I had an opportunity to use my lift on a roofing project at Castle Hot Springs recently. I always enjoy getting my lift out on a new type of job, but the opportunity to poke around this former resort was irresistible! We anticipated only working with the lift a short time, and then we would be able to explore!
Castle Hot Springs Road leaves Hwy 74 just a short distance east of Hwy 60, near our home. Our directions, however, were to come in from the other end of Castle Hot Springs Road near Lake Pleasant. We were told to expect 5 miles of pavement, then 7 miles of gravel/dirt road. Towing the lift, I planned to go slow! The road was fine, only a few places with washboards and rough in spots. It crossed a series of ridges and washes, then a bridge across a (now dry) arm of Lake Pleasant before descending into the dry bed of Castle Creek. At the 7 mile point, we got our first view of the former resort.
The hot springs were used by Native Americans in pre-pioneer days for their medicinal properties. Early settlers also flocked to it’s waters and many of the buildings were built in the late 1800’s. There have been a number of devestating fires as well as changes in ownership over the years. Currently this private property is maintained by a caretaker and it OFF LIMITS. No entry is permitted! It is for sale – anybody got an extra $4 million? It would be a real steal!
The area has so much history, and is so unique, that I believe it should be purchased by the State or The Nature Conservancy and turned into an area accessible to the public. It has a unique natural history as well as a rich history of human use. The possibilities are endless, but it is going to take some big money – first to purchase it and then to take care of some much neglected maintenance and upgrades. Some maintenance is ongoing now, in an effort to dress it up for sale. This is where the lift came in handy!
Accessing the Roof with our Mini-Lift
The Roofers Had a Hard Time Getting to This Area!
Working the Other End of the Roof
I ended up being the lift operator, so we had to wait until all the roofing was done so that we could explore – we ended up only having about 30 minutes! And that included lunch! So, as soon as the lift was on the trailer, we headed up Castle Creek toward the lower pool…
The lower pool is currently stocked with Tilapia (non-native), and the water deep and is warm to the touch. Wouldn’t it be great if native fish could live there? Can you believe this is Arizona?
Looking Downstream over the Lower Pool
The middle pool is currently empty. Drained through the gate shown below. Obviously all the pools are man-made (but OLD!). I don’t know why this pool is empty.
Gate for the Middle Pool
The water in the upper pool is said to be 110 deg. This is the source for Castle Creek! I recently sprained my ankle, and took the opportunity to soak it in the pool while we ate our lunch. It felt wonderful!
Hot Water Flowing into the Upper Pool
Below is the place I soaked. The water in the pool is turquoise blue and perfectly clear. There is no foul sulfur smell, like many hot springs I have visited. There is the constant sound of running water echoing between the walls of the canyon. What a place!!
Upper Pool and Stairway
As we walked back down the creek, the sun was backlighting everything making it look especially beautiful. I don’t know if I will ever be able to go back to the springs again, but I wish…
Backlit Palms and Grasses along Castle Creek
UPDATE:
A customer of mine just gave me scans from a pamphlet advertising Castle Hot Springs – from 1907! Below are all the pages as images. Enjoy!
My wife and I drove out to Castle Hot Springs this weekend except we came in from the opposite end. I found a new friend on the road, a gila monster. I’d never seen one in the wild so it was a fun experience.
Lee, you are one lucky guy! I have only seen a few of them in my life! Did you get any pictures? I have had the chance to photograph one only once and it was not hanging around to let me pose it! 🙂 Castle Hot Springs road is a very nice drive. It would be even nicer if it were possible to get in to see the springs!
Thank you so much for this brochure/article on Castle Hot Springs! I have always wanted to get inside that place! We did manage to speak to a caretaker several years ago and he told us it also served as a hospital during WWII. There is even a flag at the top of the ridge across from the resort. Very interesting stuff! I truly hope someone realizes its historical value.
Can the pools or springs available for swimming?
No, unfortunately the whole area is private property and they allow no visitors (or trespassers). There is a high fence around the area and I hear the caretakers have guns…
Did the Castle Hot Springs get sold in 2012? That was probably about the time you were out there working on the roof. It was on the Market …but I could not tell if it sold or not. Would make wonderful spa and healing center…Wish I had a few extra million sitting around…does not hurt to dream…Use to live in Glendale and had always planned to go up there. Had friends who did. I might have to do that next time I am out there.
Thanks, Jan
There is actually an auction planned for Feb 27, 2014 to auction off Castle Hot Springs. It is going to be interesting to find out what happens!
Very neat write-up – I’ve been researching this place a ton because I find it fascinating. I took 2 friends and drove up there last Saturday morning to check it out. Unfortunately, though, we didn’t get to experience the springs and we had to appreciate the resort from outside its fence. I will be anxious to see what happens with this place. Here’s my write-up: http://drivetofive.wordpress.com/2014/02/22/ilx-drive-castle-hot-springs-resort-arizona/
Nice writeup!
In the early 80”s. My wife and I plus our 2 dogs were out driving around the backcountry and kind of got carried away. Ran out of water, but saw it as no big deal as we were kind of heading in the direction back to Lake Pleasant, when we came across Castle Hot Springs. Did not know anything about it. (New to this state). Thought it was someone’s ranch. We saw a gentleman out on the grounds and hailed him over. He was the caretaker, gave us the short version of the place, and allowed us to bring our dogs and come up to the one building’s to get some water. He was very nice, but that was the extent of where we were allowed to go. We drove by it the other day (Dec-7-2014), gathering some firewood for our campsite. Had to pull over by the gate to allow about 50 Jeeps doing an outing to pass by. Still looks nice. Bill & Mari