Grapevine Spring
Flowing 26 degrees above ambient temperatures, Grapevine Spring emerges at 91°F from Arizona State Trust Land near Pima in Graham County's high desert. At 4,790 feet elevation, this spring offers thermal waters in semiarid terrain where water remains surprisingly warm despite cool nights.
This compact thermal spring sits just 213 meters from the nearest road, making access straightforward across high desert grasslands dotted with juniper and desert scrub. The area receives only 10.2 inches of annual precipitation with 3.5 inches falling as snow, creating a stark landscape where vegetation adapts to aridity.
Grapevine Spring flows through geologically active terrain shaped by Basin and Range tectonics. The 26-degree temperature differential suggests moderate geothermal gradient as groundwater circulates through heated rock layers before surfacing. The spring's location on State Trust Land reflects Arizona's unique public lands system.
The spring sits in the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area with a 14-day camping limit per 28-day period. Access is restricted, requiring coordination with State Department of Land trust managers. Nearby Riverview Campground offers the closest overnight facilities along the scenic Gila River corridor.
Is Grapevine Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Overnight camping trips
Riverview Campground offers a fantastic camping experience in the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area and is a short drive from Safford, Arizona. It is situated on a northern bench overlooking the Gila River and is surrounded by various day use sites along the river. There are 13 first come, first served campsites at Riverview Campground. Each site has picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and shade structures. The campsites were recently enlarged to improve access for trailers and RVs....