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A HISTORY OF HEALING

Castle Hot Springs is a 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.

Watch the Emmy Award winning documentary “Castle Hot Springs: An Oasis of Time” to immerse yourself in the history. Watch >>

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 the first Arizona 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. 

The Springs are Calling

The natural hot springs at the heart of our property emanates from the rock and cascade into three hot springs pools of varying temperatures and the warm waters are used to heat the main resort pool.  Additionally, water is piped to Spring Bungalows to fill private soak tubs and is also used throughout the Farm.

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, 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 magnates 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 serviceman 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, many of the remaining buildings were torn down. Today, the Lodge embodies the original Palm House and includes our award winning 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 by an Arizona couple who acquired it in 2014 and completed the reconstruction/development of the property in 2019. 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. 

Castle Hot Springs is a proud member of Historic Hotels of America.

A HISTORY OF HEALING

Castle Hot Springs is a 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.

Watch the Emmy Award winning documentary “Castle Hot Springs: An Oasis of Time” to immerse yourself in the history. Watch >>

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. 

The Springs are Calling

The natural hot springs at the heart of our property emanates from the rock cascades into three hot springs pools of varying temperatures  and the same waters are used to heat the main resort pool.  Additionally, water is piped to the Spring Bungalows to fill private soak tubs and is used throughout the Farm.

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, 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 magnates 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 serviceman 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, many of the remaining buildings were torn down. Today, the Lodge embodies the original Palm House and includes our award winning 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.

 

Castle Hot Springs is a proud member of Historic Hotels of America.

 

Phoenix Rises

The property changed ownership a few more times before being purchased by an Arizona couple who acquired it in 2014 and completed the reconstruction/development of the property in 2019. 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.