Hot springs In Arizona: The Ultimate Guide

Arizona is a great place to go for a mini-vacation or just a staycation. There are many places to visit in the state, but one of my favorite things about Arizona is its hot springs. The natural pools have been used by Native Americans and settlers for centuries and they’re still popular today! In this blog post, I’m going to share with you some of my favorite spots where you can soak your tired muscles. Let’s get started!

What are hot springs and why should you visit them?

Hot springs are natural pools of hot water that happen when underground rock heats up and creates a hot liquid. Hot springs are created by hot water rising to the surface through hot rocks, which are usually from a volcano.

Some hot springs are natural-occurring while others were man-made and have been known for their healing properties since ancient times. Some of the hot springs in Arizona have minerals like sulfur or sodium chloride that make them even more soothing! I love how you can find hot springs all around Arizona because they are a great way to soak your tired muscles after hiking, camping, or a cross-country road trip.

Hot springs in arizona
Hot springs in Arizona

What are the benefits of visiting a hot spring spa?

There are many benefits of hot springs. They can offer a break from the hot summer days, relief for sore muscles, or just some time to relax and recharge your mind! Hot springs also have lots of different minerals in them that can help with skin problems like eczema or psoriasis.

Benefits may vary depending on the type of hot spring you choose to visit because there are so many types out there: natural pools, geothermal pools, mineral water baths, sulfurous hot pots, and more!

Arizona is a great place for hot springs whether it’s visiting one during a vacation or if you’re looking for an escape closer to home. Arizona has several spots where they form naturally which makes this state perfect when you want something different than a hot tub or swimming pool.

Tips on how to enjoy your experience at a hot spring spa

Bring a towel, dry clothes, and your toiletries with you so that once you get out of the hot springs all you have to do is change!

Keep in mind that some hot spring spas charge by time while others will charge for how much water flows over the top. It’s best to ask about pricing before getting into any hot pools!

Some hot springs are clothing optional or they allow nudity. If this isn’t something you’re comfortable doing then make sure not to visit those types of spots if it bothers you. And vice versa – don’t feel pressured into being nude since some people may be more modest than others.

How can you tell if spring is safe or not?

There are a few things you can use to tell if hot springs are safe. One is by looking at the water’s color and make sure it doesn’t have any visible impurities like oil or other chemicals in it. You may also want to ask about the hot spring before getting into the pool with your clothes on because not all hot springs allow you to wear clothing

man in a hot spring

The history of hot springs in Arizona

The hot springs in Arizona have been used for centuries by Native Americans and settlers. One of the first documented accounts is from a Spanish explorer named Pedro de Quexada, who was documenting his journey on the Sonora Desert Trail between 1629-1630. He wrote that “the Indians told me there were hot waters which they believed had medicinal properties, and that I should bathe in them.”

What to know before you go to the hot springs

Not hot spring is created equal! Some hot springs may be too hot for your sensitive skin while others are just right. It’s important to know the temperature of a hot pool before you get in it because some pools charge by time and not how much water flows over the top. Reading reviews about hot springs is a great way to learn about the hot springs you want to visit!

Some hot springs in Arizona only allow adults or they have strict guidelines on who can come. Before visiting any hot spring, give them a call and ask what their policy is so that you know ahead of time how it works when it comes down to kids and pets.

A list of the best places to go for a soak in Arizona!

There are too many hot springs in Arizona for me to write about of them so here are just a few of my favorites!

Castle Hot Springs

This hot spring is one of the more popular hot springs in Arizona with people coming from all over to soak. The hot water at Castle Hot Springs is low mineral content and has a great temperature for soaking! This hot spring also offers massages, yoga sessions, saunas, and more!

Hot Well Dunes Hot Springs

The hot springs in Arizona that you’ll find the hot well dunes hot springs are not for those looking to relax. The hot water at these hot springs is about 190 degrees Fahrenheit, but they are located right on the sand! And there’s no better feeling than soaking your feet in a hot spring while watching the sunrise over the desert.

Lake Pleasant Hot Springs

The hot springs can be found just off of Highway 68 with plenty of parking available. The hot springs are a great place to soak your muscles after hiking the nearby trails. You can also enjoy an outdoor hot tub and water slide if you’re craving adventure!

Kaiser Hot Springs

Kaiser hot springs is a great hot spring to visit if you’re looking for something that’s on the quieter side. The hot water at Kaiser hot springs has healing properties and visitors can enjoy soaking in their private pool.

Tonto Natural Bridge Hot Springs

This hot spring is located near Payson, Arizona in Tonto National Forest. There’s plenty of picnic tables for families or you can just have a hot spring all to yourself! The best time of year to visit is in the winter when it’s nice and cool outside.

indoor hot spring

El Dorado Hot Springs

This hot spring is just a short drive from Phoenix. The hot springs are free and have plenty of parking available, which makes them easy to visit for anyone in the area! You can also enjoy an outdoor hot tub or indoor swimming pool if you want something different than your typical hot-spring soak.

