Castle Hot Springs

4.3/5 (16 reviews)
Surprise, Arizona (Yavapai County)
Last Updated: 03/30/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Located in an isolated desert canyon north of Phoenix, Arizona there are springs that have long been known as a natural healing ground. First known by the Apache and Yavapai Indians, the hot springs are fed by an enormous cistern created by the displacement of tertiary volcanic rock. Each day, this underground reservoir produces 200,000 gallons of water at 122 degrees Fahrenheit. In 1865, Col. Charles Craig, a commander at Fort Whipple in Prescott, chased a group of Indians through the area. His men noticed that the rocks on the nearby mountains resembled castles and since there was a creek there, they named the area, Castle Creek. This route will bring you past several old and new private properties located within cliff-lined canyons. The trail is an easy but very scenic access route to many other trails in the area. Although much of the route is privately owned, the scenery along the route offers is truly worth the drive.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.3/5 (16)
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/06/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Very easy trail if you are just wanting to go on a casual off road drive this is for you. I would recommend, if wanting to go “off roading” to go through the Morgan city wash and use North castle hot springs for a loop back to lake pleasant to go home The drive is very scenic and lovely
100
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 04/25/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

With all the snow melt and rain we got all winter this is no longer an easy. I have an outback wilderness and got to the resort fine but high clearance is a must. A lot of it is washed out and driving in 6+ inches of water for a majority. Past the resort things get much worse.
Open
Visited: 04/22/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

An easy drive through scenic country with plenty of water to cross and splash in. Wildlife was plentiful and close to (or on) the road. We travelled from Lake Pleasant to Morristown and had only a handful of vehicles coming from the other direction. recommended!
Official Crew
1100
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 04/16/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Castle Hot Springs Trail is a stunning off-road experience, especially right now. I have gone out there a few times and this was the first time there was flowing water. We crossed through maybe 5-6 very small water crossings. Nonetheless it made the trail more enjoyable. This is an easy trail but the rain has made it a tab more rough than it used to be. I still saw sedans on the trail coming and going from Castle Hot Springs Resort. This is one of my favorite trails and the presence of water made it that much better.
Official Crew
32850
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 03/29/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Ran the first half of this trail in reverse from this guide as a loop back to Lake Pleasant after completing the Morgan City Wash Trail. It was a busy day on the road with lots of traffic, which included vehicles, ATVs, and UTVs. The temperature was perfect and the afternoon sun made the desert flowers really pop. We did see a few wild burros. This trail is a great option to complete a loop back to Lake Pleasant with Morgan City Wash.

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