By Babs Harrison
Unplug and connect with nature at Castle Hot Springs where Arizona outdoor adventure awaits. The name Castle Hot Springs evokes visions of leisurely soaks in therapeutic geothermal waters—a must-do experience—but there is so much more to be discovered. Climb 700 feet up a rock face–you can do it! Hike to the top of a mountain peak in the footsteps of JFK, ride a horse or an e-bike across wide-open terrain, and explore a slot canyon. These are just a few of the Arizona activities happening across the 1100-acre property.
Resort guests have access to a multitude of guided and self-guided activities, many of which are included in the cost of a stay. The seasonal calendar lists more than 20 different daily adventures and Arizona activities designed for all fitness levels, with top-notch equipment included.
It won’t be easy to choose just one. The activities are designed to delight your senses as you explore the outdoors. The guides truly are experts; they know their stuff and they instill you with the knowledge and confidence to try something new.
Thrill Seekers
For an adrenaline rush, conquer Arizona’s first Via Ferrata course, a thrilling way to begin the day. Outfitted with gear including a harness, carabiners and helmet, you follow a guide who leads you up and across a practice wall to traverse a suspension bridge that spans the canyon (do look down, the views are incredible) and onward to scale more cliffs rising 700 feet above the canyon floor.
Via Ferrata originated in the Dolomites during WWI as a way for soldiers to traverse mountainous territory using steel rungs embedded in the rock as footholds, and cables to hold onto while traversing from rung to rung. It’s possibly the most intimidating adventure on the list, but it’s also the most rewarding as you summit and let out a yelp of “I can’t believe I did that!” Master this course and the Western Wall awaits, a second, more challenging Via Ferrata. That’s worth a return trip.
Have you ever explored a slot canyon? This is an adventure that’s quintessentially Arizona, and you can do it at Castle Hot Springs. The Crater Canyon Exploration takes you deep into a narrow, polished rock chasm with 1000-foot-high canyon walls above and a silence punctuated only by the sound of trickling water. It’s the opposite perspective of the Via Ferrata, but using similar equipment and with an equally ecstatic high-five feeling at the end.
Hiking
There’s no better way to connect with the rugged beauty of the landscape than with a desert hike. Castle Hot Springs has an array of private trails, ranging from easy to challenging, that wind through the mountains, summits, canyons and the pristine Sonoran Desert wilderness. Pick up a map and trekking poles at the Activities & Adventure desk and set off on your own, or join a daily guided hike and learn about the desert ecosystem and history of the area. The most challenging hike is to the top of Salvation Peak, marked by a flagpole originally placed by WWII service members who came here to convalesce after the war, John F. Kennedy among them. Take the Agave Trail for a milder and more meditative two-mile walk.
Happy Trails
For many visitors, a trip to Arizona isn’t complete without getting on a horse and riding through saguaro-studded backcountry. At Castle Hot Springs, a cowboy, accompanied by his loyal border collie, will help you saddle up and go on a trail ride, tailored to your riding experience. Modern cowboys may prefer UTV razor tours, goggles included. Other rides include cruiser bikes or fat-tire E-bikes. You’ll enjoy a soak in the hot springs after these off-road adventures.
Into the Zen
For more Zen-like practices, try paddleboard yoga in the hot springs and enjoy falling off the board into the warm water as you try to find your balance. Join group classes to stretch your body and mind through yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and sound bowl meditation activities. Test your accuracy through archery with modern compound and recurve bows, or guided ax-throwing at custom-built targets.
Embrace your playful side with lawn games including bocce ball, Giant Jenga, cornhole, Frisbee, Frisbee golf and a chipping green. There’s a pickleball court too, though the beautiful surroundings may be a distraction–keep your eye on the neon-colored ball.
More than 150 crops are grown sustainably on-site for the resort’s farm-to-table dining, making the Farm Tour and the Homegrown Gardening Class popular activities led by the friendly staff at the farm who offer tastings of seasonal herbs, veggies and edible flowers. Pair these with a wine-tasting class or Farm-to-Bar Mixology 101 for a gastronomic journey.
After an exhilarating day of adventure, indulge in a soothing soak in the natural, mineral-rich hot springs. One of the best ways to reconnect with nature–vital for our mental and spiritual well-being– is to get outside.
Arizona outdoor adventures are part of the Castle Hot Springs experience, helping us realize that we are not separate from nature; we are part of it.