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OUR STORY

A HISTORY OF HEALING

Castle Hot Springs is a historical icon, nestled in a rugged and remote desert location northwest of the Phoenix/Scottsdale metro area. Boasting a colorful history, yet untouched for nearly 40 years, this natural gem in the Bradshaw Mountains continued to produce restorative thermal waters as it waited for an inevitable return as a favorite destination resort. Throughout a stay, guests can enjoy a walk through history in Castle Hot Springs' History Room. Discover a collection of relics, artifacts, monumental moments and iconic guests of the past.

EMMY AWARD WINNING DOCUMENTARY

CAstle hot springs: An oasis of time

Rocky Mountain Emmy® Award Winner for Best Historical Documentary, “Castle Hot Springs: Oasis of Time” is about a landscape that inspires legends.

Immerse yourself in the history of the property starting from it’s inceptions in 1896, all the way to the present day oasis that it has become.

THE BEGINNING
In the beginning, indigenous people journeyed to the waters for medicinal purposes. The arrival of the railroad southeast of Wickenburg soon brought promise and a new interest in the springs. Arizona entrepreneur Frank M. Murphy purchased the property to capitalize on the restoring benefits of the water and the desert environment. Bringing history to herald Castle Hot Springs as the first Arizona wellness resort.
A black and white photo showing guests on a horseback ride through the mountains near Castle Hot Springs
Black and white photo of a cowboy on a horse.
TREKKING TO THE SPRING
The first guests to the resort had to endure a difficult five-hour stagecoach ride to reach the springs. The journey was made easier in 1898 when the first train depot was built nearby, followed by the first bus service ten years later.
THE SPRINGS ARE CALLING
The natural hot springs at the heart of our property emanates from the rock and cascade into three hot springs pools of varying temperatures and the warm waters are used to heat the main resort pool. Additionally, water is piped to Spring Bungalows to fill private soak tubs and is also used throughout the Farm.
Three women are surrounding a small waterfall that is flowing into the spring. Two are standing in the water and one is leaning on the rock wall.
A black and white photo showing men tying a horse lead rope to a hitching post at Castle Hot Springs
A WESTWARD MOVE
At the turn of the 20th century, throngs of people continued moving west, many for their health. These intrepid travelers sought the rejuvenating springs. American master artist, Maxfield Parrish, stayed in the winter of 1901-1902. The Arizona terrain is said to have influenced his iconic skies.
GLITZ & GLAMOUR
Celebrities and dignitaries from around the world found their way to the waters of Castle Hot Springs. The guest register includes magnates of industry like the Rockefeller and the Pew families plus the Vanderbilts and Astors. President Theodore Roosevelt stayed at the resort during the dedication of the Roosevelt Dam. In the 1940’s the resort was used as a military rehabilitation center to treat veterans wounded during World War II. One famous serviceman who rested at Castle Hot Springs was future president John F. Kennedy.
Black and white photo of women sitting in the sun at Castle Hot Springs lodge.
CastleHotSprings Historic Lodge Photo
END OF AN ERA
In 1976 a fire broke out in the Palm House, destroying the beautiful building that had become a symbol of the resort. The building known as the Wrigley Cottage was caught in another fire in 1996, and a few years later, many of the remaining buildings were torn down. Today, the Lodge embodies the original Palm House and includes our award winning restaurant, Harvest and a gathering bar – complete with an expansive outdoor terrace, plus a front desk key rack displayed as it was in the early days.
PHOENIX RISES
The property changed ownership a few more times before being purchased by an Arizona couple who acquired it in 2014 and completed the reconstruction/development of the property in 2019. They are committed to Castle Hot Springs, honoring the legacy of this unique property and offering genuine hospitality at this desert hideaway. Much like the mythical Phoenix that emerges to start a new long life, Castle Hot Springs has returned to deliver wellness and privacy with attentive service, in a verdant desert oasis. Castle Hot Springs is a proud member of Historic Hotels of America.
A white background with the text that reads “Historic Hotels of America” and underneath that “National Trust for Historic Preservation”.
Castle Hot Springs - Resort Overview

STORIES FROM CASTLE HOT SPRINGS