Copyright 2001 Per Bothner and Nathan Williams.
Now who doesn't love getting naked with strangers?
If you raised your hand, just click on by. If you were hoping, however, that I meant enjoying one of Northern Arizona's wilderness hot springs, read on my adventurous friend! Whether you're after the touted health benefits of soaking in warm, mineral-rich water, the sociability of enjoying the springs and the scenery with friends or if you just have to have a purpose when you hike, you can satisfy the hot springs urge just a quick day trip away from the Sedona area.
About Hot Springs in General
One of the benefits of living in or near mountain ranges is the existence of hot or thermal springs. These springs are found in mountainous regions because the deep groundwater, cooked by the primal heat of the earth, needs a fault line to travel quickly back up to the surface before it loses its heat. Limestone formations, like those around the Verde Valley, are often conducive to letting this water up to the surface because it's easily eroded.
What's with the smell?
That's the hydrogen supplied, a gas produced by bacteria that live in the water. Not all springs have that characteristic rotten-egg smell - it depends on how deep the source of the spring is and how quickly the water can get to the surface. The Verde Hot Springs' aroma is definitely noticeable, but not as pungent as some.
While the water of a thermal spring is generally too warm for your average fish or bug, algae and bacteria do live happily in the warm waters. Most are harmless, but cautious types might want to avoid submerging your head or ingesting the water. There's a nasty amoeba found in many hot springs that can get to your brain via your nose and cause a potentially fatal brain infection.
