Soothing Soaks: Hot springs within 5 hours of Phoenix
As temperatures drop and the hustle and bustle continues to rise, consider a soothing soak in one of these hot springs near Phoenix.
Arizona and the surrounding areas have a rich volcanic history, resulting in a crust that is home to numerous geothermal pools, also known as hot springs. Hot springs are naturally occurring warm bodies of water that are chock-full of minerals, making them ideal for a soothing and restorative soak. Hot springs are more or less a gift from nature known to relieve stress, soothe aches, and have even been used to treat certain ailments.
While there are several hot springs in the Grand Canyon state, most are tricky—risky and rugged, even—to get to. If you are willing to drive a few hours and potentially cross state lines, though, there are many easy-to-enjoy hot spring havens to enjoy within five hours of Phoenix. Just be sure to bring your suit, some sunscreen, a towel, and plenty of cool drinking water.
Hot springs in Arizona
Staying local for soaks is easy to do, as there are many hot springs to enjoy throughout different regions of our grand state.
El Dorado Hot Springs
Located less than two hours west of Phoenix in Tonopah, El Dorado Hot Springs is the rustic getaway you’ve been searching for. For only $20/person, soak in the private tubs surrounded by trees, water features, and ample privacy, shielding you from the outside world for an hour or more. The spa has several soaking tubs, a communal tub that is ideal for walk-ins, roaming peacocks, tastefully rustic decor, and spots for romantic overnights under the stars.
While the official website is down, reservations for private soaks can be made over the phone, which should be done at least a week in advance as this location fills quickly during peak season (fall and winter). Be warned that the owner often closes shop from July through September for the off-season, because most sane people prefer cool water in our infamous triple-digit summers.
Castle Hot Springs
Dreaming of a luxurious resort experience? Castle Hot Springs offers stays akin to a spa retreat, which are a bit pricey for the average American. But between the private soaking tubs included with each room, a communal hot springs waterfall with poolside service, and packages that make planning a well-rounded vacation foolproof, it is what dreams are made of.
The least expensive stay here starts at $1,400/night and includes fine dining meals, outdoor adventure activities, and exclusive access to the easy-to-enjoy hot springs of the area. (Hint—Kaiser Hot Springs are also in this region, if you prefer free yet risky and rugged access). There are even locals’ deals, which include a generous credit to spend while staying at the resort, making the dream of staying here a bit more attainable.
If you have a special occasion coming up, are looking for a lavish stay, and are great at saving, Castle Hot Springs is a dream vacation to add to the bucket list.
Safford Soaks
Safford is a city in Graham County, located in the eastern part of the state. While there are some amazing camping and rockhounding spots to explore, Safford is also rich in a plethora of places to replenish via the natural hot springs of the area. There are currently three hot spring facilities perfect for soaking up Safford.
Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area is a Safford gem because a minuscule $3 cash-only day fee offers access to camping, off-roading, and soaks in one of the two hot springs tubs. It is also off the beaten path, making the simple act of arriving at the spot feel like the ultimate adventure.
Be aware that the two tubs automatically begin draining via solar panels at around 5 p.m., so arriving on time is crucial. The pressure of time is worth it as these cement-lined tubs beckon outdoor enthusiasts with beautiful landscapes, views, comfortable temperatures, and the potential for pleasant conversation with strangers. If interacting with others isn’t your thing, be sure to get here during the week, as weekends and holidays find these tubs full.
Note: Although the road to Hot Well Dunes is gravel-lined, the numerous pot holes and sand dunes require a vehicle with decent clearance; however, 4WD is not necessary. We were able to drive a Kia Soul to the location with no problem, but preferred the higher clearance of a Honda CR-V.
Kachina Mineral Springs Spa is the more luxurious option in the Safford area. There are massage, Reiki, and soaking packages available. Many of the soaks at Kachina overlook the picturesque Roper Lake, offering a captivating view for the mind and spirit while providing a soothing experience for the body. Despite the luxurious feel of this well-planned haven, prices here won’t break the bank. Individual soaks start at $15, and couples’ soak and massage packages begin at $240.
Essence of Tranquility is a down-to-earth experience, as arriving feels like heading to a friend’s house, because the front office is quite literally a house! The unassuming exterior, combined with the friendly and casual owner, set the stage for the relaxed experience that goes hand in hand with this locals’ favorite spa. There are several small private soaking rooms with water up to 104℉, and one larger soaking pool where the water is much cooler.
Starting at just $15 per person, soaks include use of both of the private tubs as well as the communal pool. Each private room is complete with a waterfall emerging from a rockface composed of local minerals (such as azurite and wolfenite), a cooling shower to control the temperature, and rock-lined walls for ambiance. Most rooms can comfortably accommodate two to three people, but group packages can also be arranged upon request. Adjacent to the outdoor tub area is a private overnight facility that can be rented for gatherings, offering unlimited access to the tubs during the stay. Booking here would make quite the sizzling getaway.
