An Arizona Adventure

Wednesday, January 17, 2023

Today I took my visiting brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Cathy, out on an “Arizona Adventure”. Our intended destination was to the small town of Wickenburg but, at the last minute, I decided to re-route as we drove West on Hwy 79 and detoured toward Lake Pleasant on a paved road and then beyond on a dusty unpaved (and often rough) dirt road. My surprise destination for my family was a gem nestled amidst the tall and wild Bradshaw mountains.

Pavement turned to an unpaved rough, rocky road. Slow going, a cloud of dust was left in our tracks. Often, steeply climbing hills, my eyesight shifted skyward as I approached the crest and the view of the road ahead disappeared from sight until, at the pinnacle, the road ahead re-appeared and dropped steeply down the other side. Rapidly descending, rounding curves, gaining speed on the straightaways it was very much like riding a roller coaster (and I was having a blast with the driving). What Fun!  

Eventually, rounding a bend deep in the canyon, we were rewarded with the unbelievable sight of tall palm trees, a well-manicured lawn, and many out buildings – an opulent desert oasis. Amidst all the rugged beauty we had reached the exclusive Castle Hot Springs Resort. In the middle of nowhere it emerges in sharp contrast to the raw, untamed mountainous beauty surrounding it.

I have explored out that way several times, my first excursion nearly 20 years ago when the place was closed due to fires in 1976 and again in 1996. It had been closed until 2019 when new owners resurrected it and have brought this historic gem back to life. Very much like the story of the Phoenix bird arising from the ashes, Castle Hot Springs has, indeed, emerged from the ashes and apparently is doing very well.

Though closed to the public it is an exclusive resort that has in past decades catered to many dignitaries including presidents and movie stars since the late 1800’s. It is wonderful to see it open once again and thriving.

The journey these days is no less of an adventure than it had been for the visitors who braved rough travel to enjoy the hot thermal pools and healing surroundings for over 100 years. A large part of the adventure getting to Castle Hot Springs is the drive, in my opinion. Can you imagine how visitors had to manage in the days of horse and buggies, no less those in early motorized vehicles? A hot thermal soak would have not only cleansed the body but also soothed the aches and pains of rough travel.

The adventure continued as we spent the next 1 ½ hours continuing on, braving the mountain road past tall cliffs, through washes, mountain sides spiked with giant saguaros, up and down and around and around. Several times we sighted wild burros and free range cattle. Very few vehicles made the driving less treacherous yet invigorating. We all were amazed at the beautiful day and being able to see and enjoy this incredible natural beauty in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. It was a perfect day for another Arizona Adventure.

Emerging back on Hwy 79, we continued into Wickenburg for a late lunch. The town was very busy, but I offered to continue the adventure with the drive up to Yarnell, about another 30 miles up a well paved winding road to the top of the mountain where the little town in located. There we stopped at the Yarnell Emporiam to browse and shop for some of their colorful yard art and sundry other items. Finding the owner had lived in Ann Arbor, we had a long conversation about our mutual hometown.

But, alas, then after 3 p.m., it was time to head down from the mountains and head back to my corral on East Yucca Street in Phoenix. Coming down from Yarnell on the curvy mountain road was smooth sailing all the way, then the long straightaways through Wickenburg and back to Phoenix. The sun, still shining brightly, was slowly settling down in the western sky, soon to help draw our day of adventure to a peaceful close.

I and my family are ever so grateful to be able to see, admire and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us all.