Castle Hot Springs

Castle Hot Springs, sometimes referred to as the "grand dowager" of Arizona resorts, is located just 55 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix in a valley surrounded by the rocky cliffs and crags of the Bradshaw Mountains.

The site enjoys a rich and lengthy history stretching back to the pre-settlement Apaches who attributed healing powers to the hot, clear water that poured out from the canyon rock. Castle Hot Springs also served as the first territorial capital of Arizona as well as a retreat for wealthy businessmen, politicians and even presidents. The waters were advertised as a cure for a long list of ailments and are the source of a verdant oasis in a landscape dominated by cactus and desert scrub.

Castle Hot Springs was closed following a fire that destroyed the main building. Several structures, the lush lawn and its rows of hundred-year-old palm trees are now maintained by caretakers and can be viewed from the road.

To view the resort, take the Lake Pleasant Road off Highway 74 toward Lake Pleasant entrance and go left at the fork. Castle Hot Springs Road is unpaved and is rugged driving for the next 12 miles. The drive itself is quite scenic, dotted with saguaros and, with good timing, lined by a carpet of desert wildflowers.

To learn more, visit the Castle Hot Springs website.