Kaiser Hot Springs is one of the most atmospheric natural hot springs in the Arizona desert. Tucked inside the remote Warm Springs Canyon, it sits within the rocky narrows of Kaiser Canyon surrounded by classic Mohave County desert scenery. The warm mineral water forms two small natural rock-walled pools, creating an oasis-like spot in an otherwise rugged landscape.
Kaiser Hot Springs is known as one of Arizona’s most authentic and untouched soaking experiences — a peaceful setting that appeals to travelers who also enjoy rugged canyon soaks like Ringbolt Hot Spring along the Colorado River
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What should you know before going to Kaiser Hot Spring
Kaiser Hot Springs is one of the most natural and authentic hot springs in Arizona. This spot is completely undeveloped and freely accessible, which makes it very different from the peaceful, semi-developed soaking experience offered at Essence of Tranquility.
The spring flows directly from the canyon wall, filling two small rock-walled pools with warm, mineral-rich water that stays around 99–100°F (37–38°C). The pools have gravel and rock bottoms, giving the area a raw desert feel and making the soak both relaxing and grounding.
The springs sit within the narrow section of Warm Springs Canyon, where rugged cliffs eventually open into a wide sandy wash. The setting feels like a quiet desert oasis, hidden far from crowds and commercial facilities. This is exactly what makes Kaiser Hot Springs popular among travelers seeking a remote, non-commercial, natural desert soak.
Visitors should come prepared. Access requires traveling along a dirt road, ideally with a high-clearance vehicle, followed by a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hike through the canyon. The trail follows a dry riverbed with sandy stretches and rocky patches but is generally considered moderately easy. Along the way, you’ll pass Burro Mine, a historic abandoned mining site worth a short look.
Since the springs have no amenities whatsoever, it is essential to bring plenty of water, sun protection, snacks, and proper footwear. For soaking, water shoes or sturdy sandals are recommended due to the rocky bottom. The area is pet-friendly, but dogs must remain on a leash and are not allowed in the water. Clothing is optional, and the environment relies on visitors treating the place respectfully — pack out everything you bring, as there are no trash cans or restroom facilities.
Kaiser Hot Springs is perfect for those who want to experience true desert solitude — a place where the journey through the canyon, the quiet atmosphere, and the untouched pools together create a memorable and deeply peaceful escape.
How to get to Kaiser Hot Spring
Kaiser Hot Springs is located near the small desert community of Wikieup, Arizona, right next to the Kaiser Spring Wash Bridge along Highway 93. The site lies roughly 128 miles northwest of Phoenix, making it accessible both for travelers coming from the city and for those driving from Kingman or Wickenburg.
If you’re approaching from Kingman, drive south on Highway 93 and turn left at the center median crossing just before the Kaiser Spring Wash Bridge. If you miss the turn, simply cross the bridge, make a U-turn, and return — it’s easy to correct.
Coming from Wickenburg, follow Highway 93 north for about 5 miles past the Burro Creek Bridge, then look for the small sign for Kaiser Spring Wash and turn right onto a narrow dirt road that leads toward the trailhead and parking area.
From the parking spot, it’s about a 1.5-mile hike through the canyon, following a sandy and rocky wash. The terrain is uneven but not overly difficult.
Best time to visit Kaiser Hot Spring
The best season to visit Kaiser Hot Springs is from October through April, when the desert climate offers cooler, more comfortable temperatures that pair perfectly with the warm mineral water. During this period, the soak feels refreshing and relaxing without the intense heat that characterizes the Arizona summer.
Summer temperatures in the canyon can easily climb above 100°F (40°C), making midday visits challenging. If you do choose to come in summer, the best times of day are early morning or sunset, when the heat softens and the desert landscape glows beautifully.
While the springs are accessible year-round, the cooler months offer the most enjoyable experience, with mild weather, peaceful surroundings, and easy access along the canyon trail.
Opening hours and Entry Costs at Kaiser Hot Spring
Kaiser Hot Springs is not an officially managed site, which means there are no set opening hours. These are completely natural, freely accessible hot springs, open at all times of day and throughout the year. Since the springs are located in a remote canyon, you decide your own timing — there is no entrance gate, no staff, and no regulated schedule. You can visit early in the morning, during the day, or at sunset without restrictions.
Entry is free, and no reservation is required. The area sits on public land, so visitors can access the springs without permits or fees. However, it is important to be prepared, as there are no facilities nearby — no restrooms, no trash cans, no seating areas, and no drinking water.
