CASTLE HOT SPRINGS

NAME: Castle Hot Springs
COUNTY: Yavapai
ROADS: 2WD Dirt
LEGAL INFO: T7N, R1W
CLIMATE: Mild winter, Hot summer
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Anytime
COMMENTS: Most of the original buildings remain - caretaker is present - do not enter property but you can see it very well from the road.
REMAINS: Most all the original buildings, bungalows, pool, tennis courts etc...

In 1865 Col. Charles Craig, commander or troops at Prescott's Fort Whipple, pursued a group of Indians that has just raided nearby mining camps. This pursuit ended when the troops defeated the Indians and stopped to rest at what is now known as Salvation Peak. The surrounding peaks resembled castles and a creek at the bottom prompted the men to name the area Castle Creek. After finding the elusive "magic waters", or hot springs, of the Apaches, they named the area Castle Hot Springs. Four hundred thousand gallons a day fill the 3 natural pools to this day.
     In 1896 the first "resort" opened here
listing a long list of ailements the hot springs would cure. Many more buildings were completed between 1900 and 1905. The famous "Palm House" burned down in a fire that happened December, 1976. During the 1920's and 30's many famous people visited the resort often enough to have their own Bungalows built. These families include the Wrigleys, Vanderbilts, Weinberg's, Rockefellers and even Zane Grey. During this time the resort installed the first telephone in arizona and its number was "1".
     During WWII the resort was used for troop rehabilitation. Over the next 30 years the resort continued to operate until a devastating fire in 1976 . Since then only a caretaker remains and the resort has changed hands many times. Much remains including the main house, the employee house, the movie theatre, swimming pool (supposedly the largest free form pool in the world), golf course and more.


Castle Hot Springs
Courtesy Joe Hull


Castle Hot Springs
Courtesy Joe Hull


Castle Hot Springs
Courtesy Joe Hull


Castle Hot Springs
Courtesy Joe Hull


Castle Hot Springs
Courtesy Joe Hull


Great yard
Courtesy Tim Sullivan

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