By Roger Naylor
Nothing prepares you for the wonders of hiking in the Sonoran Desert. It is a land of textures, drama, and panoramas. Without a canopy of trees, the open space absolutely surrounds you. An immense sky presses down and views stretch for miles. It is an ecosystem like no other. That’s what makes the guided hikes at Castle Hot Springs so essential. They reveal the secrets of this exotic and otherworldly terrain.
Nestled in the heart of rugged desert and ringed by the Bradshaw Mountains, Castle Hot Springs contains some of the best Sonoran Desert hiking trails to be found. And with the guided hikes, you get to choose the type of adventure you want. Enjoy some exercise, breathe remarkably clean air, and learn about the plants and animals around you, as well as the history of the resort from knowledgeable guides.
Castle Hot Springs offers three guided hikes: Canyon Walk, Overlook Hike, and the newest addition, Discovery Loop. The complementary hikes provide a diverse selection, with each of the trails offering varied terrains and experiences.
“Our Canyon Walk is a 1 to 1.5-mile casual stroll through beautiful Castle Creek Canyon, which is considered our flattest trail,” says Ryan Myers, Activities & Adventures Manager. “This is our easiest hike with almost no elevation gain.”
Despite its relative ease, the Canyon Walk makes the perfect introductory hike to Castle Hot Springs, with its combination of scenery and history. The trail winds through the lush canyon bottom, fed by a perennial flow of water. Along the way, hikers will pass petroglyphs dating back 1,000 years and a cave once used by Wells Fargo drivers to hide money. The hike also affords excellent views of the aerial walkway and the Via Ferrata course scrambling up the ridges overhead.
On the Overlook Hike, guides lead guests on a 2-mile loop that follows the trail network across the east side of the property. Utilizing the Agave and Cholla trails, hikers enjoy solitude and magnificent viewpoints on the trek. Those are often specialties of Sonoran Desert hiking.
Myers is excited about the recent addition of the Discovery Loop as one of the regular guided hikes.
“Discovery Loop is a moderate 1.5-mile loop with approximately 250 feet of elevation change along Castle Peak, Yavapai, and Castle Creek Canyon trails. The hike features some incredible moments hiking through stands of mature saguaros with stops at historic sites.”
For guests looking for something more challenging, the Summit Hike is available as a private option. This is a steeper climb to one of the resort’s four mountain peaks. Since it is a private hike, guests can set a pace that is comfortable for them or their group.
Of course, on all the guided hikes knowledgeable staff members lead the way, offering support, encouragement, and information about the wildlife, plants, and geology of the desert. And if you think it gets dull for the guides hiking the same trails day after day, the answer is an unequivocal no.
“Guides love hiking our trails because they’re constantly changing throughout the seasons,” says Myers. “We see new plants and animals all the time. We also love engaging with guests from all walks of life. We get to experience the desert anew through their eyes and share our passion with them.”
Preparation for a guided hike is minimal. Suitable hiking shoes are required. You should also wear a hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen. Always carry water. That’s the first rule of desert hiking. Each guest is gifted a water bottle upon check in, so you can stay hydrated. Additionally, the resort offers trekking poles and backpacks for anyone who may need them.
Then venture out with a curious mind and an open heart into a unique land, where everything you see has adapted special survival techniques to endure the heat and scarceness of water. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your guide. They love to engage in this open-air classroom.
“Guests will benefit from the wide variety of knowledge shared by guides, as well as desert hiking tips and tricks,” says Myers. “Our hikes often cover topics such as Castle Hot Springs history, Sonoran Desert flora and fauna, and other information according to guest interest.”
Hiking, exercise, and spending time outdoors are all part of the wellness-driven philosophy of Castle Hot Springs. This is what relieving stress and clearing your mind is all about. Now with a guided hike under your belt, feel free to set out on your own to explore more of the resort’s network of interconnected trails. Hiking maps and other supplies are available. Your guide will also be happy to offer suggestions for routes to explore. Just don’t be surprised if the things you learned on the guided hike allows you to see it all from a fresh perspective. You’ll notice not just the majesty but the details in this astonishing place. Welcome to the Sonoran Desert.