Warm Spring flows at 90°F in Graham County near Bylas, emerging 21 degrees above the region's 69°F average on Bureau of Land Management lands.
The spring sits in arid desert valleys at 2,770 feet elevation with minimal precipitation (10.5 inches annually). A short 820-foot walk from River Road leads through classic high desert vegetation to the thermal waters.
History of Warm Spring
Groundwater circulation through desert geology creates this 21-degree thermal elevation above ambient conditions. The spring's location reflects southeastern Arizona's rain-shadow desert environment characterized by low precipitation and high summer temperatures.
A short walk from River Road provides access to this BLM-managed thermal feature. Open public access is available; Riggs Lake Campground (40 kilometers away) offers alpine camping in the Pinaleno Mountains with trout fishing and cooler summer temperatures.
Is Warm Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Overnight camping trips
Warm Spring is well suited for warm-water soaking and overnight camping trips.
Annual Precip: 10.5 in
Annual Snow: 2.3 in
January
Air 48°F · Water 90°F · +42° contrast
December
Air 48°F · Water 90°F · +42° contrast
February
Air 53°F · Water 90°F · +37° contrast
January offers 40°F more contrast than July
Overview
Riggs Flat Lake is located at the end of Swift Trail, a road that winds along the top of the Pinaleno Mountains. It is a small picturesque lake, 11 acres in size, set in alpine forest and meadow.
Its cold waters are stocked during the summer with rainbow, brown and brook trout, and anglers report that the fishing is usually good. Best baits for the rainbows are corn, cheese, garlic cheese, salmon eggs, and worms. The brown and brook trout are taken on artificial lures and flies as we...
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Swimsuit & towel
Water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially in hot water
Sun protection
Limited shade in warm climate
Camping gear
Nearby camping at Riggs Lake
Trash bag
Pack out what you pack in
USGS Quad: FORT THOMAS 15 · PP 492: 13.0 · NOAA: 4.0 · AMS Map: CLIFTON
What is the water temperature at Warm Spring?
Warm Spring has a water temperature of 90°F (32°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is Warm Spring located?
Warm Spring is located in Graham County, Arizona at 2,770 feet elevation, near Bylas. Coordinates: 33.0680°N, 109.9750°W.
How do I get to Warm Spring?
Warm Spring has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being River Road (0.2 mi from the road).
Is Warm Spring free to visit?
Warm Spring has Open access. It is managed by Bureau of Land Management.
Can I camp near Warm Spring?
Yes, Riggs Lake is located nearby (24.9 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Warm Spring?
Warm Spring is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Warm Spring crowded?
Warm Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Warm Spring?
Essentials for Warm Spring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.