By: Roger Naylor
Of all the things to experience at Castle Hot Springs resort, the simplest activity may turn out to be the most impactful. While you’re here, be sure to go for a walk.
Spread across the 1,100-acre property is an intriguing network of hiking trails, the envy of every other Arizona resort. These pathways are the keys to unlocking the quiet majesty of an ecosystem that exists nowhere else on earth. The Sonoran Desert, the most biologically diverse desert in the world, bristles with plant and animal life. Bathed in sunshine, guarded by forests of the tall stately saguaro cactus, the Sonoran Desert is the essence of the Old West wrapped around a verdant oasis formed by the hot springs.
No one encounters the full bounty that Castle Hot Springs offers like a hiker. Moving quiet and slow allows the desert world to open around you. Stretch your legs, breathe the fresh air while savoring a tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells. Rugged yet accessible country is spread along these Arizona hiking trails. Experience wellness, joy, and relaxation on a hike—all the factors that define the Castle Hot Springs experience.
Here are some of the best hiking trails the resort has to offer.
Chocolate Drop Trail – What other resort allows guests to walk out their door and onto a trail? Beginning just behind the cabins, Chocolate Drop makes a gentle twisting climb to an easy summit. With only 250 feet of elevation gain, this hike can be enjoyed by almost anyone. Yet as the final stretch spirals around the flattened mountain top, hikers are rewarded with splendid views of the resort property and surrounding landscape.
Agave Trail – Connecting the resort with the agave farm, this trail was built 48-inches wide allowing guests to walk side-by-side. The trail crosses rolling hills, passing two impressive overlooks before descending to the multi-acre farm bristling with a striking array of agaves and their distinctive sword-like leaves. The plants will eventually be harvested and distilled into spirits. On the return, veer off on the Cholla Trail, which creates a loop through a scenic wash.
Castle Peak Trail – Make a short, moderate climb to the top of Castle Peak, which is located just west of the resort. Expect a 500 feet elevation gain along the switchbacking trail. But that will earn hikers some expansive views of the rugged system of canyons and mountains surrounding the resort.
Castle Peak Loop – Most of the trails at Castle Hot Springs are interconnected so it’s easy to combine them for customized outings highlighting a variety of features. One of the very best is the Castle Peak Loop, which utilizes Castle Peak, Castle Creek Canyon, and Yavapai trails for an intriguing loop hike. Along the way, you’ll pass impressive saguaro groves and a perennial stream, as well as historic sites like the Wells Fargo Cave and Hohokam petroglyphs. You’ll also have excellent views of the aerial walkway spanning the canyon and Via Ferrata course high on the mountainside. The loop can be taken in either direction but vistas are slightly better if you go up Castle Peak and descend on Yavapai.
Salvation Peak Trail – Of course, many hikers and peak-baggers alike will be drawn to the most prominent landmark within miles. Salvation Peak rises more than 800 vertical feet in just over a mile. The summit is crowned with a large American flag. The flag was installed in the 1940s when the resort served as a convalescent camp for wounded soldiers in World War II. They planted the flag high overhead and it has waved proudly ever since. There’s a rock scramble at the end of this challenging hike but the expansive vistas and sense of satisfaction experienced atop the summit will make this an outing you never forget.
Remember that all the trails at Castle Hot Springs are only open to guests of the resort, so you never have to worry about overcrowding or poor trail maintenance. Good signage makes the routes easy to navigate. Detailed maps and descriptions are available at the Adventures & Activities Desk. And of course, to learn even more about the history, and flora and fauna of the property, guided hikes are led by knowledgeable staff members.
Best of all, if you enjoy enough of a workout to generate tired muscles, it’s not a problem at all. There’s a certain mineral-infused natural hot spring at the base of a cliff just waiting to offer soothing, nourishing relief. The perfect end to a perfect day full of Arizona adventures at Castle Hot Springs.