Monkey Spring
Monkey Spring emerges at 82°F in the Santa Cruz County mountains near Rio Rico, flowing 18 degrees above the 64°F ambient temperature at 4,574 feet elevation. The significant temperature differential creates a unique microhabitat within oak woodland ecosystems south of the Arizona-Mexico border.
The spring requires a short hike of roughly half a mile through scenic oak and grassland terrain in the mountains north of Rio Rico. Seasonal streams and diverse vegetation characterize the landscape, with views extending across the border region toward Mexico. The approach follows terrain typical of the Santa Rita Mountains' northern slopes.
Located within Coronado National Forest, Monkey Spring's thermal waters emerge through fault-controlled geothermal systems that characterize this region of southeastern Arizona. The mountains themselves record complex geological histories spanning over a billion years of crustal evolution.
The short walk (roughly 2,400 feet) keeps this accessible to visitors with moderate fitness levels. Visit during cooler months (November through April) for comfortable hiking conditions. Mountain weather can change rapidly; check forecasts before heading up the canyon.
Is Monkey Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Overnight camping trips
Overview Kentucky Camp Cabin and Headquarters is located in the Santa Rita Mountains near Sonoita, Arizona in the Coronado National Forest. The five adobe buildings originally served as headquarters for the Santa Rita Water and Mining Company from 1902 to 1906. The facility also served as a cattle ranch from the 1920s through the 1960s. The Forest Service acquired the land in 1989 and it has since become an ideal location for guests seeking a unique lodging experience, rich in mining and ranc...