El Dorado Hot Springs is about 30 miles west of Phoenix and we tried it out yesterday. It is a very unassuming facade and we weren’t sure what we were getting ourselves into. I parked and went in to see what it was like. The fellow at the table said it was $10 per hour per person and no, I could not go see the public area to see if I liked it. I could take a look at one of the private areas but they were going to cost $15 per hour per person. I paid for the public area and figured we would take our chances.
I knew that it was clothing optional, optional being the important part. We were counting on being able to were our suits if we so chose. Two things conspired against us. The first was when we opened the trunk and realized that our swimming gear was at home on the couch. The second thing was as we entered the public bathing area and saw the sign that said Nude Bathing Only.
We did consider one of the private areas but decided that our modesty wasn’t worth the extra $10. Now you know how cheap we really are!
The water was warm, but not hot. It was very soothing and wonderful. The doves were nesting in the trees around us and they cooed the entire time we were there. The water was clean and did not have that sulfur smell that so many springs have. We will definitely be going back there.
Our first view of the public area. Five tubs, one granite soaking bath, and one large tub.
This is the view from the changing area.
Kate, a skeptic at first and willing only because I kept bringing it up. She loved it!
It was wonderful! So relaxing. The minerals made it so that I floated. Made taking the picture more challenging.
A view of one of the private areas.
Another of the private areas. They each had lounge chairs and a larger pool.
