Copyright 2001 Per Bothner and Nathan Williams.
To Get To Verde Hot Springs
Now that I've panicked you about brain-frying amoebas, let's go soak! Take I17 to exit 285 (General Crook Trail), go east for about three miles, then turn right on East HWY 260. Go about 8 miles and turn right on Forest Service Road 708, where the sign says "Fossil Creek & Verde River." Now comes the 19-mile drive down a dirt road. You know how long that is? WAY longer than you'd think. The road quality varies from OK to downright dangerous, so go slow, even though you'll be eager for it to end. At the intersection with Forest Service Road 502, turn right. You'll go past the Childs Power plant and end up in a campground that despite a 5-night limit, seems to be semi-permanently inhabited by groups of, oh, let's say, "free spirits."
Just head upstream from the campground for a little less than a mile. It's been suggested there's a trail there, but I've been twice and didn't see it. Just pick your way along the river bank until you see your unmistakable cue that the crossing's coming up--a couple of lanky palm trees on the other side! The Camp Verde hot springs burble away in the remnants of an old hotel that burnt down in 1962. It was apparently a swank spot in the Jazz Age, but rumors that Al Capone used it as an occasional hideaway are pure fiction. Just a little bit past where you're even with the palm trees, you'll see a road of sorts that dips down and crosses the river. This is the place to wade in. Double back slightly once you reach the other side, and you'll find the two pools, encased in concrete since the days of the resort.
The water is pleasantly warm, between 98 and 104 degrees. As to any microbes that might be swimming around - well, I'm no scientist. All I can tell you is I splashed around the pools on two separate occasions and suffered no ill effects.
Well hello there!
There is a sign at the Childs campground that indicates that public nudity is prohibited. This prohibition is about as effective as you'd imagine. It's a hot springs, and there's a whole subculture of folks who seek out these geological treats specifically to enjoy getting a little nature on their bare hides. The trip to Verde Hot Springs is probably best left to adults only, and if you're shy, try to visit during off-times, like mid-week.
Article by Sarah Horton
Visitor Comment, June 22, 2008:
I spent the week of 4-20-07 at Camp Verde Hot Springs and I must say it is one of the most awesome experiences I ever had. Your article is right on point and I'm glad you posted your extended info!!! — Kira
Visitor Comment, March 12, 2009:
I would love to see this on Google maps. Can anyone send a link or any information that allows that? I just can't get a sense of where it is. Thanks!
Visitor Comment, March 30, 2009:
For mapping purposes, it is very near Childs. However, there is another place named Childs near Ajo, and Google Maps prefers that. So here's a link:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=e+childs,+az&sll=34.498635,-112.059174&sspn=0.800162,1.235962&ie=UTF8&ll=34.35364,-111.668472&spn=0.193587,0.30899&t=h&z=12&iwloc=A
— Colin
