Arizona, known for its red buttes, orange and yellow desert-like panoramas, and bright green cactuses, also holds some watery gems for you to discover and revel in! There are numerous beautiful hot springs throughout the state that promise a mineral-infused escape from the noise and stress of urban climes, be it in primitive pools tucked between millennia-old rock formations, or in carefully landscaped resorts – Arizona is guaranteed to please hot-springers of all tastes.
Note that as Arizona is a naturally warm state most of the year, the best hot springing seasons are fall, winter, or early spring for the most enjoyment and health benefits.
In this article, we’ll be focusing on the hot springs closest to Sedona, a desert town near the renowned Flagstaff, surrounded by stunning red buttes, deep canyons and refreshingly green pine forests. Sedona is known for its vibrant arts community, and there are a plethora of New Age shops and art galleries to discover there. Outside the town you’ll find trails taking you out into the colorful wilderness of Red Rock State Park, where you can enjoy bird-watching, hiking and picnicking. Beyond that…the hot springs!
Let’s take a look at the 6 nearest hot springs to Sedona, Arizona.
RECOMMENDED:
El Dorado Hot Springs
The El Dorado Springs resort has a distinctly authentic (some call it “hippie”) vibe of giant palm trees, bamboo caves, and both clothing required and obligatory naturist communal pools. The peacocks, chickens, ducks and sometimes even pigs wandering freely through the grounds also contribute to the hippie impression! In all fairness, its rusticity makes it a no-frills destination that will not be to everyone’s taste, but it does promise some great, liberating relaxation.
What To Expect
The dirt-road drive into El Dorado Hot Springs is rough but stunningly photogenic, while the stone, man-made hot springs pools throughout the property will help you achieve a connection with nature you might not get at all resorts, as you soak in odorless, sulfur-free, soft mineral water of 85 to 110°F.
There are both private and public areas to choose from at El Dorado, separated by bamboo groves and wooden fencing. “Desert Pete” is the communal naturist soaking area, with two 6-person pools overlooking the desert. There’s a lounge area with tables, chairs and fireplaces to relax in between soaks, and several small cold-water tubs to refresh you.
Our favorite pool is the aptly named “Sunset View,” a private 6-person pool you can rent with its own secluded garden area. It also boasts crystal stones in the design which promise to boost your energy, spirit, and health.
The stone-walled “Corral” and “Desert View” spring tubs are also great to soak in at sunset. Corral is the most accessible of the pools onsite, with steps taking you in rather than a wall to climb over.
Good To Know
El Dorado Hot Springs is a popular resort, and the private pools tend to be booked up weeks in advance. Plan ahead and give them a call to reserve your soaking space (+1 623-386-5412).
El Dorado has a policy of no alcohol, no cell phones and no photography.
If you want to stay there or nearby, there’s the Motel California or their campground. A few rooms are available for rent at Desert Pete’s Bunkhouse, with soaking included in the price of your stay.
Clothing-optional in some areas, required nudism in others.
Where: 41225 Indian School Rd, Tonopah, Arizona
Verde Hot Springs
Verde Hot Springs, in the Prescott National Forest, was a popular 1920s nudist resort until it burned down in 1962. Today, only colorfully painted ruins and concrete-decked riverside pools remain, though it continues to be true to the old spirit and is clothing optional.
What To Expect
The cliffs, walls and stairs leading to the pools have all been used as canvases for artists to display their colorful and spiritual artwork. It gives the site a unique, quirky edge that we like, though principally the water is the draw – with a delectable mineral content of boron, calcium, iron, lithium, magnesium, sodium, rubidium, and cesium.
There are three hot mineral pools here – the first you’ll see is an open, 6 feet deep, 10-person pool, with the cliff on one side and a concrete deck separating it from the Verde River on the other. The odor-free water ranges in temperature between 98 and 100°F.
The second and third 102°F pools are also open to the sky, but are enclosed within the beautifully decorated stone walls of the “art gallery rooms.” They can each seat up to 4 people and are just deep enough to sit in.
