6 Hot Springs Near Tucson, AZ

With its scenic saguaro-studded landscapes, red rock backdrops, and year-round sunshine, Tucson is a fantastic base for exploring Arizona’s natural beauty — including its hidden geothermal gems. While there are no hot springs directly within city limits, a handful of incredible soaking spots are located within a few hours’ drive, offering everything from off-grid desert tubs to high-end spa resorts.

Whether you’re looking to unwind in a private mineral bath, hike into a remote wilderness soak, or enjoy a wellness-focused getaway with spa services and gourmet dining, southern Arizona has something to offer. Most springs are located around Safford, Phoenix, or the Tonto National Forest, each with their own charm and vibe.

This guide covers the top hot springs near Tucson, including their driving distances, highlights, and soaking conditions. And if you’re planning a broader Arizona road trip, check out the complete Arizona Hot Springs guide for dozens more mineral-rich destinations across the state.

Map of Hot Springs near Tucson

6 Hot Springs Near Tucson

1. Kachina Mineral Springs (125 Miles)

Just under two hours from Tucson, Kachina Mineral Springs in Safford is the closest hot spring to the city and offers a charming, low-key setting for a rejuvenating desert soak. While the facility is small, it’s ideal for those seeking privacy, affordability, and natural mineral waters without a long trek or off-road detour.

The property features a variety of Roman-style private soaking tubs, with water temperatures ranging between 100°F and 108°F. Pools vary in size, from individual tubs to larger ones that can comfortably accommodate up to eight people — making it a great option for couples or small groups. A tranquil outdoor swimming pond is also available for a refreshing post-soak dip.

Kachina offers 90-minute hot tub reservations for $25, with additional guests priced at $15 per person (children under 12 soak free). Those seeking a deeper therapeutic experience can opt for a mineral hot spring soak for $50. In addition, the onsite spa provides various wellness treatments, including massages, reflexology, and hot stone therapy.

The facility is open Tuesday to Saturday, with shorter hours on Tuesdays (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) and extended hours Wednesday through Saturday (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM). It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Whether you’re after a relaxing stop on your way through Safford or a peaceful day trip from Tucson, Kachina Mineral Springs Spa offers the perfect combination of accessibility and rejuvenation in southern Arizona.

2. Essence of Tranquility (126 Miles)

Also located in Safford, Essence of Tranquility is a peaceful private hot springs resort just under two hours from Tucson. Offering a variety of soaking experiences and wellness treatments, this desert retreat is ideal for travelers looking to unplug and unwind in a rustic, healing setting.

The property features six distinct thermal tubs, with water temperatures ranging from 98°F to 105°F. Each tub has a unique design and theme — from a cave-style soak and a blue lagoon pool to tubs inspired by Greek and Asian aesthetics. There’s also a waterfall tub that adds a serene natural ambiance.

Beyond soaking, the resort offers an extensive spa menu, including massages, reflexology, essential oil therapy, cupping, and even ear coning. The focus here is total body and mind relaxation, delivered in a low-key, clothing-optional setting (private tubs only).

Essence of Tranquility is open Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and closed on Sundays and Mondays. Rates start at $15 per person for a one-hour soak, with discounts for longer sessions — $25 for two hours, or $35 for three hours.

Visitors can also stay overnight in one of the rustic cabins or set up at a tent campsite, making it easy to turn your soak into a full wellness getaway.

3. Hot Well Dunes (129 Miles)

Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area is a unique and off-the-grid option just outside of Safford. Once the site of an ancient inland sea over 2 million years ago, this expansive 2,000-acre desert recreation area is now a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts for its hot springs, sand dunes, and peaceful remoteness.

The hot springs here consist of two concrete thermal tubs, filled by a natural geothermal source and maintained by solar-powered pumps. Water temperatures from the source average around 106°F, though seasonal weather may affect the warmth of the tubs. Tubs are drained daily at sunset and refilled each morning, ensuring fresh mineral water for every visit.

