el dorado hot springs

Peaceful, relaxing, worth every cent. The water helped my achy joints, the staff are all super knowledgable and sweet and the cute animals around the property are fun to watch. Highly recommended for a low key quiet getaway.

If your okay with rustic and natural this is the place for you. I fell in love with the place. I been there twice now on my vacation to phoenix. You don't need to be a nudist to go there. I'm not and I felt very comfortable. My first visit I got the desert room, that opened up to the desert. the staff was very friendly and help me make a fire so I could watch the star and enjoy a fire. was a unbelievable night. second time I went during the day and I got a massage while I was there. Tina was fantastic, I have had massages all over the world and Tina is right up there with the best.Treat yourself to a massage if you can you will be glad you did.

We love to soak in hot springs, so when we decided to take a quick 4 night trip to Phoenix - thanks to a cheap companion ticket - we looked for a hot spring to visit. This was pretty much the only one, and their website doesn't inspire much confidence. Their accommodations pretty closely resemble a storage shed from a big box store...If you are expecting a spa, resort, or even a 2 star hotel with amenities, you will probably not be happy with this place. If you're looking for a cultural experience on the edge - and are willing to do without most of the true creature comforts then this place is heaven.After debating whether to stay here for several months, I decided to finally pull the trigger and make reservations. I was hoping for one of their two rooms with private outdoor tubs (whose names are actually pretty descriptive - Motel California and the Last Resort) - but it turned out we would have to stay in the Motel California for one night and then their third room - the Post Office for the second night.We arrived fresh from the airport and after dark. The place would have been almost impossible to find if we hadn't google-mapped it first. There are no lights and the weathered sign is hard to find. The 'office' is a folding table under a tarp. We were met by the 'volunteer' named AJ and he showed us to our space in the Motel California. AJ was nice and we chatted for a bit while he showed us the amenities (or lack thereof) and how to use the tub.The 'Motel California' is about 10' * 12' and had an older full size bed, dorm fridge, microwave, and a desk lamp. It had a shower and toilet - in the same room, and was pretty sparse for the $125 fee. The bed wasn't very comfortable, but after soaking for 2 1/2 hours in the 99-101 degree water, we slept fine. The tub is a typical home tub construction but it was huge - I would estimate 4' wide by at least 8' long...It held two of us perfectly comfortably, and would probably handle another couple in a pinch...We woke up and got right back into the tub at the motel california for an hour or two before we had to pack our things so that we could move to the Post Office that night. The 'volunteer' had reserved one of their private soaking areas for us for the time when we would be between rooms, but we had planned on doing a long dayhike that day. We headed west and walked around Courthouse Rock for the day, returned through the backroads and had dinner at the local (only) family restaurant in Tonopah before returning to El Dorado ready for a soak!We were shown the Post Office (which actually was the former Tonopah Post Office and had the security stickers on the window as proof). Since the Post Office doesn't have an outdoor tub (it only has a huge indoor concrete tub for two), folks who stay there get to use one of the private outdoor areas for 2 hours each day.That night, we got the 'Sunset' soaking area. It had a cool tub with great rocks around it and would have had a great view of the sunset if it hadn't been so late. We soaked for what we thought was 2 hours, but turned out to be 2 hours and 45 minutes before returning to the post office to read a bit - call the kids at home and go to sleep. The tub here was more unique - built of concrete and with cool rocks all around the top. We had plenty of room here and the tub could have easily accommodated two more couples. All of their tubs are 'free flowing, in that they are just left on while in use so that some water comes over the edge and onto the ground like an infinity pool. This means that the water stays pretty clean, they don't have to chlorinate, and that this entire area has tons of vegetation making it look very much like the oasis the website claims to be.My wife and I joked that the Post Office was furnished courtesy of Goodwill. The furniture was old and very tired looking. The bed wasn't very comfortable and neither was the couch, but after soaking for several hours, you'll probably be comfortable in anything. The post Office has two full size beds and a large couch that may be a hide a bed. It also had an outdoor fire pit with lounge chairs for relaxing, but we didn't get to use this area (the Motel California had a nice private outdoor area too). Best of all, the Post Office had the bathroom in a separate room from the bed, which was really nice after eating lots of mexican food.There were really no amenities. Bathroom had toilet paper, but no soap or shampoo. There was no wifi and no 3G for us in this area. The lighting inside was poor. The sheets and blankets looked and smelled clean, and I assume that they were changed, but to be brutally honest I can't be sure.The next day, we got to use the Duck Pond private soaking area for a few hours. This tub was also very nice and private - and the area was home to lots of birds (chickens, geese, and at least 3 peafowl) we only stayed in to soak for 90 minutes or so before we had to head out to our next adventure. This tub was also huge and could have easily handled another couple.If you've gotten this far into the review, you know that this is a very special place. The staff are all volunteers, and were super nice, polite, and friendly. All said and done, El Dorado was a perfect match for us. We look for the rough side of life, and because we weren't traveling with our kids, were more than happy to deal with limited amenities and the other things that go with staying here. You aren't here for the nightlife or the high end facilities. You stay here to soak in hot springs.The people who work at and built this place did a great job - albeit without the refinements many would expect. the soaking areas all have their own character (we didn't use the 'nude only' area), and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.If you go here...and you should....Bring a great attitude, soap and shampoo, a good book, and a taste for adventure. You'll have a relaxing time.If you live in Phoenix or are heading West on I-10 from Phoenix toward LA - you would be a fool to not stop by here when you pass by or are looking for an evening out. We stayed two nights and were happy, but would have probably been more satisfied if we had camped (but we didn't bring equipment). Renting a private soaking area for 2 hours will set you back $15 - so even with gas you could take an evening trip from PHX here for a soak and a snack and it would still cost less than a movie and popcorn!**One last note - This place is in jeopardy due to factory farming. About 1/2 mile west of here there are 5-7 huge hen houses that hold several million chickens to produce eggs. There is a current plan for some corporation to build more henhouses to hold 12 MILLION more Chickens! This scale of development would likely bring such a foul odor and pollution problems that it would be difficult for El Dorado to survive. This whole thing comes about due to California regulations that require humane treatment of egg laying chickens (something Arizona laws don't cover). The owner of El Dorado is currently in court trying to protect the property, and fighting a large agribusiness is expensive. Hopefully the owner will prevail and El Dorado will continue to be a waypoint of happiness far into the future. Either way, do whatever you can to help out these folks who are trying to offer a great service to visitors!

