5 Relaxing Hot Springs in Arizona
Want to add a splash of relaxation to your Arizona vacation? These scenic spots will take you to unique areas where natural hot springs await!
Outdoor tubs at Kachina Mineral Springs Spa
Enjoy a luxurious soak at on of Arizona’s many hot springs for a unique road trip stop. It’s a wonderful way to take a break and relax at the end of a long travel day.
Or you could visit several hot springs as a standalone road trip. Either way, we’ve got you covered with these favorite pools in Arizona.
What Makes Arizona Hot Springs Special
Remote Access
Many of the state's hot springs are located off the beaten path, far from urban centers so you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. With an RV rental from Phoenix, you’ll be self-sufficient and able to stay near the hot springs without the need for a hotel.
Scenic Drives
The routes to Arizona’s hot springs are often breathtaking, winding through deserts, mountains, and along rivers. The landscape allows you to slow down, appreciate the scenery, and stop at viewpoints, making the journey part of the experience.
Travel Tips and What to Bring
Planning Your Route
Arizona's rugged terrain means some hot springs are located off highways and accessible only via dirt or gravel roads. Be sure to check road conditions with the Dept of Transportation before you depart and choose routes that are RV-friendly, avoiding narrow or steep roads. Stick to well-maintained routes as much as possible.
Packing Essentials
Bring plenty of water—many of the springs are in arid desert regions. A good set of hiking boots is also a good idea since some hot springs require a hike. For pools closer to the parking lot, pack camping chairs (included with all Blacksford RVs) and beach towels for relaxing by the springs.
Camping Off-Grid
Many Arizona hot springs are located near public lands where boondocking (dispersed, off-grid camping) is allowed. You can camp for free in these areas close to springs like Ringbolt, El Dorado, and Castle hot springs.
Just be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles.
When to Visit Arizona’s Hot Springs
Arizona’s hot springs may close seasonally or temporarily with the seasons due to extreme heat, flash flood risks, trail maintenance, or environmental concerns. Before you go, check that the springs you’ll visit are open.
Here’s when to visit, and when to make other plans:
Winter and Spring (December–April): The best time to visit overall! With cooler temperatures and mild desert weather, soaking in the hot water is extremely refreshing. Daytime highs range from 60–70°F.
Fall (September and October): Another great season, with temperatures starting to drop, making it easier to hike and more pleasant to soak. Fall usually means smaller crowds and more chances to have the pools to yourself.
Summer (May–August): While most hot springs are open year-round, summer is not the best time to visit, as temperatures can soar well above 100°F, especially in southern Arizona. If you visit in summer, head to higher elevations in northern Arizona where temperatures are cooler and soak early in the morning or later in the evening.
Arizona Hot Spring (a.k.a. Ringbolt Hot Spring)
Location: US-93 S, White Hills, AZ
Distance from Phoenix: 266 miles (4.25 hours)
Arizona Hot Spring is located in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area near the Colorado River, about 15 miles south of Hoover Dam.
What makes this hot spring unique is the scenic but strenuous 2.5-mile hike through slot canyons and over boulders before arriving at the natural hot pools, some of which are accessed by a ladder. There is no fee to use these hot springs.
Parking and Hiking
Park in the White Rock Canyon Trailhead parking lot along US Highway 93, at about mile marker 4 if you’re coming from Kingman, AZ. From the other direction, it’s about 8.4 miles from the Lake Mead Visitor Center.
From there, walk to the Arizona Hot Spring Trail to begin your trek. According to the NPS website, the 5-mile roundtrip hike has “a 750-foot elevation change and some steep scrambling, and is considered very strenuous.”
Things to Do Nearby
Hoover Dam: Visit one of the most famous engineering marvels in the world, just a short drive away.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a must-visit nearby and has excellent camping, water activities, and great hiking trails.
Kaiser Hot Springs
Location: Wikieup, AZ
Distance from Phoenix: 125 miles (2 hours) northwest of Phoenix
Parking and Hiking
From Phoenix, take I-17 North toward Flagstaff, then merge onto US-93 North toward Kingman. After about 110 miles, turn left onto Kaiser Road, following it for about 3 miles until you reach the parking area.
A hidden gem in the northwestern Arizona desert; this primitive hot spring is an easy 1.5-mile hike from the parking lot. Clothing is optional and there’s no fee to soak.
Things to Do Nearby
Hualapai Mountain Park: Great for hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking with stunning views of the surrounding Black Mountains.
Kingman Route 66 Museum: Take a deep dive into the history of iconic Route 66, brimming with unique Americana.
Enjoy Arizona in a Blacksford RV!
El Dorado Hot Springs
Location: 41225 Indian School Rd, Tonopah, AZ
Distance from Phoenix: 53 miles (1 hour) west of Phoenix
El Dorado is a rustic, privately-owned hot springs resort with communal and private pools, some clothing-optional. Open daily from 7am–9pm; fees range from $15/hr–$40/day.
Things to Do Nearby
White Tank Mountain Regional Park: Explore hiking trails with stunning desert views and wildlife in this expansive park.
Kachina Mineral Springs Spa
Location: 1155 W Cactus Rd, Safford, AZ
Distance from Phoenix: 236 miles (3.5 hours) southeast of Phoenix
Kachina Mineral Springs Spa has private indoor and outdoor soaking tubs filled with therapeutic mineral-rich water from nearby hot springs. The outdoor tubs sit near a small pond, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
Fees for the private tubs range from $15 to $50 per session, with more expensive packages depending on the duration and services. They’re open seven days a week.
Things to Do Nearby
Mount Graham International Observatory: Reserve a guided tour during weekends mid-May–October to learn about the mountain’s wildlife, geology, history, plus a walk through the observatory.
Essence of Tranquility Hot Springs
Location: 6074 S. Lebanon Loop Road, Safford, AZ
Distance from Phoenix: 170 miles (3 hours) southeast of Phoenix
This peaceful, private hot spring is just up the road from Kachina Mineral Springs Spa. With both individual and communal soaking tubs, Essence of Tranquility Hot Springs provides a relaxing escape.
The springs are on private property and there is an hourly access fee: $15 to $35 per person for 1–3 hours. They are open Tuesday–Saturday from 8am–9pm (closed Sundays and Mondays.)
Things to Do Nearby
Roper Lake State Park: Just five minutes from the hot springs, this park is good for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching with RV campsites available for an overnight stay.
Mt. Graham: Take a scenic drive up the mountain for breathtaking views and access to hiking trails.
Explore Arizona in a Blacksford RV
With so many located within easy driving distance of Phoenix, these hot springs make a nice addition to any road trip. And with an RV rental from Blacksford, you’ll relax in comfort at the end of each day.