Aside from soaking, Hot Well Dunes offers plenty of open space for off-roading, fishing, stargazing, and desert exploration. There are also ten primitive campsites available for tents and RVs (no hookups), and a grill area perfect for desert picnics.

The site is open year-round, and the entrance fee is just $3 per vehicle per day. While the facilities are basic, the surreal desert setting, solitude, and naturally heated water make this one of Arizona’s most authentic and affordable hot spring experiences.

4. Castle Hot Springs (162 Miles)

Located about two and a half hours northwest of Tucson, Castle Hot Springs is one of Arizona’s most iconic and luxurious geothermal retreats. Though it requires a bit of a drive, this world-renowned destination is well worth the journey for those seeking an upscale and deeply restorative hot springs experience.

Used for centuries by the Apache and Yavapai tribes, the springs were later developed into a full-service resort in 1896, attracting notable guests, including U.S. presidents and celebrities. Today, Castle Hot Springs is considered one of the hottest non-volcanic natural springs in the world, with water emerging at an impressive 120°F.

The resort features three cascading natural pools built into the rugged landscape, all rich in lithium, magnesium, and bicarbonates—minerals thought to aid relaxation, improve circulation, and promote overall wellness.

Access to the springs is exclusive to overnight guests, with check-ins available only on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Rates vary based on room type and season, and advance reservations are required.

Guests staying at Castle Hot Springs enjoy access to a full-service spa and wellness center, daily guided adventures, and the Harvest restaurant, which offers a true farm-to-table dining experience using produce grown right on the property.

Whether you’re soaking beneath the stars or relaxing in one of the resort’s secluded casitas, a visit to Castle Hot Springs is a tranquil, unplugged escape in the heart of Arizona’s desert.

5. El Dorado Hot Springs (164 Miles)

Located about two hours and twenty minutes west of Tucson, El Dorado Hot Springs in the small desert town of Tonopah is one of Arizona’s most distinctive and atmospheric hot spring destinations. Known for its rustic charm and tranquil desert setting, this resort offers a memorable retreat centered around its mineral-rich thermal pools.

Fed by an underground geothermal source, the waters emerge at a soothing 107°F with a naturally alkaline pH of 8.2, creating an incredibly relaxing soak. The property features a variety of soaking options — from clothing-optional public pools to private tubs offering sweeping views of the desert or sunset.

El Dorado Hot Springs also offers overnight accommodations, including rooms in Desert Pete’s Bunkhouse (complete with soaking packages) and the Mariposa room, which is located directly beside the public soaking area. For a more back-to-basics experience, visitors can camp on-site at the tent or RV campsites, enjoying peaceful desert nights under the stars.

Open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, El Dorado is accessible via paved roads and doesn’t require hiking or off-roading, making it one of the easiest hot springs to reach from Tucson. Day use starts at just $10, with additional fees for private tubs or overnight stays.

6. Sheep Bridge Hot Springs (184 Miles)

Nestled along the Verde River in the remote stretches of the Tonto National Forest, Sheep Bridge Hot Springs is one of the most scenic primitive hot springs within driving distance of Tucson — even if it requires a four-and-a-half-hour trek to reach.

The hot spring itself is modest, consisting of a small, rock-lined tub that comfortably fits two to three people. Averaging around 100°F year-round, the thermal pool offers a simple but soothing soak, best enjoyed in silence as you take in the surrounding canyon views and wilderness solitude.

While the hot spring is relatively humble compared to resort-style destinations, the real highlight is the location. The spring sits beside the Verde River, where you can take a refreshing dip after soaking, and just steps from the historic Sheep Bridge — originally built in the 1940s to help shepherds move flocks across the river. A replica bridge now stands in its place and adds to the site’s rugged charm.

The area is a popular spot for dispersed camping, making it ideal for overnight adventures. There are also nearby trails and swimming holes to explore, making the journey worthwhile for those seeking a blend of geothermal relaxation and raw Arizona backcountry.

Accessible only via rough forest roads and best attempted with a high-clearance vehicle, Sheep Bridge Hot Springs is a rewarding destination for those craving remoteness, history, and a deep connection with nature.