A former resort now ruined, Verde Hot Springs is still a cherished hot springs destination. It’s located south of Sedona in Yavapai County, with the closest towns Camp Verde, AZ, and Strawberry, AZ.
The hot springs hotel was built in 1922. It was famous for years before burning down in 1962. There are a couple of hot springs pools to choose from. To reach Verde Hot Springs, it’ll require a steep at times, long rough drive on forest roads, a short, but steep uphill hike, and wading in the river.
Hot Mineral Spring Pools
The main pools are Verde Hot Springs are quite spectacular because they’re all that remains of the resort. They’re both built into the concrete foundation of the hotel, which features a deck overlooking the Verde River. The water ranges from 98 and 104 degrees F.
In addition to the hot springs pools, there are dispersed camping, multi-use hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as cool-looking rocks. The area is abundant in wildlife attracted to the riparian habitat.
Dispersed Camping
Managed by the USFS, this is a very popular dispersed camping area that sits beneath the ruins of the former power plant buildings. It’s located within the Prescott National Forest. Childs Power Plant ran for more than 90 years from 1908 to 2004. It’s only a simple hike uphill and a bit of wading upstream to reach the hot springs from here.
Camping is free and permitted year-round at Childs Dispersed Camping Area, however, it’s limited to 5 days. There are no amenities here except for a vault toilet, so pack all your trash out. Going without clothing in public is prohibited here.
Getting There
It’s located around 30 miles southeast of Camp Verde, AZ, or 86 miles if coming from Flagstaff. The forest roads are rough gravel and steep and become muddy after it rains, so come weather pending. 4WD helps.
From Camp Verde – Starting at the White Bridge in town 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.
This section of the road is considerably lousy, so go slow until you reach Childs Power Plant beside the Verde River.
From the campground to reach the hot springs is a little less than a mile upstream
Details
Address: Child’s Power Rd, Yavapai County, Arizona, 86322, USA
GPS: 34°20’52.9″N 111°41’50.5″W (Childs Dispersed Camping Area)
Season: Year-round
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