Because of the desert climate, bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, use proper footwear, and take everything back with you. If visiting in summer, avoid the midday heat, which can be extreme in the narrow canyon.
Kaiser Hot Springs offer a classic raw desert soaking experience — no structures, no rules, just warm water in a quiet canyon surrounded by untouched Arizona wilderness.
Where to stay nearby Kaiser Hot Spring
Kaiser Hot Springs is located in a remote desert corridor between Wikieup and Burro Creek, meaning there are no accommodations at the springs themselves. The site is completely natural and undeveloped, so if you want to explore the area comfortably, catch sunrise or sunset, or break up your drive along Highway 93, staying in nearby towns is the best option.
The closest base is Wikieup, a small desert town with basic services like fuel, food, and simple lodging. For a wider choice of hotels, restaurants, and amenities, Kingman (about one hour north) is the most convenient option — and if your route continues toward Phoenix, you can even combine the trip with a visit to Castle Hot Springs, one of Arizona’s most historic resort-style hot springs.
Another great alternative is Wickenburg, located south along Highway 93, known for its western charm and calm atmosphere.
Recommended stays nearby Kaiser Hot Spring
Best Western Plus A Wayfarer’s Inn & Suites – Kingman
A popular hotel in Kingman offering spacious, clean rooms, comfortable beds, and a relaxed atmosphere. Guests appreciate the great breakfast, outdoor pool, and friendly staff. Kingman is an ideal base if you want to explore Kaiser Hot Springs while staying in a comfortable city hotel.
A stylish and quiet hotel in the heart of Wickenburg. Rooms are modern, clean, and comfortable, with cozy furnishings and a peaceful vibe. Guests praise the hotel’s central location, outdoor pool, and welcoming atmosphere. A great choice if you want to experience Wickenburg’s western charm and still be within reach of Kaiser Hot Springs.
You can explore and book more accommodation options near Kaiser Hot Springs directly using the interactive map below:
What to do nearby Kaiser Hot Spring
The area around Kaiser Hot Springs is perfect for travelers who enjoy desert canyons, silence, and a bit of exploration. The hike to the springs itself already feels like an adventure — you follow a dry wash, walk between rocky walls, and gradually enter the Kaiser Canyon Narrows, a tighter section of the canyon where the desert feels more intense and focused. Soaking in the warm water afterwards, surrounded by rock and sand, really amplifies the sense of being far away from everyday life.
One of the most interesting points along the way is Burro Mine, an old abandoned mine located off the same route that leads to the springs. A short detour adds a bit of history to the trip, recalling a time when this remote part of Mohave County was actively prospected and worked, rather than just serving as a quiet escape. Nearby Burro Creek Bridge and the surrounding Burro Creek area also make for a scenic stop, with a deep canyon, a high bridge, and impressive views over the river corridor.
If you want to spend more time in the region, you can easily combine Kaiser Hot Springs with other nearby destinations. Red Canyon Trail offers accessible desert hiking with classic views of open terrain and layered rock. Closer to Kingman, Hualapai Mountain Park provides a complete contrast to the desert — higher elevation, pine forests, cooler temperatures, and a completely different mood. And if your route takes you toward the Colorado River, you can add a stop at Cattail Cove State Park, where blue water and rugged desert hills come together.
Kaiser Hot Springs doesn’t have to be just a quick stop off Highway 93. With a bit of planning, it can become part of a full day of contrasts — morning in a hot spring hidden in a canyon, midday exploring desert viewpoints or historic sites, and evening in a small town or mountain park with a completely different feel.
Other springs nearby Kaiser Hot Spring
If Kaiser Hot Springs inspires you to explore more desert soaking spots, there are several beautiful options within a reasonable driving distance. The closest is Essence of Tranquility in Safford, a peaceful hot spring retreat with multiple private and shared tubs filled with warm mineral water. It’s quiet, calming, and offers a completely different atmosphere compared to the raw canyon setting of Kaiser Hot Springs.
A bit farther lies Hot Well Dunes Hot Springs, a unique desert destination where hot water fills metal soaking tubs set among wide sand dunes. The silence, open skies, and remote landscape create an iconic Southwestern soaking experience. Sunset is especially stunning here, when the desert glows in deep gold tones.
Another notable choice is Kachina Mineral Springs, a small and soothing hot spring facility known for its healing mineral water — and if you want to expand your trip further, you can explore our complete guide to Arizona Hot Springs, covering every major natural and developed spring in the state.