Took a diversion from Phoenix to Flagstaff.Nice respite during a roadtrip. Reasonably priced . Out in the open/ surrounding view of the mountains.

We stopped by for an hour ahead of a long-drive on a road-trip through Arizona. It was either $10 per hour per person for the nude common area, which was empty that Monday morning, or $15 per hour per person for the totally private, desert view area. Once we saw the view, we opted to have the place to ourselves. The entire hot spring area has an old-time thrown together feel that makes it real and rustic. This is not a posh spa, and it's nice that way. You have roosters running around and lizards, and friendly folk running the place. The all day price, which I can't remember, was a deal. It would have been great to pack a snack and spend the day naked, lying in the sun, soaking in the man made spring water fed "hot tub", but, alas, we had to be on the road... Stop by for a spell if you are passing anywhere near Phoenix. It's worth a soak.

Do yourself an ENORMOUS FAVOR and pull off the Highway a few hundred feet to experience this Oasis in the middle of the desert. Outrageously therapeutic for aching backs from driving, muscles from reaching behind you to smack the kids in the back seat. Perfect temperature mineral bath water collected in private soaking tubs rented by the hour $10. Nothing fancy, but that is not what you are here for. And they would have to charge more for that so, accept it the way it is, which is still clean and tidy, and just fine. Go au natural if you didn't pack any swim clothes for an even more transcendental experience. Nicest people. Meet Sharon who will check you in, show you around, and make you feel completely comfortable.

Had a reservation on April, 15th and got there early and the owners were very friendly and showed us one of the sites they just finished. We were allowed to start our soak early in our private area. Stayed there for two hours and enjoyed the soak. Well worth the $10.00 per hour. This was the highlight of my trip to Arizona and when I get back there again I will be back..

