Are There Hot SpringsAre there hot springs in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona's hot springs include Arizona Hot Springs in a canyon below Hoover Dam, free riverside pools at Verde and Sheep Bridge, El Dorado Hot Springs west of Phoenix and a cluster of tubs and spas around Safford.
Several listed springs can't be visited: Little Jamaica was removed in 2022, Buckhorn in Mesa closed in 1999, and Pumpkin Spring in the Grand Canyon is off limits for soaking because of arsenic. Each listing says whether you can get in.
Quick facts about hot springs in Arizona
Arizona's soaking season is autumn to spring, and some springs close in summer because of extreme heat.
- Near Phoenix
- El Dorado, Castle Hot Springs
- Free soaks
- Verde, Sheep Bridge, Kaiser
- Best season
- October to April
- Cluster
- Safford area
- We list
- 20 hot springs
- Best known
- Arizona Hot Springs
- Summer closure
- Arizona Hot Springs, May 15 to September 30
Best hot springs in Arizona
The Arizona hot springs most visitors plan a trip around.
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Natural
Arizona Hot Springs
Near KingmanPools in a slot canyon above the Colorado River; closed in summer.
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Natural
Verde Hot Springs
Verde ValleyFree riverside pools at an old resort site; clothing optional.
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Resort
El Dorado Hot Springs
TonopahRustic desert resort west of Phoenix with communal and private soaks.
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Resort
Castle Hot Springs
Bradshaw MountainsA historic luxury resort for overnight guests aged 18 and over.
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BLM tubs
Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area
East of SaffordBLM hot tubs among sand dunes.
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Natural
Sheep Bridge Hot Springs
Near CarefreeA free pool by the Verde River at the end of a long dirt road.
Hot springs in Arizona map
Where each of the 20 hot springs in Arizona is. Pin shapes show the type; open the larger map for more detail.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Famous hot springs in Arizona
All 20 hot springs we list in Arizona, A to Z, including several that are closed.
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Natural
Arizona Hot Springs, Arizona
Pools in a slot canyon above the Colorado River below Hoover Dam; a moderate hike, closed May 15 to September 30.
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Backcountry
Boy Scout Hot Springs, Arizona
Free canyon pools reached by a long hike or by kayak on the Colorado River; no facilities.
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Closed
Buckhorn Hot Mineral Wells, Arizona
Historic bathhouse in Mesa that has been closed since 1999.
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Resort
Castle Hot Springs, Arizona
Historic luxury resort about an hour from Phoenix; overnight guests aged 18 and over only.
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Private land
Cofer Hot Springs, Arizona
Springs on private land near Wikieup that are not open to the public.
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Warm pond
Dankworth Ponds Warm Springs, Arizona
Artesian warm pond for wading and fishing in a state park unit south of Safford; day-use fee.
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Resort
El Dorado Hot Springs, Arizona
Rustic desert resort west of Phoenix with communal clothing-optional pools, private tubs by the hour, camping and rooms.
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Private tubs
Essence of Tranquility, Arizona
Six private and communal tubs with a casita and camping; clothing optional in the private rooms.
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Private retreat
Holladay Hot Springs, Arizona
Private retreat near Eden that is not open for walk-in soaking; contact the operator.
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Closed
Hookers Hot Springs, Arizona
Springs on a Nature Conservancy preserve that are closed to visitors.
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BLM tubs
Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area, Arizona
Concrete hot tubs among sand dunes on BLM land, open in daylight hours with a vehicle day-use fee.
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Private retreat
Indian Hot Springs, Arizona
Private retreat on very hot springs near Eden; no walk-in soaking.
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Spa
Kachina Mineral Springs Spa, Arizona
Small spa with private mineral tubs and an outdoor pond; appointments required.
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Natural
Kaiser Hot Springs, Arizona
Free pool of about 100°F in a desert wash, a 1.4-mile sandy walk from US-93; no facilities.
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Closed
Little Jamaica Hot Springs, Arizona
Former roadside pool off I-15; closed by ADOT in 2022, with the pool removed and the site fenced.
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Natural
Lone Palm Hot Springs, Arizona
Warm pool beside a lone palm on the river below Hoover Dam, reached by kayak or a hike.
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View only
Pumpkin Spring, Arizona
Orange travertine pool on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, seen from rafts; soaking is banned because of arsenic.
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Closed
Roper Lake State Park Hot Spring, Arizona
State park near Safford with camping and lake swimming; its hot spring tub is permanently closed.
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Natural
Sheep Bridge Hot Springs, Arizona
Free pool by the Verde River at the end of a long, rough road from Carefree; high clearance needed.
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Natural
Verde Hot Springs, Arizona
Free riverside pools at an old resort site on the Verde River; rough roads and a river crossing; clothing optional.
Visiting hot springs in Arizona
Seasons
October to April. Summer heat is dangerous on desert trails, and Arizona Hot Springs is closed from May 15 to September 30 each year.
Entry fees
Verde, Sheep Bridge and Kaiser are free. Arizona Hot Springs is in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, so a park pass is needed. Hot Well Dunes charges a vehicle day-use fee, and resorts like El Dorado and Castle Hot Springs charge for entry or stays.
Access and travel
Arizona Hot Springs is off US-93 near Hoover Dam. Verde and Sheep Bridge need rough forest roads, often high clearance. The Safford springs are about three hours east of Phoenix.
Hot springs in Arizona FAQ
What is the best hot spring in Arizona?
Arizona Hot Springs below Hoover Dam is the best known natural soak, and Verde Hot Springs is a favourite free option.
Are there hot springs near Phoenix?
Yes. El Dorado Hot Springs in Tonopah is about an hour west, and Castle Hot Springs is about an hour north.
When is Arizona Hot Springs closed?
Every year from May 15 to September 30, because of extreme summer heat.
Are there free hot springs in Arizona?
Yes. Verde, Sheep Bridge and Kaiser Hot Springs are free, though all need dirt roads or a hike.
Can you soak at Pumpkin Spring in the Grand Canyon?
No. Its water contains high levels of arsenic, so soaking is not allowed.
Before you soak in Arizona
Desert springs need extra planning.
- Keep your head above waterThe CDC warns that a rare but deadly amoeba can live in warm natural water, so keep your head out of it.
- Respect closuresClosed sites like Little Jamaica and Hookers are fenced or protected.
- Carry plenty of waterTrails like Arizona Hot Springs are hot and exposed, even in spring.
- Pack it outNatural springs have no bins.
- Check the clothing ruleVerde and some others are clothing optional by custom, while Castle Hot Springs requires swimwear.
Pictures of hot springs in Arizona
Photos of Verde Hot Springs, Castle Hot Springs and Sheep Bridge Hot Springs, all hot springs in this guide. We only use photos whose license allows reuse and credit the photographer under each one. The full credits are on our photo credits page.
Sources and verification
This guide was reviewed on . Facts come from the official sources listed below.
- CDC: Preventing brain infection when swimming (head above water)
- Visit Arizona (official state tourism)
- NPS: Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Arizona Hot Springs)
- NPS: Grand Canyon National Park (Pumpkin Spring)
More hot springs in the United States
Other states where we list hot springs.