Buckhorn Hot Mineral Wells
Buckhorn Hot Mineral Wells near Gilbert flows at historical temperatures in Maricopa County at 1,384 feet elevation. Known historically as Buckhorn Baths and Buckhorn Mineral Wells, this thermal spring represents Arizona's early 20th-century spa culture, located seven miles east of Mesa in the desert.
Situated just 3.6 meters from the nearest road, the spring offers exceptional roadside accessibility. The low desert setting features typical Sonoran vegetation with saguaro and palo verde, situated in the eastern outskirts of the Phoenix metropolitan area where urban and desert landscapes meet.
Buckhorn's name reflects its historical importance as a bathing destination in the Sonoran Desert. The thermal waters attracted early Arizona visitors seeking therapeutic mineral baths, and the site became known regionally as a spa destination before urban expansion transformed the surrounding landscape.
This historically significant spring sits near modern development; check current access status before visiting, as private land and development may affect visitor access. The site represents an important part of Arizona's thermal spring heritage, though modern conditions differ significantly from its early 20th-century heyday.
Is Buckhorn Hot Mineral Wells worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips