Verde Hot Springs in Yavapai County, Arizona (AZ)

Looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate in Arizona? Look no further than Verde Hot Springs. This hidden gem is located in Yavapai County and offers visitors a chance to soak in the therapeutic waters, surrounded by nature. If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Verde Hot Springs is the perfect place to go.

Verde Hot Springs, a former resort now ruins, is still a popular hot springs destination. It’s in Yavapai County south of Sedona and Strawberry and Camp Verde, AZ are the closest towns.

In 1922, the hot springs hotel was constructed. It became well-known for years before burning down in 1962. There are a couple of hot spring pools to select from. To get to Verde Hot Springs, you’ll have to drive a steep, long route on unpaved forest roads, climb a short but steep hill, and wade in the river.

Verde Hot Springs is clothing-optional but be respectful of other people who are using the hot springs.

Verde Hot Springs in Arizona, near Sedona and Strawberry in Perscott National Forest.
Verde Hot Springs in Arizona, near Sedona and Strawberry in Perscott National Forest. Photo: Greg W

Verde Hot Springs offers a unique experience that you won’t find at any other hot springs in Arizona. The remote location and natural setting make it a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. So if you’re looking for an escape from city life, Verde Hot Springs is the place for you.

Verde Hot Spring Mineral Pools

The Verde Hot Springs pools are quite special because they are all that remains of the resort. The pools are built into the concrete foundation of the hotel, which has a deck overlooking the Verde River. The water is 98-104 degrees F.

Second pool of Verde Hot Springs. Photo: Greg W
Second pool of Verde Hot Springs. Photo: Greg W

There are many things to do in the area. You can go swimming in the hot springs, or you can go camping, hiking, biking, or horseback riding on the trails. There are also rocks that look cool. Wildlife is attracted to the area because of the water.

Camping at Verde Hot Springs

This is a popular dispersed camping area that is managed by the USFS. It is located in the Prescott National Forest and it is beneath the ruins of the Child’s Power Plant buildings. This plant ran for more than 90 years from 1908 to 2004. It is only a simple hike uphill and a bit of wading upstream to reach the hot springs from here.

Verde Hot Springs video clip

You can camp for free at Child’s Dispersed Camping Area all year round, but you can only stay for 5 days. There are no amenities here, so pack everything out when you leave. You are not allowed to go without clothes in public here.

Hotels and Resorts near Verde Hot Springs

Since Verde Hot Springs are quite remote there are actually no hotels or resorts that we can recommend at the moment.

Getting To Verde Hot Springs

The forest is located around 30 miles southeast of Camp Verde, AZ. If you’re coming from Flagstaff, it will be about 86 miles. The roads are gravel and they can be steep and become muddy after it rains so come prepared. A 4WD car might help.

From Camp Verde – Start from the White Bridge in town and go east on Highway 260 for 6.8 miles. Take a right onto Forest Road 708/Fossil Creek Road. Continue on it for about 15 miles until you reach the junction of FR 708 and FR 502. Take Forest Road 502 south for 6 miles.

The condition of this stretch of road is terrible, so proceed with caution until you reach Child’s Power Plant by the Verde River.

A little less than a mile upriver from the campground is the hot springs.

Address and Details

GPS: 34°20’52.9″N 111°41’50.5″W (Childs Dispersed Camping Area)

Address: Child’s Power Rd, Yavapai County, Arizona, 86322, USA

Map to Verde Hot Springs

Season: Year-round

Verde Hot Springs Review

Verde Hot Springs is a former resort now in ruins, located in Yavapai County south of Sedona and Strawberry. It is still a popular destination for hot springs enthusiasts. The remote location and natural setting make it a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. Verde Hot Springs offers a unique experience that you won’t find at any other hot spring in Arizona.

So if you’re looking for an escape from city life, Verde Hot Springs is the place for you. Just be aware that the roads can be treacherous and it is clothing-optional (be respectful of others). There are also many things to do in the area including camping, hiking, biking, and horseback riding on the trails. You can also just find a spot to relax and take in the scenery. Verde Hot Springs is a great place to connect with nature and unwind.

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