Good To Know
It’s easy enough to reach, but a high-clearance vehicle is recommended as the 18-mile road is unpaved.
This has always been a well-loved soaking destination, so get there early to avoid the crowds, and aim for weekdays if you like it quiet.
There are no amenities here, so you’ll need to take in snacks and water with you. Be sure to pack out what you pack in and Leave No Trace.
Dogs can come along but should be kept on a leash and are not allowed in the pools.
If you want to stick around, you can stay in the Childs Dispersed Camping Area for up to 5 days (its only feature being a pit toilet), or in the towns of Camp Verde or Sedona.
Clothing optional.
Where: Child’s Power Rd, Yavapai County, Arizona
Castle Hot Springs
Castle Hot Springs is a unique, adults-only, all-inclusive wellness oasis in the desert, with hot spring pools to indulge in within huge, landscaped citrus and palm groves. The historic and boutique resort boasts such visitors to its name as the Vanderbilts, Roosevelts and Wrigleys. Behind the lodge is a small freshwater duck pond, and next to it a large swimming pool surrounded by palm trees.
What To Expect
There are three big hot mineral pools to enjoy at the Castle Hot Springs resort, boasting waters packed full of lithium, magnesium, and bicarbonates.
The “Upper Springs” is an area made up of two secluded pools separated by a bridge. The upper pool is a cliff-enclosed, waterfall-fed 105°F mineral soak, whose waters cascade into the second, cooler pool which averages around 90°F. This then flows downhill into the “Lower Spring,” which is the coolest pool on the property at 86°F. This last pool is a man-made rock-walled pool surrounded, like the others, by palm trees and beautiful, Arizona-style landscaping.
Nearby these communal pools you’ll find outdoor showers, restrooms, changing rooms, lockers, and lounge chairs.
If you prefer privacy while you soak, you’re in luck, as each room at the lodge has its own mineral bath, or you can book a night or two in a Spring Bungalow for secluded outdoor soak time.
The resort has a limited guest capacity to ensure excellence of service and to maintain a tranquil, rejuvenating atmosphere.
Don’t Miss…
- The 24-hour on-site golf cart service
- Via Ferrata Adventure courses
- Wellness activities (yoga, meditation, Tai Chi)
- Their wellness and spa menu
- Sporting activities (hiking, e-biking, archery, horseback riding, bocce etc.)
- A trip to Lake Pleasant
- Dinner at Harvest, cocktails at Bar 1896 and foraging for fresh ingredients at “The Farm”
Good To Know
This is an adults-only resort, no children.
No pets.
No day-use. The hot springs are for the use of overnight guests only.
A stay in a sky view cabin, spring bungalow, or three-room cottage includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, resort services, access to the springs, and any activities on the roster.
There are extra charges for alcoholic drinks, personalized wellness spa services and adventure excursions.
The adventure excursions need to be scheduled at least two weeks in advance of your visit.
While the WiFi is great at Castle Hot Springs, guests are encouraged to enjoy a “digital detox” while there.
Clothing required in public areas.
Where: 5050 East Castle Hot Springs Rd, Morristown, Arizona
Website: castlehotsprings.com
Essence Of Tranquility
Grab a moment of tranquility in this crazy world at the quirky property of the aptest name. Essence of Tranquility’s friendly owners offer a selection of themed, open-air, enclosed soaking tubs for both day and overnight use .
What To Expect
Essence of Tranquility has six concrete and stone 98-105°F hot spring pools, with unique decor and seating setting each apart from the rest – choose from Waterfall, Cave, Asian, Greek, Music, or Blue Lagoon.
The mineral water flows continuously, straight from the source, into the tubs through individual pipes, meaning you are guaranteed the maximum of minerals in your soak.
Essence of Tranquility offers simple accommodation: a grassy campground for tents (no RVs), a large bunkhouse, and casitas with beds, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee-makers, heating and air conditioning. There is a communal kitchen for use by all guests, a BBQ and seating area, and restrooms with showers. Your hot springs soaking is included in the price of your overnight stay.
