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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’s also essential to take time to unwind when visiting the city. And there’s no better way to relax than soaking in one of the many hot springs near Phoenix — from luxurious spa resorts to remote, rock-lined pools deep in the desert.
While Phoenix itself doesn’t have natural thermal springs within city limits, several fantastic soaking spots lie within driving distance. Most require a road trip of one to three hours, but the reward is well worth it. Whether you’re seeking a full-service wellness retreat or a primitive pool under the stars, you’ll find plenty of options that showcase the best of Arizona hot springs — from their rich mineral content to the incredible backdrops they offer.
Map of Hot Springs Near Phoenix
Hot Springs Near Phoenix
1. Castle Hot Springs (50.6 Miles)
Just over an hour’s drive northwest of Phoenix, Castle Hot Springs is the closest luxury hot spring resort to the city—and one of the most exclusive. Tucked into the Bradshaw Mountains, this desert oasis has attracted visitors for centuries, from the local Apache and Yavapai tribes to early settlers in the late 1800s.
First opened as a resort in 1896, Castle Hot Springs quickly gained fame for its restorative waters and remote setting. Today, it remains a high-end escape where guests can relax in three natural hot spring pools, each set into the rugged landscape and offering water temperatures that average an impressive 120°F. The spring is recognized as the hottest non-volcanic natural spring on the planet. Its high concentrations of lithium, magnesium, and bicarbonate are believed to support relaxation and overall wellness.
Access to the springs and resort is limited to overnight guests only, with check-ins available on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Rates vary depending on the season and room type, and advance reservations are required.
The resort features a full-service spa, a farm-to-table restaurant sourcing ingredients from the onsite organic farm, and premium accommodations that blend modern luxury with a remote, unplugged setting. Whether you’re soaking under the stars or hiking the surrounding desert trails, Castle Hot Springs offers a unique blend of comfort, history, and desert tranquility.
2. El Dorado Hot Springs (52.5 Miles)
Tucked away in the desert community of Tonopah, about an hour’s drive west of Phoenix, El Dorado Hot Springs offers one of the most distinctive soaking experiences in Arizona — combining rustic charm with the soothing effects of naturally heated mineral water.
The property features a selection of soaking areas, including a clothing-optional public pool and several private tubs in the Desert View and Sunset View sections. Each pool is fed from the same underground geothermal source, with water temperatures averaging around 107°F and a pH of 8.2, providing a gently alkaline and deeply relaxing soak.
In addition to the soaking areas, El Dorado offers a variety of accommodations. Desert Pete’s Bunkhouse provides basic rental rooms bundled with soaking access, while the Mariposa room sits directly next to the public pool area. For a more outdoorsy stay, guests can also book tent or RV campsites, surrounded by open desert views and the peaceful quiet of Tonopah.
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, El Dorado Hot Springs is a quiet, low-key escape that emphasizes simplicity, solitude, and the natural healing power of hot mineral water. Day-use starts at $10, with additional fees for private areas and overnight stays.
3. Sheep Bridge Hot Springs (83.1 Miles)
Despite being relatively close to the city as the crow flies, Sheep Bridge Hot Springs requires a rugged three-hour drive from Phoenix, much of it along forest roads. Still, for those willing to make the journey, this primitive soaking spotoffers one of the most peaceful and scenic hot spring experiences in Arizona.
The spring sits on the banks of the Verde River, just beside the historic Sheep Bridge—originally built in the 1940s to help shepherds guide their flocks across the water. While the original was dismantled in the 1980s, a replica suspension bridge now spans the river, adding to the area’s rugged desert charm.
The hot spring itself is a small, rock-lined tub that fits about three people and holds water at a relaxing 100°F year-round. If the mineral-rich water gets too warm, you can cool off with a dip in the river. There’s also a rope swing and even cliff-jumping spots, making it a low-key adventure destination as well as a soak.
The surrounding area, managed by the Tonto National Forest, features scenic hiking trails and wide-open spaces for those looking to explore. Dispersed camping is allowed for up to 14 days, making this one of the best remote hot springs for an overnight stay in nature.
Accessing the site typically involves a drive followed by a short hike. For updated trail details and conditions, check the Sheep Bridge Hot Spring route on AllTrails.
4. Verde Hot Springs (119 Miles)
One of the most unique soaking destinations in Arizona, Verde Hot Springs sits deep in the wilds of Yavapai County, roughly three hours north of Phoenix. Once a luxurious wellness resort in the 1920s, the original Verde Hot Springs Hotel thrived for decades until a devastating fire in 1962 reduced it to ruins.
While the resort buildings were never rebuilt, visitors can still explore the crumbling concrete foundations and enjoy several primitive mineral pools scattered around the old site. The main soaking areas are nestled within the remnants of the structure and offer elevated views over the Verde River, with water temperatures typically ranging between 98°F and 104°F year-round.
Today, nature has reclaimed much of the site, giving it an overgrown, almost mythical atmosphere. Graffiti-covered walls, mineral-stained rock, and surrounding desert flora combine to create an off-grid oasis that feels lost in time. For those seeking a raw, scenic hot spring experience, Verde delivers.
Reaching the hot springs requires effort. The most common route is a drive through Camp Verde followed by a rugged dirt road and a short river crossing. For trail info and the latest access conditions, check the Verde Hot Spring route on AllTrails.
While remote, the area is popular for hiking, biking, and dispersed camping, making it a perfect base for multi-day outdoor adventures. Just remember to pack in and pack out, as there are no services onsite—and respect the fragile historical and natural environment.
5. Kaiser Hot Spring (128 Miles)
Encompassed by pristine landscapes and breathtaking desert surroundings, Kaiser Hot Spring is one of the most beautiful primitive hot springs near Phoenix. Located about a two-hour drive north of the city, the spring requires a further 1-mile hike from the trailhead to access—but the journey is well worth it.
The soaking area consists of two side-by-side thermal pools, naturally separated by a rock wall. The mineral-rich water maintains an average temperature of around 100°F, providing a warm and calming soak throughout the year.
Thanks to its remote location and the soothing properties of its natural waters, Kaiser Hot Spring offers one of the most peaceful respites in the state—perfect for unplugging from modern life and reconnecting with the raw beauty of Arizona’s desert.
The nearby Burro Creek Campground allows visitors to extend their stay in this scenic region, offering a deeper immersion into the area’s dramatic landscapes and natural quiet.
6. Essence of Tranquility (171 Miles)
Essence of Tranquility operates out of the peaceful community of Safford, offering a simple yet rejuvenating thermal pool experience in a rustic, community-oriented setting. Located about three hours from Phoenix, this privately run resort is a favorite among those seeking quiet relaxation away from the bustle of the city.
The property features five clothing-optional private tubs and a communal pool where bathing suits are required. Each pool is filled with naturally heated mineral-rich water, maintaining temperatures between 98°F and 105°F, perfect for easing tension and stress.
An onsite thermal spa offers massage services and specialty wellness treatments for deeper relaxation. Meanwhile, accommodation options range from cozy casitas to camping spots with access to a shared kitchen and BBQ area, making it easy to extend your stay.
Essence of Tranquility is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and is closed Sundays and Mondays. Rates start at $15 for one hour, $25 for two hours, and $35 for three hours. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
