Hot Springs Near Sedona, Arizona

Sedona sits in the Verde Valley at the southern edge of the Mogollon Rim, placing it closer to Arizona's lower-elevation hot springs than cities on the Colorado Plateau above. Verde Hot Springs, about 45 miles south via AZ-179 to I-17 and FR-618 east along the Verde River, is the closest hot spring near Sedona, with free pools in the ruins of a 1920s resort holding water at 92 to 104 degrees. Sheep Bridge Hot Springs, roughly 70 miles south in the Tonto National Forest, requires a high-clearance vehicle on rough forest roads to reach 99-degree cattle tub soaks along the Verde River. Castle Hot Springs, about 85 miles southwest via I-17 and AZ-74, is a luxury resort with 115-degree source water restricted to overnight guests. Further west on US-93, Kaiser Hot Springs near Burro Creek and Cofer Hot Springs near Wikieup are free backcountry pools on BLM land at the 120-mile mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the closest hot spring to Sedona?

Verde Hot Springs is about 45 miles south of Sedona via AZ-179 to I-17 and FR-618 east along the Verde River near Camp Verde. The free pools sit in the ruins of a 1920s resort with water from 92 to 104 degrees. The last section of road is unpaved and may require high clearance.

Are there free hot springs near Sedona?

Six of the eight hot springs within 125 miles of Sedona are free. Verde Hot Springs near Camp Verde is the closest at 45 miles. Sheep Bridge Hot Springs in the Tonto National Forest is about 70 miles south. Kaiser and Cofer Hot Springs on the US-93 corridor are both free backcountry pools on BLM land.

How far is Sedona from Castle Hot Springs?

Castle Hot Springs is about 85 miles southwest of Sedona via I-17 south and AZ-74 toward Lake Pleasant, roughly 90 minutes by car. Access to the natural spring is restricted to overnight resort guests aged 18 and older. Source water reaches 115 degrees and feeds pools from 86 to 106 degrees.

Why are there so few hot springs near Sedona?

Sedona and the surrounding Verde Valley sit at a geologic transition between the Colorado Plateau and the Basin and Range province. The few hot springs in the area are tied to faulting along the Verde River, which brings groundwater into contact with heated rock. Most Arizona geothermal activity is south and west.

Can I visit El Dorado Hot Springs from Sedona?

El Dorado Hot Springs in Tonopah is about 130 miles southwest of Sedona via I-17 and I-10, roughly two hours by car. The facility offers private and communal mineral pools fed by a 107-degree artesian source. It is the most developed drive-up soaking option accessible from Sedona without unpaved roads.