“What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.”

-Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

Close your eyes and picture a desert scene. What do you see?

For many people the first image that leaps to mind is a tall stately cactus with arms raised skyward. And rightly so. That’s the saguaro cactus, an iconic symbol of Arizona. It grows only in the Sonoran Desert, which covers the lower third of the state. Perched in the heart of this complex landscape resides the startling oasis of Castle Hot Springs and its mysterious, magical waters. This is where the Sonoran Desert hides its well.

The Sonoran Desert Landscape

In Arizona, the Sonoran Desert is a signature landscape featuring a series of distinct mountain ranges separated by wide valleys and forests of elegant saguaros. While it’s hard to call any desert lush, the Sonoran certainly qualifies. With its pattern of summer monsoons and occasional winter rains, the Sonoran Desert is the wettest desert in the world.

It’s also the most biologically diverse, bristling with plant life, which in turn, increases animal life. More than 100 species of reptiles, 60 types of mammals, and 350 different species of birds call the desert home. Hot in the summer, which should come as no surprise, it is also America’s warmest—deliciously warm—winter desert. The bounty of sunshine and subtropical temperatures that roll in from fall through spring are part of what makes Castle Hot Springs such an enticing little sanctuary.

“Guests love the remoteness of the property,” says Kevin Maguire, General Manager of Castle Hot Springs. “But we’re still close to Phoenix and Scottsdale. They travel through a desert landscape on their way to discover this vibrant oasis surrounded by greenery that is all being fed by the springs.”

A Remote Retreat

Nestled in a canyon carved from the rock and sinew of the Bradshaw Mountains, Castle Hot Springs provides a luxurious harbor for guests. Yet beyond the strip that includes a lane of palm trees, citrus trees, cabins, bungalows, pools, and gardens bursting with flowers, the Sonoran desert landscape remains intact, accessible only by a handful of trails.

“We wanted to protect our desert surroundings and leave it undeveloped. So we’ve exposed more than 900 acres of the landscape for guest use that is totally secluded. You can spend time away from things and may never see another human throughout the day,” says Maguire.

Such instant access to wild country is a rare gift that few resorts can provide. Guests of Castle Hot Springs can venture out to explore on their own. Stop by the Activities & Adventures Desk for maps, extra water, and any equipment that might be needed. Then follow the well-marked trails across sandy streambeds and up cactus-dotted slopes crunchy with stone. With every footstep, you feel the marrow of this ancient land. From hilltops, astonishing views spill away in all directions. And it feels like you can discern every detail. Lacking humidity and haze, the visibility seems endless in the clear desert air. Gaze across the Bradshaws and their angular cliff faces to the rough peaks of distant ranges to the sparkling waters of Lake Pleasant.

Access Adventure

Better yet, take one of the guided hikes offered by Castle Hot Springs. On these outings, knowledgeable guides provide information on the plants, wildlife, and geology of the desert. Learn about the ancient cultures that once resided in this rugged terrain, the long and fascinating life cycle of the saguaro—the largest cactus in the country—and how different animals adapt to desert conditions. Suddenly, this exotic land feels even more vibrant as its secrets are revealed.

“People are enthralled by the desert. They’re looking for history and relevant facts and information,” says Maguire. “They come to Castle Hot Springs and we’re able to transition them into the desert and then back to the comfort of the resort. We want guests to have that experience while at the same time we’re dedicated to educating them about the desert to instill a sense of respect for this unique environment.”

A Window To The Soul

The desert is everything all at once. Both epic and intimate, it is a land laid bare. This is the definition of wide-open spaces. It’s not hard to find yourself when in the desert. Out here, there’s no place to hide.

That expanse and sense of freedom proves most seductive. The desert takes hold of you. It pulls you outdoors into the balmy sunshine where bold cactus flowers perfume the air and the slanted light colors the cliffs and crags until they seem almost alive.

Pause not just for the vistas but also for the soothing silence. Stop and listen. No matter how noisy the world becomes, the desert maintains its quiet voice. This is where you come to hear the whisper of lizard feet scurrying through the sand, the breeze rustling the blooms of the brittlebush, or the soft whirr of a hummingbird zipping past on its search for nectar.

This is where you come to once again hear the sound of your own beating heart.

Written by Roger Naylor.