Discover the best hot springs in Arizona!
When most people picture Arizona, they think of deserts, cactuses, scorching hot weather, and, of course, the Grand Canyon, but this great state has so much more to offer!
For hot spring enthusiasts, Arizona is a heavenly location with a mix of both developed and primitive hot springs to relax in and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Within the canyons, mountain ranges, and spectacular desert scenery, there are so many hot springs just waiting for you to find them.
The wonderful thing about Arizona hot springs is the flexibility they give you. You can reach them by a leisurely walk from the car park or take on a full hot spring canyon hike to reach a hidden gem in a remote location.
The prevalence of hot springs in this area is due to ancient volcanic activity across this southwestern state. This created a diverse ecosystem with mountainous and forested areas where many of the primitive hot springs can be found.
Most of the hot springs in Arizona are clustered around major cities like Tuscon and Phoenix and along the border with Nevada. They are often linked or nearby the Colorado river and located in a hot spring canyon. There are a plethora of primitive hot springs, but there are also some attractive options within developed resorts that provide accommodation and other activities.
In this guide, we are going to highlight our top five hot springs in Arizona as well as provide you with a comprehensive list of every hot spring in the state.
Our 5 Favourite Hot Springs in Arizona
Arizona may not have as many hot springs as states like Nevada and California, but the ones they do have are definitely worth a visit.
Although Arizona hot springs are located in a state that is notorious for its heat, they can be used all year round even in the warmer weather. We also recommend checking out whether the hot springs are open year round before setting off.
We have included both developed and primitive hot springs so you can find the right hot spring to meet your needs.
These are our top 5 Arizona hot springs that you need to add to your travel list:
Verde River Hot Springs
The Verde river hot springs are a unique and relaxing spot surrounded by colorful artwork and the beauty of the natural surroundings.
These hot springs used to be developed with a resort built around them in 1922. Unfortunately, the resort burned down in 1969 and has been left to deteriorate. Currently, the ruins of the resort remain around the edge of the springs, covered in colorful graffiti. The walkways and steps built between the pools also remain to make it easier to traverse between them.
Located in Yavapai County, this is not the easiest spot to get to, so it may not be accessible to everyone. It entails a rough drive on a dirt road, wading across a river, and a steep hike to finally arrive at the pools. We suggest bringing enough water and wearing good shoes to take on this journey. When the weather is terrible, it may cause flash floods which make the roads dangerous and the hot springs inaccessible.
The Verde River Hot Springs feature several pools with a concrete walkway cutting between them. The water maintains a cozy 98-104 F all year round. They are surrounded by lush forests and canyon cliffs that make visiting these hot springs a memorable experience.
Camping is available for free in the area around the hot springs, along with hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.
One element may either be a selling point or the opposite depending on the visitor, and that is its popularity with purists and nudists. Remember, this is a primitive hot spring, so there are no hard and fast rules about how the spring is used. If you have children, we advise you to miss out on these hot springs, but if you are game, you can always strip off and join in!
Castle Hot Springs
Located in Morristown, Castle Hot Springs is a must-visit for anyone who wants a luxurious hot spring experience.
Established in 1986, the Castle Hot Springs is a luxury spa resort built around a series of three
natural hot springs creating an oasis within the desert. The springs are the hottest nonvolcanic natural spring in the world, sitting at a steady 120 F in the warmest pool.
The multiple pools vary in size and have been finished off in a tasteful yet natural way to preserve their beauty. One of the springs even boasts a beautiful natural waterfall. The landscaping has been working around these pools, including many palm trees and local flora, making this resort feel like a dreamy oasis.
The resort offers several accommodation options, from small cottages to luxury hotel rooms, along with a spa and a farm-to-table restaurant. The other activities available include yoga, hiking, e-bike tours, archery, and horseback riding.
El Dorado Hot Springs
Just a one-hour drive outside of Phoenix sits a rustic little resort in the town of Tonopah. The name of this town means ‘hot water under the bush’ and was so named because of the hot springs found there.
This may be a developed hot spring, but El Dorado is no luxury resort. It has a rustic and unique appearance with simple amenities and a very relaxed feel to it. If you don’t want a fancy resort experience or a primitive one then El Dorado is a great third option that offers an overnight stay.
The pools are divided into two areas: public and private soaking. The public pool is a no-clothes area that is adults only. This one is for all of you that ready to have the full natural experience in these healing waters. This area is equipped with a shower, lounge chairs, and a cold tub to refresh after soaking in the hot water.
The private pools are charged by the hour and can fit between four and six people. All of the springs maintain a temperature of 107 F.
There are a few rooms to rent out around the pools, as well as RV and camping facilities.
Arizona (Ringbolt) Hot Springs
As the name suggests, the Arizona Hot Springs (aka Ringbolt Hot Springs) are arguably the most famous in the state, and there is a very good reason for that.
Located in the Lake Mead National Park in Willow Beach, these hot springs can only be accessed by a 2.5-mile hike or a boat ride along the Colorado River. There are no facilities built around the springs, but there are some available at the Lake Mead visitor center.
