Bischoff - Touring hot springs Arizona: the states best resorts and rustic soaks

Agua Caliente is conspicuous due to its verdant palm tree grove, standing in stark contrast to the more subdued colors of the surrounding desert. The spring itself lies within a grove of palm trees at the east end of the park, near some picnic tables. The spring bubbles out of the ground at approximately 85 degrees, crystal clear. The water flows downhill in a small creek surrounded by dense palm tree growth. Within the water live several types of fish and a variety of water insects. The water eventually flows into a large pond, frequented by several ducks. Below this largest pond, the water flows into two more ponds. Trails link all these ponds together.

Located in Pima Countys Roy P. Drachman Agua Caliente Regional Park, Agua Caliente contains the remains of a historic ranch. Several old buildings dot the landscape in differing states of disrepair. The warm springs have always been an important locale in the area, and in the past were used by Native Americans as well as the US military. The county is currently improving the grounds of this park for enhanced visitor use. The spring does not offer any bathing opportunities, nor is this permitted, but the park is a peaceful oasis well worth a visit.

Agua Caliente Ranch was established in the early 1870s, during a time in which settlers first began to venture beyond the banks of the Santa Cruz River in Tucson proper. Prior to that time, it was far too dangerous to settle in these outlying areas because of the ever-present Apache threat. This ranch was typical of many, in that it was owned by several different individuals over its lifetime. Prior to the arrival of white settlers, however, the warm springs were the site of a prehistoric village inhabited by Native American people known as the Hohokam.

By 1872 the springs were owned by Peter Bain. He sold the property to James Fuller, who became famous for the extra-large vegetables and melons he grew on the ranch. Fuller eventually developed the property into a resort. Agua Caliente became well-known for the curative powers of the warm spring water. Fuller built several buildings, including a bathhouse on an island in the large pond, and also developed extensive gardens and orchards.

Subsequent owners continued to utilize the property as a ranch and warm spring resort. In 1984 Roy Drachman purchased the property, and the following year donated it to Pima County, which opened it to the public. Several buildings remain from various periods in the ranchs history. Many others are gone. Today, the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Friends of Agua Caliente have been instrumental in restoring the historic buildings.

The Ranch House Visitor Center is open May 1 to Oct 31, Tues through Sat, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Nov 1 to Apr 30, Wed through Sun, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed holidays. Pima County is in the process of restoring both ponds to ensure their ability to hold water. One of the ponds nearly went dry during droughts in the early 2000s. Pond 1 has recently been restored, and plans are underway to restore Pond 2.

The parks address is 12325 E. Roger Rd., Tucson, AZ 85749. For more information, call (520) 724-5000 or visit http://webcms.pima.gov/cms/one.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=1503.

The spring at Agua Caliente is located in a lush palm grove that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding desert environment. Bathing is not allowed.

General description: This collection of warm springs forms a pond and lush oasis in the dry Sonoran Desert of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

Location: Extreme southwestern Arizona, approximately 90 miles south of Gila Bend and 158 miles west of Tucson. The springs are also located immediately north of the international boundary with Mexico.

Primitive/developed: Primitive. The springs have been covered with metal plates to protect the water source, and some of the water has been channelized into the pond. A few trails and interpretive signs have been established.