Warm Spring
Warm Spring emerges on the San Carlos Apache Reservation at 4,129 feet elevation near Canyon Day, located just 93 meters from the road in Arizona's transition zone between desert and mountain terrain.
The spring flows in a landscape of juniper and oak woodland with mixed grassland, at an elevation where average temperatures reach 61.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Substantial annual precipitation of 15 inches and 14 inches of snow create a temperate microclimate unusual for southern Arizona, supporting diverse riparian vegetation.
Warm Spring's geothermal heat originates from deep crustal circulation through ancient fault systems characteristic of the San Carlos area, where complex geology reflects millions of years of tectonic activity. The spring's location reflects long-standing tribal knowledge of geothermal features.
Access requires tribal permit; public access status remains unknown. Located on the San Carlos Reservation, visitors should contact tribal authorities before attempting to visit. Roadside location makes reconnaissance relatively straightforward year-round.
Is Warm Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Overview Timber Camp Recreation Area has one of the most popular family and group campgrounds in the Tonto National Forest offering both day-use sites and over-night areas.Recreation Abundant recreation opportunities such as cross-country horseback riding, hiking, in-season hunting, exploring, off-highway vehicle use and wildlife viewing are in close proximity. In the spring, whitewater rafting trips on the Upper Salt River launch a mere 20-minute drive from the site. Brundrett 2 and the equ...