There are four pools that are surrounded by nature, with two pools only accessible with a ladder. They maintain a temperature of 110 F all year round.
Although not developed, the Arizona Hot Springs are highly sought after due to their incredible natural beauty. One of the pools, and the one that is most photographed, meanders through a narrow canyon with yellow stone canyon walls rising above head on either side. The effect is truly breathtaking.
Another pool boasts a stunning 25ft waterfall, and all the pools are filled with the most beautiful crystal clear waters.
The Arizona hot spring trail is almost a right of passage each visitor needs to go through to be rewarded with a relaxing soak at the end. First-timers should approach with caution and come prepared for the dry heat.
One very popular route to visit the springs is through White Rock Canyon. This route passes by the Colorado River and combines two trails to get the best out of your canyon hike. This route starts at the Arizona hot spring trailhead and continues along the White Rock Canyon trail until it reaches the Arizona Hot springs. After a relaxing soak in the warm water you can join up with the Arizona Hot Spring Trail to complete the loop back to the beginning.
It is important to note that these hot springs are only accessible during the cooler months, from October to May, due to the extreme heat. However, even if you visit during this period, we still recommend bringing plenty of water to sustain you on the round-trip hike.
Kaiser Hot Springs
When it comes to attractions in a state, the wisest choice is to go where the locals go, and that is exactly what Kaiser Hot Springs is!
The two side-by-side soaking pools are formed by the natural rock with crystal clear water and natural surroundings that will take your breath away. The water sits at a consistent 100 F all year round, so, no matter what the weather, you can like in the pools and look out on the staggering landscape.
Located in the Kaiser Spring Canyon, these hot springs are accessed by a relatively unmarked trail that leads you on a 1.5-mile hike. The lack of signage really goes to show that these pools are often visited by locals who know where they are going by memory. We suggest bringing plenty of water and wearing hiking shoes to take on this trip. We suggest using Google maps or another GPS map to navigate there safely.
It is not a long hike, but it should not be underestimated in hot Arizona weather, especially in the summer months.
Camping facilities are available nearby at the Burro Creek camping grounds.
Full List of Arizona Hot Springs
These five hot springs that we highlighted above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the hot springs that Arizona has to offer.
Here is a comprehensive list of the hot springs in Arizona that are publicly accessible.
| Hot Spring | Location in Arizona | Developed or Primitive |
| Arizona (Ringbolt) Hot Springs | Near Hoover Dam | Primitive |
| Castle Hot Springs | Morristown | Developed |
| Gold Strike Hot Springs | Near Boulder City | Primitive |
| Hot Well Dunes | San Simeon Valley | Primitive |
| Palm Pool Waterfall Hot Springs | Willow Beach | Primitive |
| Pumpkin Spring | Grand Canyon | Primitive (no swimming) |
| Roper Lake State Park Hot Spring | Safford | Primitive |
| San Carlos Warm Springs | San Carlos Indian Reservation | Primitive |
| Sheep Bridge Warm Springs | Yavapai County | Primitive |
| El Dorado Hot Springs | Tonapah | Developed |
| Verde Hot Springs | Yavapai County | Primitive |
| Clifton Hot Springs | Clifton | Primitive |
| Essence of Tranquility | Safford | Developed |
| Gillard Hot Springs | Morenci Mine | Primitive (too hot to swim in) |
| Hannah Hot Spring | Blue | Primitive |
| Kachina Hot Springs | Safford | Developed |
| Kaiser Hot Springs | Wikieup | Primitive |
| Lost Man Hot Spring | Arizona/Nevada border | Primitive |
Primitive Hot Springs
Primitive hot springs are usually classified by their proximity to nature. They have no facilities built around them and usually don’t include accommodation besides campsites. They are also mostly free to access.
These hot springs are for those of you that are looking for a natural rather than resort-style experience.
Although the hot springs themselves may not be developed or part of a resort, some may have facilities such as a car park and public toilets, which are convenient to have. However, others may be located in more remote areas, so you will need to bring your own supplies, like sufficient water and food.
One downside to some primitive hot springs is accessibility. Some of the hot springs can be accessed from a parking lot, but others require a hike to get to, so they may not be accessible to those with disabilities or mobility issues or anyone with small children.
Hot Spring Resorts
Although the springs are all naturally occurring, some may have resorts built around them so you can enjoy the natural waters in the comfort of a luxury experience.
These hot springs have an entrance fee and a more curated experience than a hot spring in nature. It also means the pools are constantly maintained, and certain rules about their use need to be followed.
These resorts will have many options for accommodation around the pools that will also feature other activities and spa treatments. Having the hot springs as part of a resort is also very convenient because it means you can enjoy the hot springs for a few days at a time.
The great thing about hot spring resorts is that they are accessible to everyone. Some will even have specialized wheelchair facilities so everyone can enjoy the healing and calming qualities of the waters.
We don’t know about you, but exploring these beautiful locations digitally has us itching to get out there and see them and everything else Arizona has to offer us.