visit: Fall through early spring when temperatures are cooler and hiking conditions are ideal.
Local tips: Bring extra water and sun protection; the hike is exposed and remote. Look for the small parking area off the highway near Warm Springs Wash.
Distance: About 2 hours southeast of Kingman, AZ; roughly 3 hours northwest of Phoenix.
How to Get to Kaiser Hot Springs: From US-93 near Wikieup, turn off at the Warm Springs Wash area. A short dirt road leads to a small parking lot—trail begins from there through Kaiser Canyon.
Address: Wikieup, AZ 85360
5. Verde River Hot Springs - 2.5 hours north of Phoenix
Location: Camp Verde, AZ
Recommended For: Off-grid adventurers, artists at heart, nature soakers, and those seeking a remote, pet-friendly experience.
What I Love: ♥ "Hidden at the end of a rugged trail, these springs mix geothermal warmth with desert solitude—plus murals and mystery in a half-forgotten bathhouse. Verde River Hot Springs is where adventure meets quiet magic."
- Soak in two geothermal tubs—one indoors with art-covered walls at 102°F, and one outdoors near the river at 99°F.
- Explore remnants of an old resort and the offbeat charm of mural-covered ruins tucked deep in the Arizona backcountry.
- Bring your dog (leashed) and enjoy a truly off-the-grid escape surrounded by canyon views and starry skies.
Cost: Free to visit—no fees or reservations required.
Best time to visit: Fall through early winter when roads are drier and river crossings are safer. Avoid high water season in spring.
Local tips: A high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended. Bring plenty of water, and prepare to ford the river—check flow levels in advance.
Distance: About 2.5 hours north of Phoenix; near Camp Verde, but access is remote via a rugged dirt road.
How to Get to Verde River Hot Springs: From Camp Verde, drive southeast on Fossil Creek Road toward Childs Dispersed Camping Area. Cross the Verde River (when safe) and hike a short trail upstream to the springs.
Address: Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Affordable Hot Springs
6. Arizona (Ringbolt) Hot Springs - 45 minutes southeast of Las Vegas
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Location: Lake Mead National Recreation Area, AZ
Recommended For: Hikers, paddlers, adventurous campers, and those seeking scenic desert soaks near the Colorado River.
What I Love: ♥ "Set in a narrow, painted canyon just below the Hoover Dam, Ringbolt Hot Springs offers both challenge and reward—hike through sun-scorched gulches or arrive by river for a soak that feels hard-earned and unforgettable."
- Soak in thermal pools tucked in a canyon just off the Colorado River, with steamy water and epic views.
- Hike the Arizona Hot Springs Loop Trail (5.8 miles round-trip), a moderately difficult but stunning desert trek.
- Access by boat for a unique riverside approach—perfect for paddlers exploring the Lake Mead region.
Cost: Free to access, though a Lake Mead National Recreation Area entrance pass is required (starting at $25 per vehicle).
Best time to visit: Late fall through early spring; closed in summer (May 15–Sept 30) due to extreme heat risk.
Local tips: Bring sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and prepare for ladders and scrambling in the canyon. Check water levels if coming by boat.
Distance: About 45 minutes southeast of Las Vegas; located just south of Hoover Dam along the Colorado River.
How to Get to Arizona Hot Springs: From Highway 93, park at the White Rock Canyon Trailhead. Hike through the canyon to reach the springs. Boaters can land just below Ringbolt Rapids and walk a short distance up to the pools.
7. Gold Strike Hot Springs
Location: Boulder City, NV
Recommended For: Adventurous hikers, desert explorers, rope-climbers, and hot springs seekers looking for a rugged reward.
What I Love: ♥ "Tucked below rocky cliffs and reached only by ropes and grit, Gold Strike Hot Springs is where the desert dares you to earn your soak. It’s raw, wild, and worth every step."
- Hike two miles each way through Gold Strike Canyon, navigating rock scrambles and rope sections along the way.
- Soak in warm desert pools near the Colorado River after your journey through the canyon's rugged beauty.
- Park at the free lot near Highway 93 trailhead—this is the main access point for the adventure.
Cost: Free access and parking; no permits required for day use.
Best time to visit: October through April; closed annually from May 15 to September 30 due to extreme heat dangers.
Local tips: Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring gloves for rope sections. Bring plenty of water—this is a strenuous, exposed desert hike.
Distance: About 45 minutes southeast of Las Vegas; just outside Hoover Dam and Lake Mead areas.
How to Get to Gold Strike Hot Springs: Take US-93 south from Las Vegas. Look for the signed Gold Strike Canyon Trailhead just before Hoover Dam. Trail begins from the parking lot.
Address: Boulder City, NV 89005
8. Sheep Bridge Warm Spring - 3 hours north of Phoenix
Location: Carefree, AZ (Yavapai County)
Recommended For: Remote adventurers, hot spring seekers, hikers, nature lovers, and history buffs.
What I Love: ♥ "Hidden behind desert reeds and hugged by the Verde River, Sheep Bridge Warm Spring blends natural peace with historical charm. Soak, hike, and reflect where sheep once crossed wild Arizona."
- Soak in a small, riverside warm spring pool tucked behind reeds on the west side of the bridge.
- Explore the surrounding wilderness with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and peaceful river walks.
- Learn about the original 1940s Sheep Bridge, once used to herd livestock—rebuilt as a hiker-friendly replica after its 1980s destruction.
Cost: Free to access; no permits required for soaking or hiking.
Best time to visit: Fall through spring when river crossings are manageable and the weather is cooler.
Local tips: The route to Sheep Bridge is remote—high-clearance vehicles and preparation are essential. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection.
Distance: Approximately 2.5–3 hours north of Phoenix via a rugged dirt road through the Tonto National Forest.
How to Get to Sheep Bridge Warm Spring: From Carefree, drive north on Forest Road 269 (Bloody Basin Road). Continue until you reach the Sheep Bridge over the Verde River. The spring is on the west side near the base of the bridge.
Address: Carefree, AZ 85377
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