Kaiser Hot Springs

I don’t know about you, but when I travel, I like to discover what spots the locals enjoy and discover them for myself. This is the best way to find less commercial gems and give you a genuine experience of the area.

For hot spring hunters, Kaiser Hot Springs is one of those spots.

These hot springs aren’t flashy or big, but they are a hidden gem in the Arizona landscape that is intimate and beautiful. Even with their remote location and lack of advertising, these pools can get very busy, so if you’re lucky, you and your friends might be able to have these two small pools all to yourselves to bask in and relax if you get there early to beat the crowds.

Kaiser Hot Springs is located in Wikieup, which is just two hours northwest of Phoenix, so they’re an excellent spot to hit up for a little day trip. They may take a short hike to get to, but I think that these pools are well worth the trip.

Hot Spring Pools

Kaiser Hot Springs is one of those spots that are harder to find and more off the beaten track than developed hot spring resorts, but that just makes finding it all the more satisfying!

Don’t go in expecting large deep pools that are dramatic and fit many people. The two side-by-side pools at Kaiser Hot Springs are modest and small, but their 100 F hot mineral water is just as healing as their larger counterparts. Each one holds a few people comfortably but be careful not to overcrowd them and spoil the experience for others.

These pools are a classic example of a primitive hot spring pool that has sprung up and formed itself with no human intervention. The rocky pools are surrounded by grassy areas that open out into Warm Springs Canyon, which feels intimate and creates a beautiful spot to spend time in.

If you get there early, you may be able to have the hot springs to yourselves for a while, but this is a very popular spot, so you can’t count on this, especially in busy periods. 

It’s worth remembering that these hot springs are primitive, so they are not maintained or cleaned by anybody. Due to this fact, the hot spring pools may get dirty when they are busy.

The hot springs are open all year round, so I suggest making the quick hike in the winter so you can reward yourself with a comforting soak in the hot mineral water.

Thank you to AZ Wonders for the video.

Other Amenities

Since Kaiser Hot Springs is a totally primitive spot, there are no extra amenities around it. This includes dustbins and bathrooms.

This means that it is essential to make your ablutions far away from the hot springs out of respect for the other visitors. You will also need to pack in and pack out all your belongings and trash to keep the area clean and tidy.

Accommodation

No camping is allowed next to the hot springs, but the Burro Creek Camping Grounds are available nearby.

These campgrounds feature RV sites, 23 individual campsites, one group site, and two day-use sites. There are also bathrooms and BBQ, and picnicking areas available. 

I think the ideal way to enjoy these hot springs is to make the hike and spend some time soaking and then make your way to the campgrounds for a picnic or a BBQ. That’s a great way to spend a day, in my opinion.

Location/How to Get There

Getting to Kaiser Hot Springs involves an easy drive on tarmac most of the way, but the last bit is on a dirt road. 

The trailhead isn’t marked, but once you’ve located it, you can park on the side of the road before beginning the hike. The trail is 1.5 miles long and takes you through the Kaiser Spring Canyon, which is a stunning hike, in my opinion. It’s also not very long or strenuous, so it is accessible to a lot of people.

Saying this, it is important to bring food and plenty of water for the hike and for rehydrating after your soak.

Since the trailhead is not well marked, I suggest asking the locals for directions to make sure you find the right spot and make use of your GPS, so you don’t get lost.

Contact

Address: Wikieup, AZ 85360
Phone: N/A