By Roger Naylor
When it comes to the best places to hike in Arizona, right at the top of the list are the two signature features of the state—the Grand Canyon and the Sonoran Desert. Both are spectacular and life-changing, although the desert is much easier on your knees.
Yet setting out on your own across a landscape bristling with cactus can feel a little intimidating. That’s what makes the guided hikes at Castle Hot Springs so essential. It’s the perfect introduction to this exotic desert terrain with its otherworldly beauty, defined by a profusion of its most distinctive resident, the tall stately saguaro cactus. And, it’s included with your stay.
Nestled in the heart of the rugged desert and ringed by the Bradshaw Mountains, Castle Hot Springs contains some of the best hiking trails in Arizona. With the guided hikes, you get to choose the type of adventure you want. Get some exercise, breathe some remarkably clean air, and learn about the plants and animals around you, as well as the history of the resort from knowledgeable guides.
Castle Hot Springs offers three guided hikes: Canyon Walk, Overlook Hike, and Summit Hike.
“Those are ranked easiest to hardest,” says Ryan Myers, Adventures and Activities Guide for the resort. “Our canyon walk has almost no elevation gain. Our overlook hike has ups and downs but takes a gradual pace and has many stops and viewpoints along the way. The summit hike is our fastest pace and most challenging as it climbs to one of our four summits on the property.”
Hiking in the Arizona desert is unlike anything most guests have ever experienced. You are close to the earth here. Without a dense forest of trees and heavy ground vegetation, you feel close to the earth. Without a canopy of branches and leaves, the sky opens up above you. It feels immense—like you’re seeing it for the first time.
All around you, your view is unobstructed. You can see geologic forces at work, the fault lines, erosion, and different rock strata in the mountains are exposed. Don’t worry if you can’t recognize all the data you’re suddenly absorbing. That’s what the guide is there to help with. And if you think it gets dull for the guides hiking the same trails day after day, the answer is an unequivocal no.
“Guides love hiking our trails because they’re constantly changing throughout the seasons,” says Myers. “We see new plants and animals all the time. We also love engaging with guests from all walks of life. We get to experience the desert anew through their eyes and share our passion with them.”
Preparation for a guided hike is pretty minimal. Wear appropriate clothing and comfortable but sturdy footwear (preferably hiking shoes). You should also wear a hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen. And always carry water. That’s the first rule of desert hiking. Each guest is gifted a water bottle at check-in, so you’re ready to go. The resort also offers trekking poles and backpacks for anyone who may need them.
Then venture out with a curious mind and an open heart into a unique land, where everything you see has adapted special survival techniques to endure the heat and scarceness of water. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your guide. They love to engage in this open-air classroom.
“Guests will benefit from the wide variety of knowledge shared by guides, as well as desert hiking tips and tricks,” says Myers. “Our hikes often cover topics such as Castle Hot Springs history, Sonoran Desert flora and fauna, and other information according to guest interest.”
Hiking, exercising, and spending time outdoors are all part of the wellness-driven philosophy of Castle Hot Springs. This is what relieving stress and clearing your mind is all about. Now with a guided hike under your belt, feel free to venture out on your own to explore more of the resort’s network of interconnected trails. Hiking maps and other supplies are available. Your guide will also be happy to offer suggestions for routes to explore.
Just don’t be surprised when you’re out on your own if some of the memories of your guided hike come flooding back. Maybe you’ll recognize the song of a cactus wren because your guide pointed it out. Or you’ll spot javelina tracks, or a young saguaro growing in the shade of a nurse plant, all because you recently learned about them.
Suddenly, you’re seeing the desert from a new perspective. And it truly is an astonishing place.