Don’t Miss…
- A massage, essential oil therapy or reflexology treatment. Book at least 24 hours ahead on 928-428-9312
- Rock hunting in the Black Hills Rockhound Area
- Roper Lake State Park
- The Mount Graham International Observatory, with one of the biggest binocular telescopes in the world.
Good To Know
Soaking will set you back just $15/person for 1 hour or $35/person for 3 hours. Soaking is included if you’re staying there overnight.
Campers will need to pay $20/person per night. The Casitas, for 1-4 guests, cost $50-$70, and the Bunkhouse can accommodate up to 12 people for $200 (or $25/person – hostel rate).
Don’t forget to bring your own towels, drinks and food, as these are not available on the property.
No alcohol, drugs, smoking or glass containers allowed.
No under 12s.
Bring your dog, but keep it on a leash and away from the kitchen and pools.
Their gift shop has a lovely selection of rocks and gemstones, artwork, jewelry, body lotions, incense and more. Open: Tuesday through Saturday 8am – 6pm.
Clothing is required in the communal areas, but is optional in the private tub rooms.
Open: Tuesday – Saturday 8am- 9pm, closed Sundays and Mondays.
Where: 6074 S. Lebanon Loop Rd., Safford, Arizona
Website: azhotmineralspring.com
Kaiser Hot Springs
Kaiser Hot Springs, nestled in the secluded depths of Kaiser Canyon, offers a primitive soak with a minimum of legwork to get to – ideal for nature-loving hot springs enthusiasts.
Just a 3-mile round trip hike from the trailhead, these mineral waters are best visited during spring and fall to avoid the most intense of the Arizona heat.
What To Expect
Kaiser Hot Springs is a single, man-made, rock- and dirt-walled shallow pool averaging 100°F at the source, where it gushes out of the rock, but cooling to around 93°F. It is wide enough to accommodate up to 4 seated soakers, who can enjoy the beautiful surrounding canyon scenery and blue skies above.
Don’t Miss…
- Burro Creek
- Burro Creek Mine
- A full exploration of Kaiser Canyon
Good To Know
Dress for the hike in – sturdy footwear is a must, sun protection too, and bring along plenty of drinking water!
If you want to stay a while, head to the Burro Creek Campground.
Pets are welcome, but dogs must be kept on a leash and away from the pools.
Clothing optional.
Where: Wikieup, Arizona
Kachina Mineral Springs Spa
Grab a friend or two and head to Kachina Mineral Springs and Spa for an affordable rustic, cozy, mineral spa day, or choose an Individual or Couples Package to make the most of your day – with massages, reflexology and other enlivening treatments to boost your mood and health.
What To Expect
Kachina Mineral Springs and Spa is a simple, local, family owned and operated business. Its three 101-104°F mineral water tubs are indoors and private, allowing you to relax (sometimes as long as you need, beyond your allotted time), and let go of your worries.
What we love most is how clean it is, how warm and welcoming the staff are, and their expert massages. Definitely go for a massage!
Book your soak and spa services online at least 12 hours before you plan to go.
Baths, towels, and drinking water are provided, and they have a good selection of essential oils on offer to put in your hot springs water (tubs are emptied and scrubbed clean between uses).
Don’t Miss…
- A Stone Massage
- Thai Stretching
- Their Reflexology service
Good To Know
Adults-only.
$15/person hour for a simple hot springs soak. The price for a standard spa package is $90.
Open: Daily 10am – 6pm.
Where: 1155 W Cactus Rd, Safford, AZ
Disclaimer
While we at Traxplorio do our very best to give you the latest information about these hot springs sites, life happens, weather happens, and property owners happen. We always recommend you go to the official hot springs’ web page and/or the relevant state authority page to check conditions, times, and prices (where relevant) before you head out. Thanks for understanding, and enjoy your soak!