Sunset Hot Springs

Located near Tucson Arizona on Highway 80, there are plenty of hot springs for you to enjoy. Several pools include an outdoor hot tub which makes it a great hot spring to visit with friends or family!

Verde River Hot Springs

Verde hot springs is a great hot spring for families to enjoy! The hot water in the pools ranges from 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit which makes it perfect for little ones who don’t want to get too hot. There’s also plenty of hiking and biking trails nearby as well if you’re looking for something different to do while visiting Arizona hot

Oak Creek Canyon Hot Springs

This hot spring is found near Sedona, Arizona and it has a large amount of naturally hot water. It’s even been known for its healing properties since the 1800s! In 1878 Dr. John Yerkes was exploring the area when he discovered that there were many hot springs along the creek.

Essence of Tranquility Hot Springs

This hot spring is located in the middle of Arizona’s desert and has plenty of parking. There are also hiking trails for you to enjoy while you take a hot-spring soak! The hot springs have no sulfur smell, which makes them perfect for people with respiratory problems like asthma or allergies!

picture of a hot spring in arizona

Beaver Creek Hot Springs

Beaver Creek Hot Springs is located in northern Arizona near Flagstaff, which makes it one of my favorite hot springs because you can soak up after hiking nearby! It’s also a great spot to watch thunderstorms roll in over the mountains.

Ringbolt Hot Springs

Ringbolt hot springs are located in the heart of Arizona’s high country on Highway 191. The hot springs are also right next to a gas station, so you can fill up your tank and then make some hot spring memories!

Sheep Bridge Hot Springs

This hot spring is one of the closest hot springs to Phoenix since it’s only about thirty minutes away. The hot water at this hot spring is a comfortable 106 degrees Fahrenheit! And if you’re looking for something that just feels good on your skin, there are also soaks with Epsom salts and other minerals like calcium bentonite clay – perfect for those who love getting their spa treatments outside in nature.

Verde Hot Springs

This hot spring is located in the town of Big Park, Arizona. There are many trails nearby for you to enjoy while also taking a hot-spring soak! The pools range from 98 degrees Fahrenheit up to 108 degrees which makes it perfect for families with small children who want something that’s not too hot or elderly people who don’t have much tolerance for intense heat.

frequently asked questions about hot springs

FAQ

What is a hot spring?

A hot spring is a natural phenomenon where hot and often mineral-rich water flows from the ground. It’s sometimes found in places with volcanic activity or on top of fault lines that create heat through friction between rocks. These are some of my favorite hot springs to visit in Arizona!

How long should I stay at the hot springs?

Spending time at hot springs is meant to be relaxing. It’s about soaking in the hot water and not having a set time limit. However, you should not spend more than two hours at hot springs to avoid getting a rash from the minerals in the water.

What should I wear when visiting hot springs?

You can wear anything you like! Pajamas, swimsuits, bathing suits – there are no rules for what people usually wear at hot springs. Many of my favorite hot springs are hot-spring soaks, which means that I can wear whatever I want.

What should you bring to the hot springs?

You don’t need anything special for a hot spring! You might see someone carrying in food and drinks to enjoy alongside their soak but it’s not mandatory or expected. Some of my favorite hot springs are hot-spring soaks, which means that I can relax and enjoy myself without bringing anything at all.

What shouldn’t you bring to the hot springs?

There are no specific things that you should or shouldn’t bring with you into a hot spring! But make sure not to bring anything that could possibly contaminate the water.

Are hot springs only found in Arizona?

There are hot springs all over the world! The hot-spring pools I listed above are just my favorite hot spring places here in Arizona – there’s a whole world of hot water waiting for you to explore. What’s your next destination?

How hot is too hot?

There are hot springs all over the world. Some can be hotter than others, but it’s always good to listen to your body and make sure you’re comfortable! My favorite hot spring pools in Arizona range from 98 degrees Fahrenheit up to 108 degrees which makes it perfect for families with small children who want something that’s not too hot or elderly people who don’t have much tolerance for intense heat.

Is hot water safe?

Yes! Hot springs are naturally occurring and hot water, regardless of where it comes from, is always safer than cold water in the wintertime. When you’re at a hot spring make sure to drink plenty of fresh water to avoid dehydration and stay healthy.

woman bathing in a hot spring

Time for a soak

Arizona doesn’t just offer amazing landscapes but also offers relaxing hot springs perfect for anyone who wants to get away from the hot summer days. With so many hot springs in Arizona, everyone will find their perfect spot whether it has minerals like sulfur or sodium chloride that make them even more soothing! I hope you enjoy this blog post about hot springs and keep checking back for updates on my guide to visiting different ones all around Arizona.

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