Arizona Hot Spring
Part of the magic of Arizona Hot Spring at Lake Mead Recreation Area is getting there. Visiting the spring — hidden inside a slot canyon — requires traveling by boat on the Colorado River or hiking on foot. Hikers can take one of two trails: White Rock Canyon or Hot Spring Canyon. The latter is shorter, but it's steeper. After your restorative soak, plan to sleep under the stars at the on-site campground.
If you go
From the Lake Mead Visitor Center, follow U.S. Hwy 93 east for 8 miles, then follow signs for the Arizona Hot Spring trailhead.
(702) 293-8990
Cost per vehicle for park entrance may vary, call ahead to confirm.
Castle Hot Springs
Welcome to the hottest non-volcanic natural spring in the world. At this luxury resort tucked in the Bradshaw Mountains an hour north of Phoenix, the pools heat up to a therapeutic 120°F/49°C. The Apache and Yavapai tribes first reaped the benefits long before the resort was built. Since then, celebrities, historical figures and tourists have trekked to this secluded spot to seek the spring's healing power.
If you go
5050 E. Castle Hot Springs Rd., Morristown
(877) 600-1137
Rates vary; room reservation required.
Note: Access to the spring is for resort guests only and guests must be 18 or older.
El Dorado Hot Springs
An hour west of Phoenix, El Dorado Hot Springs is best characterized by rustic features like forgotten paths, natural vegetation and a simple, wood-framed structure built over the underground hot spring. The soak zones range in size and style, from tiny clawfoot bathtubs to roomy stone pools. Choose between public or private areas (for clothing-optional guests), and book your soak by the hour or stay overnight at the campground.
If you go
41225 Indian School Rd., Tonopah
(602) 908-5045
$20 per hour per person or $45 for a day pass. Costs may vary, call ahead to confirm.
Note: The springs operate seasonally, from October 1-June 1, and only by appointment during the summer. Call ahead to confirm hours.
Essence of Tranquility
Spend a relaxing afternoon in one of Essence of Tranquility's outdoor soaking tubs, or make it a weekend getaway and stay at one of the casitas or on-site camping spots. The facility offers five private pools and one communal pool, with temperatures ranging from 98°F to 105°F/37°C to 40°C. Guests can also book massages and other therapeutic treatments.
If you go
6074 S. Lebanon Loop Rd., Safford
(928) 428-9312
Per person, pools are $15 for one hour, $25 for two hours or $35 for three hours. Costs may vary, call ahead to confirm.
Note: Children must be older than 12 years to participate.
Hot Well Dunes Hot Springs
Perhaps better known as an ATV recreation site than a wellness retreat, the 2,000-acre Hot Well Dunes does offer two hot-springs tubs for soaking. The tubs, which reach about 106°F/41°C, utilize solar power to pump water into the pools from an underground hot spring. This spot is not the traditional secluded hideout that first comes to mind when thinking about hot springs and instead hosts a variety of travelers.
If you go
From Safford, drive 7 miles east on U.S. Hwy 70, then take Haekel Road south for 25 miles.
(928) 348-4400
$3 per vehicle per day, costs may vary, call ahead to confirm.
Note: Before you head out to the site, check the weather for rain; the road to Hot Well Dunes is prone to flooding.
Kachina Mineral Springs Spa
A short drive from Essence of Tranquility is the Kachina Mineral Springs Spa, which specializes in a menu of restorative amenities such as massages, reflexology, yoga classes and more. The pools themselves are heated to temperatures of 103°F/39.4°C. The best part? No long or strenuous hike required to reach them.
If you go
1155 W. Cactus Rd., Safford
(928) 235-4590
Rates vary per pool, per hour.
Note: The spa is closed Mondays; Tues.-Sun., hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Hours may vary, call ahead to confirm.
Kaiser Hot Springs
This hot spring in Kaiser Spring Canyon near Burro Creek is concealed by canyon walls and is only accessible via a 3-mile round-trip hike that skirts the towering mountains. At journey’s end, you’ll find a cozy, rock-bottomed pool surrounded by caverns and with water temperatures of 100°F/38°C.
If you go
(Latitude: 34.600033, Longitude: -113.46285) From Wickenburg, take U.S. Hwy. 93 north, and continue 5 miles past the Burro Creek bridge. Follow the sign for Kaiser Spring Wash. Park on the west side of Hwy. 93, north of Burro Creek Campground.
Free.
Note: There are no on-site amenities. Be sure to bring food and water, and wear sturdy hiking shoes.
Verde Hot Springs
Once a famous mid-century wellness retreat, Verde Hot Springs is now a hidden gem surrounded by the woodlands of Camp Verde and Payson. Its deep soaking pool — heated to 98°F/37°C — and the cluster of smaller cliffside pools that overlook the Verde River make the destination a popular site, especially for hot spring purists (aka nudists). If you’re not shy about a little skin, then you’ll find the tranquil beauty makes it a worthy retreat.
If You Go
8375 AZ-179, Camp Verde
Free.
Note: There are no facilities at the springs, so bring plenty of food and water. It's at least a 1-mile hike to the springs and you'll have to cross the river, so dress accordingly.