Stopped again recently - the old experience has returned! The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff engaging and friendly. The new owner is putting a bunch of effort into maintenance and repair with great results. So glad to see!

My wife and I have stopped here many times on the way home from a day trips to Quartzsite or just a day out 4 wheeling and rock collecting. It's always so nice to take a nice hot soak when its chilly out.We've always taken a private soak in one of the completely 'walled in' pools but when I've been there alone I've used the 'public' area and it's also very nice but you can't be shy because it's a nude only area.The pool we used is called 'the corral' it has a large pool,shower and a large old bath tub that could be filled and left to be a cooling off pool if you get too hot{easy to do!} it also had two lounge chairs and tables. It's a nice large area, I could see spending an afternoon there. I've never spent the night but I'd like to. Everybody I've talked with has always been very nice.

I enjoy shedding clothes, my wife not so much. If you choose public nudity, do not reflect on the location for what type of public showed up. My wife and I chose the private soaking at $10 per hour. She felt secure to shed clothes, alternating time in the tub and soaking in the Arizona sun on the recliner. , We had reservations based on the rustic appearance, but found there is no pressure to be in a public nudity experience. You choose what you are comfortable with. Since the love of my life equates romance with nudity we did enjoy some perks not to be had in the public area.

I visited El Dorado Springs last week for two nights. There must be a new manager, because I experienced only friendly helpfulness. I asked him when he started working and he said January. Do not confuse this with Casa Blanca, which is two gates to the west. Same water, different place.At El Dorado I arrived late with no reservation on a weeknight. I was able to park my RV in a pretty spot and have immediate use of a delightful pool. The water was just over 100 degrees, which allows me to stay in it nearly the whole hour. The water seems very healing on skin and joints. The cost of RV parking includes 2 private soaks, normally $10. pp per hour, so it's only $10-15 to park. I enjoyed my 2 nights there. It is more busy on weekends, but I was still able to get my 2 soaks in. Facilities- pools, rest room and shower-are rustic, very handmade. Toilet and shower were clean. The 2 different pools I experienced were both clean and had places to sit or lie down, hooks for clothing, showers,etc. Find this friendly place with great water 3 minutes off the interstate. Try it!

I use to visit allot, and will say I always enjoyed my stay. I bring my RV, so I have most of the comforts of home. I think the camping fee's are fair. Last year the owners hired a new manager. I will never return again. I witnessed him being very abusive and obnoxious to several people. Always people he felt would not get back in his face, or after they had left. I tried to contact the owners, but not successful. I left and stayed at the Casablanca Hot Springs next door. I enjoyed the rest of my stay and the owners were very nice, also very professional. I will go back to Eldorado Springs when this guy is gone. How long can he last ?

Found this hot spring several years ago and have stopped every time we pass by now :-) The setting is attractively eclectic, the tubs are cleaned every day, and the staff generally friendly. A recent hire puts a bit of a damper on the experience when he's around - controlling and critical. We'll pass on stopping till we can give the owners some feedback.

We have been visiting the hot spring for several years. Have found it until this last year pretty cool, the water is hot (usually), it was a funky fun atmosphere. Price has been $50 to park our RV for two of us. Last year a new manager came on board who was repeatedly rude to us. We tried to contact the owner by letter, email, phone with no response. The price is steep to camp, especially when treated like we were, not once, but three times. We travel between So. Cal, Quartzsite, and Mesa, AZ during the winter months and used to like to stop here for a few days to relax. We do have little dogs which they allowed, but we had to park outside the perimeter of the gated campground. This isn't too bad, but as Donna K. said, noisy because there is a busy truck stop across the road. If the grumpy manager is gone this coming winter, we might try it again. We'll see.

This place is wonderdul! How to describe? Rustic is the word that comes to mind. If you are looking for a 5 star hotel this isn't the place for you. If you are looking for some peace &quiet, beautiful sunsets & great mineral water to relax in this is the perfect place for you. We like to stay overnight so we rent 1 of their rooms that has a private soaking tub, bring our little portable grill, some food & then just chill...can't wait to go again!