Discover
Natural Hot Spring
Immerse Yourself
You’re invited to revive your soul in the deep rock waters that have for centuries lent their restorative properties to those that visit this natural wonder tucked with the Bradshaw Mountains. Today, these waters are yours to encounter, submerge yourself in and emerge renewed. Time feels like it stops when you enter the hot springs pools. The everyday worries evaporate as you immerse yourself in the water. Enter the pools slowly and let the water envelope you from your toes to the top of your head.
Minerals & Magic
Deep beneath the desert surface, the heated waters mingle with a unique combination of minerals that pour over patina-covered rocks, filling our pools. The crystal pure mineral water will relax your muscles, clear your mind, and rejuvenate your spirit.
A history of restoration
Long before the resort at Castle Hot Springs existed, those needing restoration and care — from Apache and Yavapai tribes, to frontier ranchers and explorers, to celebrities and dignitaries — found their way to these hot springs.
Our Story
History of healing
Castle Hot Springs is an historical icon, nestled in a rugged and remote desert location northwest of the Phoenix/Scottsdale metro area. Boasting a colorful history, yet untouched for nearly 40 years, this natural gem in the Bradshaw Mountains continued to produce restorative thermal waters as it waited for an inevitable return as a favorite destination resort.
The Beginning
In the beginning, indigenous people journeyed to the waters for medicinal purposes. The arrival of the railroad southeast of Wickenburg soon brought promise and a new interest in the springs. Arizona entrepreneur Frank M. Murphy purchased the property to capitalize on the restoring benefits of the water and the desert environment. Bringing history to herald Castle Hot Springs as Arizona’s first wellness resort.
Trekking to the spring
The first guests to the resort had to endure a difficult five-hour stagecoach ride to reach the springs. The journey was made easier in 1898 when the first train depot was built nearby, followed by the first bus service ten years later. Today, the location resort remains secluded. Guests can arrive by high-profile vehicle as there is 7-miles of maintained, dirt road, or schedule transfer service by SUV or to enhance the journey – by helicopter.
The springs are calling
The natural hot springs at the heart of our property produce some of the warmest water from a non-volcanic active source on earth. Minerals dissolve into the water, which has drawn people for generations.
A westward move
At the turn of the 20th century, throngs of people continued moving west, many for their health. These intrepid travelers sought the rejuvenating springs. American master artist, Maxfield Parrish’s stayed in the winter of 1901-1902. The Arizona terrain is said to have influenced his iconic skies.
Glitz & Glamour
Celebrities and dignitaries from around the world found their way to the waters of Castle Hot Springs. The guest register includes magnets of industry like the Rockefeller and the Pew families plus the Vanderbilts and Astors. President Theodore Roosevelt stayed at the resort during the dedication of the Roosevelt Dam. In the 1940’s the resort was used as a military rehabilitation center to treat veterans wounded during World War II. One famous soldier who rested at Castle Hot Springs was future president John F. Kennedy.
End of an era
In 1976 a fire broke out in the Palm House, destroying the beautiful building that had become a symbol of the resort. The building known as the Wrigley Cottage was caught in another fire in 1996, and a few years later, most of the remaining buildings were torn down. Today, the Lodge embodies the original Palm House and includes our celebrated restaurant, Harvest and a gathering bar – complete with an expansive outdoor terrace, plus a front desk key rack displayed as it was in the early days.
Phoenix rises
The property changed ownership a few more times before being purchased in 2014 by a local Arizonan couple with a passion for the Resort’s history and a vision for the future. They are committed to Castle Hot Springs, honoring the legacy of this unique property and offering genuine hospitality at this desert hideaway. Much like the mythical Phoenix that emerges to start a new long life, Castle Hot Springs has returned to deliver wellness and privacy with attentive service, in a verdant desert oasis.