Out-of-state soaks
Staying local has its allure, but so does traveling! Our surrounding states of Nevada, New Mexico, and California all have soaks within a five-hour drive from Phoenix.
Desert Hot Springs, California
Those of us who have road-tripped to northern and central California from the Phoenix area know that Joshua Tree and Palm Springs are a great “midway” stopping point for some peace on the long, traffic-ridden journey. Just outside this general area is the historical Hollywood getaway of Desert Hot Springs. This city finds charm with original mid-century modern architecture and—you guessed it—natural desert hot springs.
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is a hub for hot springs, with several tubs and pools of varying degrees to choose from. This soaking area is expansive and a must-see. The spa hotel also features a sauna, bar, and restaurant to enhance the overall experience. If you are not looking for an overnight stay, no worries! It costs $15/person for daily soaks in one of the many alluring tubs.
Note: If you are staying overnight and have acrophobia, request a room on the bottom floor. Rooms on the second floor only have outside access, and since there is an extra ground level built as part of the mid-century modern architecture, there are actually three-story views.
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
In the Southwest region of NM sits a town that was once aptly named Hot Springs for the abundance of—you guessed it—the hot springs of the area. As an answer to a talk show publicity stunt with attractive prizes, Hot Springs officially changed to Truth or Consequences. The consequences of the name change have earned some much-deserved publicity, a few local traditions, and a wacky and novel name worth traveling for.
Other than taking a road trip to get a t-shirt with “Truth or Consequences” stamped on the front, this town will find you enjoying delicious meals, original art, the company of quirky locals, views of the Rio Grande, and soaking in tranquil hot springs. There are several hot spring hotels and resorts to choose from, ranging in price from family-friendly to luxurious.
While traveling with the fam, we typically opt to stay at the vibrant and inexpensive Pelican Spa, which offers stays at steals of deals, quirky rooms decked out in bright colors, and unlimited soaks in one of the several private tub rooms.
Fun fact: While solo traveling, I once stayed here for nearly a week for under $700—the rates are phenomenal and the town is quaint enough to feel safe.
When we want something that feels decadent but doesn’t break the bank, we choose Charles Motel and Hot Springs. This aged motel exhibits history on the exterior but feels otherworldly inside, featuring themed rooms, unlimited community room soaks, an on-site spa, a carefully curated gift shop, and romantic rooftop soaks. We’ve sent a few people this way who have reported leaving the stay feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and rearing to return.
Riverbend Hot Springs has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, thanks to its hot spring tubs, location on the Rio Grande, and well-maintained facilities, all of which make this spot extra Insta-worthy. The entire facility is a well-planned photo op that caters to beauty and restoration. The price to stay here is higher than others, but many travelers find the amenities and aesthetic to be worth every penny.
Other historical, stunning, and spa-like options include Blackstone Hot Springs, Fire Water Lodge, Sierra Grande, and many more. You cannot choose wrong.
The town isn’t huge, but with a motto of “We’re all here because we’re not all here,” you are bound to have a memorable time in Truth or Consequences.
Pro Tip: Drive to the town of Elephant Butte, about 10 minutes away from TorC’s Historical Hot Springs District, for fresh water lake play and beach-side camping.
Lake Mead, Nevada
For a quick and refreshing cool-down on your way to Vegas, stop in the Lake Mead area and explore the 80°F water of Rodgers Warm Spring. This not-so-hot spring makes a great pit stop soak if you’re short on time, traveling with kids or elders, or simply don’t want to do the strenuous hike necessary for Arizona Hot Springs in the same area.
While access to Rodgers simply requires driving up to the designated recreation area, be sure to check that it is open. Since the beginning of August of this year, a wash blocking the road has temporarily closed this warm soaking haven.
Want more soaking options?
If you’re unafraid of rugged exploration, there are many more hot springs within the state to explore. Check out Verde Hot Springs, Kaiser Hot Springs, or Ringbolt—AKA Arizona Hot Springs.
Be warned, though, that these hikes can be lengthy, tricky, and may include unsafe methods of getting to the destination. For instance, Verde Hot Springs involves crossing a rushing river, which is sometimes higher than five feet tall and can be very, very cold. Ringbolt Hot Springs requires slot canyon hiking and traversing up and down a thin ladder. Kaiser Hot Springs is also not for the faint of heart. While trying to explore Kaiser Hot Springs in the summer—I know, my bad—the canyon was hot enough to melt the traction off of my husband’s skate sneakers within minutes. If that weren’t warning enough, the exploration then came to an abrupt end after we met face to face with a bull. We backed away very slowly, paused, and once the bull turned around—towards the hot springs—we quickly walked back to the car. We’ve not been back since, but according to many online sources, this seems to be an unusual anecdote.
Just consider yourself warned that rugged can mean just that, if not more. If rugged sounds exciting to you, enjoy these wild hot springs with some caution for the trek and anticipation for the reward of an uncrowded soak. If this tale of rugged exploration elicits fear and common sense, though, stick with one of the easy-to-enjoy soaks so prevalent within our slice of the Southwest!
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