Near Interstate 10, between Tucson in Arizona and El Paso in Texas, there is a campground where ATV lovers gather.
A hot spring gushes there pumped up by energy from sunlight.
ATV Playground
It must be because I like to visit “strange” hot springs, but I am often surprised at how much roads in the US are not paved.
The pavement ratio is around 60% due to the large country.
The road conditions may be one of the reasons that people are crazy about possessing a pickup trucks as if it were the status symbol.
An ATV (All-terrain Vehicle) is popular as leisure probably due to the same reason.
Hot Well dunes Recreation Area is the camping ground where the owners like to gather.
The dried up ancient lake is the playground of camping ground.
There is a well that was created by an oil driller.
The entry fee is only $3 per vehicle.
Depositing a few bank bills, let’s seek for hot springs.
Two Outdoor Pools
Regardless of the remote location, the facility is well maintained.
There are two tubs fenced in the right and left side.
The source of the spring does not gush by itself, and is pumped up.
In the machine house with a large solar panel, the lifting pump exists.
It is completely solar-powered.
You cannot dip in the hot water during the night.
The circular tub is for around six people.
The water is around 106 degrees F.
Nothing keeps Arizona’s sun out, so that the water temperature is enough for soaking.
Not chlorinated; no tap water added.
Overflowed water is absorbed in the dunes.
Move on to another outdoor tub.
It looks really similar to the other one.
Due to the farther location from the well, the water temperature is slightly lower.
In 1928, it is said that an oil driller found the hot water 1,600 feet deep in the ground.
The water quality today does not show any characteristics that suggests the existence of oil.
It means the oil-drilling was completely a failure.
The failure around 100 years ago enables your peaceful soaking.
Summary
Hot Well Dunes, Safford, Arizona, U.S.
Rating:
Tips
Collaboration of solar and geothermal energies.
- Walk-in: Yes
- Lodging: Yes (Campsite)