Known as the “Valley of the Sun,” Phoenix is a destination that promises year-round pristine weather conditions for enjoying the region’s breathtaking desert landscapes. From a myriad of outdoor adventures to a massive selection of luxury resorts, Phoenix offers several ways to engage Arizona’s natural and cultural wonders.
However, with so much to see and do, it is also essential to take some time to unwind when visiting the city. And there is nowhere better to find this relaxation than at one of the many hot springs scattered throughout the countryside.
From opulent hot spring resorts to simple primitive thermal pools, visitors can find bliss and serenity at these six hot springs near Phoenix, AR. (Distance from Phoenix city center in brackets).
Hot Springs Near Phoenix, Arizona
1. Castle Hot Springs (50.6 Miles)
Located only an hour’s drive northwest of the city, the Castle Hot Springs is the most accessible hot springs near Phoenix and has been a popular destination for rejuvenation for centuries.
While the current resort that operates the site was first established in 1896, the hot springs had been attracting local Apache and Yavapai tribes long before settlers even made their way to the American West.
Averaging 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the Castle Hot Springs are world-renowned as the planet’s hottest non-volcanic natural spring, which visitors can enjoy in three unique pools scattered throughout the property. The water’s high lithium, magnesium, and bicarbonate levels result in a curative soak, regardless of your pool choice.
Also featured within the extensive Castle Hot Springs complex are several comfortable accommodation options, a full-service spa and wellness center, and an in-house restaurant serving delicious dishes from the property’s onsite farm.
2. El Dorado Hot Springs (52.5 Miles)
Tucked away in the desert community of Tonopah, about an hour’s drive west of Phoenix, the El Dorado Hot Springs offers one of the most unique soaking experiences in the state and promises a therapeutic bath of quiet serenity.
The El Dorado Hot Springs offers several natural mineral pools for visitors to enjoy, including a clothing-optional public pool and several private baths scattered throughout the property’s Sunset View and Desert View Areas.
Each of the property’s thermal pools is fed from the same underground spring source with average temperatures of 107 degrees Fahrenheit and a PH balance of 8.2 for a blissfully soothing soak.
Also featured within the property are several accommodation options, including the Desert Pete’s Bunkhouse, which offers rental rooms with soaking packages, and the Mariposa, which provides a separate room option located directly in the property’s public pool area.
Alternatively, visitors can instead opt to stay in the idyllic desert countryside of Arizona by spending the night at one of the property’s tent or RV campsites that occupy some of the most idyllic corners of the region.
3. Sheep Bridge Hot Springs (83.1 Miles)
Despite its relative proximity to the city, the Sheep Bridge Hot Springs require a long three-hour drive from Phoenix to access. Nevertheless, this primitive thermal pool offers one of the most serene settings in the state for an authentic mineral spring soaking experience.
Located along the Verde River, the thermal pool is near the historical Sheep Bridge, which was originally built in the 1940s to help local shepherds guide their herds over the river. While the original bridge was demolished in the 1980s, a replica has since been constructed in the same place, which provides a traditional ambiance to the region’s natural vistas.
The thermal pool is a small rock-lined tub capable of comfortably sitting up to three visitors. The mineral-rich waters average 100 degrees Fahrenheit and provide a soothing bath year-round.
If the heated waters of the mineral spring prove too hot, visitors are encouraged to cool off with a plunge into the nearby Verde River, which provides a welcomed variability to the area’s soaking options. The river even features a nearby rope swing and cliff-jumping opportunities for added excitement.
Further attractions featured within the area immediately surrounding the hot springs are the historical Sheep Bridge, the associated suspension tower, and several natural vistas and hiking trails to explore. Visitors can choose to spend a few days exploring the region, which permits dispersed camping for up to 14 days.
4. Verde Hot Springs (119 Miles)
One of Arizona’s most unique hot springs, the Verde Hot Springs was once a full-service luxury resort that has since been left to ruins in Yavapai County, just under a three-hour drive north of Phoenix.
Built in 1922, the Verde Hot Springs Resort thrived in the area for four decades until the extensive complex burnt down in 1962. While the facilities were never rebuilt, visitors can still explore the complex’s foundations, including several thermal pools boasting natural mineral spring waters.
The property’s two main pools are within the resort’s concrete foundations and feature observation decks overlooking the Verde River. The pool’s average between 98 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year and promise quiet solitude for enjoying the spring’s historical setting
Abandoned for over half a century, much of the region surrounding the Verde Hot Springs has been reclaimed by nature. As a result, visitors today can explore the area’s native flora and fauna species. As such, it has become a popular spot not only for its hot springs but also for the region’s hiking, biking, and dispersed camping opportunities.
5. Kaiser Hot Spring (128 Miles)
Encompassed by pristine landscapes and breathtaking natural environments, the Kaiser Hot Spring is one of the most beautiful primitive hot springs near Phoenix. Located a two-hour drive north from the city, the Kaiser Hot Springs require a further 1-mile hike from the trailhead to access but is well worth the extended journey to reach.
The Kaiser Hot Spring consists of two side-by-side thermal pools separated by a natural rock wall. The pools maintain an average temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and promise a warm soak year-round.
Thanks to the tucked-away nature of the thermal pools and the therapeutic properties of the mineral waters, the Kaiser Hot Springs offer one of the most surreal respites in the state for unplugging from modern society and reconnecting with the calming simplicities of Arizona’s natural environments.
The nearby Burro Creek Campground offers visitors an even further immersion into the region’s natural wonders by providing several campsites for an extended stay in the area.
6. Essence of Tranquility (171 Miles)
Operating out of the nearby community of Safford, Essence of Tranquility is a simple hot spring resort that offers an authentic thermal pool experience in a rustic community complex. Located about three hours from Phoenix, this hot spring resort offers several soaking options and a wide selection of onsite amenities for added convenience.
Featured within the property are five clothing-optional private tubs and one communal hot spring pool where bathing suites are mandatory. Each pool is filled with natural mineral waters and features temperatures ranging from 98 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also featured within the complex is an extensive thermal spa that offers several massage options and specialty treatment packages. In addition, the resort offers several accommodation options, including private rooms and rustic campsites with a communal kitchen and a public BBQ area.
