The range known as the White Mountains, Arizona's second tallest mountain range, extends along the border between Arizona and New Mexico. Within this relatively isolated mountain region that lies 220 miles to the east of Arizona's capital and largest city, Phoenix, and 250 miles north of the city of Tucson, are mountain lakes, streams, alpine meadows and thermal springs.
Hannah Hot Spring may top Arizona's list for isolated hot springs. This one is a long way from civilization. To get there requires a 7-mile trail hike in and back out again, so an overnight backpack camping trip is recommended. The hot spring is contained in a concrete basin very much like a cattle watering tank, so anticipate primitive surroundings. The spring water at its source is in the range of 133 degrees Fahrenheit. It is cooler at the surface inside the basin. Nearest Arizona town is Blue and the nearest New Mexico town is Alma.
Like Hannah Hot Spring, this clear water spring is isolated. Unlike Hannah, it is undeveloped without so much as a concrete basin. Salt River Warm Spring is the font of a creek that, as the name implies, feeds into the Salt River. It is located in the White Mountain Apache Reservation in a red rock landscape. Fort Apache is the nearest settlement, about one mile away. The spring water comes out of the ground beneath a thicket of trees at a temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, wending its gradual downward way for about 100 yards into the river and cooling as it goes. The most frequent and constant visitors to the area are cattle. The spring can be reached by way of a little-used dirt road. It is slow going and only recommended for four-wheel drive. This is Arizona back country and with that comes a few cautions. Do not drive if there has been rain or if rain is anticipated.
At the foot of the White Mountains near Clifton, Arizona, is a hot spring that is now part of a bed and breakfast establishment. Potter Ranch, on the Gila River, is a part of local history and has been one family's history for generations. The source of the thermal waters is springs near the San Francisco River. The water is conveyed via pump to the ranch then piped directly into two hot tubs made of fiberglass. At its source the water is quite hot, in the 150 degrees Fahrenheit range. It is blended with tap water to cool it, so the tub is a more user-friendly 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The soaking tubs are built in, surrounded by a deck and fences of lattice to provide privacy and a view of a red rock canyon at hand. Registered bed and breakfast guests can avail themselves of the hot spring baths. Day use may also be available to visitors who are not registered guests.
Potter Ranch Bed & Breakfast
502 Potter Ranch Lane
Clifton, AZ 85533
928-865-4847
