There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in nature — and there’s no better way to do just that than on a hike. With the clear blue sky above, the rocky desert soil below, and the sunshine all around, hiking in the Bradshaw Mountains that surround Castle Hot Springs provides an opportunity to experience the beauty of the region without having to leave the resort’s 1,100-acre sanctuary. Going at your own pace, alone with your thoughts and inspired by the beauty all around, it’s a chance to slow down and just be.
To ensure your hiking adventure is as seamless as possible, each of Castle Hot Springs’ trails are marked, and printed Google Earth maps are available for guests at the Adventure Desk. There are several trails to choose from, ranging in difficulty from easy loops to more challenging ventures. Here are five of our favorites, just in time for peak hiking season in Arizona.
Agave Trail
A hiking-only, out-and-back route, Agave Trail starts at Chocolate Drop Trail (see below) then splits off after a quarter mile to lead you to the Lake Pleasant Overlook. It is an enjoyable and approachable path suitable for all skill levels, and a great option for anyone looking for a quiet, meditative walk.
Total Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
Castle Peak Trail
Castle Peak Trail was originally blazed as a way to gradually lead adventure seekers who had just mastered the via ferrata course back to the resort — but it’s just as enjoyable as a standalone hike. The switchback trail is best when traversed slowly, allowing you to take in the stately Saguaro cacti and natural vegetation of the Sonoran Desert each step of the way. The hike is an invitation to embrace the desert and, atop the summit, sit and reflect.
Total Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
Chocolate Drop Trail
A quick hike that swirls you to a summit overlooking Castle Hot Springs and the surrounding Sonoran Desert, Chocolate Drop Trail ranks on the more difficult side due to its continuous incline. You’ll gain 250 feet in elevation in just half a mile, but the views more than make up for the challenge. At the peak, take time to savor the grandeur and beauty of the area perched upon the serendipitously placed rock.
Total Distance: 0.9 miles roundtrip
Salvation Peak Trail
The longest and most challenging hike at Castle Hot Springs, Salvation Peak Trail was named by some of the resort’s earliest guests in the late 1800s and features a U.S. flag at the peak, first erected by servicemen recuperating at the hot springs oasis during and after World War II. It is rumored that one particularly notable serviceman convalescing at the resort, John F. Kennedy, may have been a part of that trek, adding another layer of intrigue and history to the beloved trail. Gaining 850 feet in elevation in a little over a mile, the switch-back route rewards hikers with breathtaking views of Lake Pleasant along the way to the summit, and even more stunning vistas once you reach the top.
Total Distance: 2.5 miles roundtrip
Yavapai Trail
Beginning on Castle Peak Trail, about 100 feet from the summit you’ll follow a spur trail descending into Castle Creek Canyon. You’re now on the brand-new Yavapai Trail, which winds past the infamous Wells Fargo Cave and loops back around until you reach the starting point. This short trail is rich in Instagram-worthy panoramas and is open to both hikers and horseback riders.
Total Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip