El Dorado Hot Springs, Arizona

Are you the type of person who wants a simple hot spring soak where clothing is optional? Then El Dorado Hot Springs is the place for you.

This hidden gem can be found in Tonopah, which means ‘hot water under the bush,’ so clearly, the hot springs form a vital part of this town.  

Although the hot springs are developed, it is not a full-on luxury resort, which I think is a significant selling point. Sometimes you don’t want to hike to reach a hot spring, but at the same time, you don’t want the environment of a super fancy resort, and El Dorado is a perfect balance.

I also like having the choice between public and private soaking and being able to choose whether I want to soak in the nude or in a more family-friendly, clothed environment. Within one small area, there is a lot of variety in soaking and accommodation, surrounded by facilities that are filled with rustic charm.

Hot Spring Pools

As I’ve said, these hot springs are developed but in such a casual manner that it feels naturally relaxed and informal. I’m not always a fan of a luxury resort’s slick and fancy environment, so a place like El Dorado is the perfect solution.

The pools themselves are built out of stone, which gives them an attractive natural look even within the resort setting. The water in all the pools maintains 107 F all year round.

The hot spring pools are divided into two areas: public and private soaking.

Thank you to Ashleigh Zinone for the video.

Public

The public soaking area is known as Desert Pete, and it features a number of shared pools in an enclosed area. This is a no-clothes zone and is for adults only for that reason. This zone includes showers, lounge chairs, and a cold tub for cooling off between soaks.

This spot doesn’t have much of a view because there are walls all around them for privacy reasons, but this just makes it feel more intimate, in my option.

If you want a private soak while in the public area, there is a spot called the Desert Saloon, which is a one-person relaxation and reading zone that you can escape to for a little while.

Please note that there are no phones, cameras, or alcohol allowed in this area. You can choose to either buy a 12-hour day pass or pay by the hour to use Desert Pete.

Private

This is a great area if you have children or just want a more private soak with you and your loved ones.

There are two beautiful stone pools called Sunset Area and Desert View in the private area. Both can fit 4-6 people comfortably and provide a stunning view of Saddle Mountain. They also come with cold tubs, showers, fire pits, and lounge chairs.

The private pools are charged by the hour, but children under 15 are free.

Other Amenities

There are no other amenities at El Dorado; it really is a destination that is sought out exclusively for its hot springs and the relaxation that they hold.

If you are a nudist or a naturalist who wants some simple accommodations or to spend the night under the stars, then El Dorado Hot Springs may just be for you.

Accommodation

There are a few options when it comes to accommodation at El Dorado, but they are also simple and rustic, which goes perfectly with the vibe of the place.

There are three rooms available to rent in the Desert Pete area, so no children are allowed. Desert Pete’s Bunkhouse has two rooms, which come with either two 1 hour private soaks or unlimited soaking in Desert Pete. The other room is a small one-person room called Mariposa with coffee and tea facilities.

The most popular accommodation option, however, is the camping area. There are several RV sites with electrical hookups, along with seven tent camping areas called Palo Verde, Stone Circle, Mesquite East, Mesquite West, Desert Garden, The Nile, and Pet Place.

Location/How to Get There

El Dorado Hot Springs is located in Tonopah, an hour outside of Phoenix, off Interstate 10, so it’s a great place to go and spend the day if you are staying in the city.

The roads are good, and the hot springs can be easily accessed by car. There is parking available at the resort free of charge. This ease of accessibility and casual style of the place makes El Dorado Hot Springs a good compromise between a primitive hot spring that is hard to access and an expensive developed resort.

Contact

Address: 41225 Indian School Rd, Tonopah, Arizona 85354, USA
Phone: (623) 386-5412