If you find yourself in southeast Arizona searching for beautiful views and a dip in a hot spring, then look no further than the Hot Well Dunes in Safford. With two cement grated tubs for soaking and ten developed tent and RV sites, the area is perfect for camping, hot tubbing, and even driving in sand dunes.
It is believed that two million years ago, the sands at the Hot Well Dunes were a beach by a lake. Much later, in the 1920s, an oil-drilling operation hit water instead of oil. This resulted in an artesian well, which now produces 250 gallons of water per minute for these hot springs tubs.
Hot Springs Tubs
Today, the pumps are powered by solar panels. The temperature of the water depends on the time of year and is about 106 degrees coming out of the source.
The roads to get to the Hot Well Dunes can be difficult, with many potholes, twists, and turns, but the journey will be well worth it when you get to your destination. It’s best suited for off road capable vehicles. After arriving and paying a $3 per vehicle fee, you can enjoy peace, serenity, and great views.
The tubs are drained at sunset each day and then refilled in the morning, so you should plan your visit around these time restraints. You should also keep in mind that summers in the area are very hot and the park is especially crowded on weekends, so for the optimal experience, consider planning your trip for a weekday when the weather is cooler.
Activities
The primitive hot springs are surrounded by 2000 acres of beautiful sand dunes. Additionally, small cattail-lined ponds in the area are home to fish and other wildlife.
Camping: If you are planning a camping trip, you can use one of the ten tent/RV sites, as well as the toilets and fire grills on site. There is not much else in the area, so you should be sure to pack plenty of food and water so that you can rest comfortably here. You can even bring along your pets as long as they remain on their leashes and out of the hot springs.
Be sure to check the weather and road conditions as well, as the wet season makes the roads more difficult to drive and navigate.
Whether you want an excursion that will allow you to picnic, go fishing, relax in a hot spring, or take some beautiful photos, the Hot Well Dunes in Arizona might just be the perfect spot for you and your family to spend some time away from home and enjoy the great outdoors.
Getting There
Starting in Safford, AZ, get on Highway 70 and continue for 7 miles east. Turn right onto the Bureau of Land Management’s Haekel Road and continue south for 25 miles. You’ll need a high-clearance 4×4 to reach the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area.
Details
Address: Safford, AZ 85546
Phone: 928-348-4400
Website: blm.gov/visit/hot-well-dunes
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