Hot Well Dunes | |
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Hotwell Dunes Hot Springs | |
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Location | within Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area |
Coordinates | 32°31′24″N 109°25′35″W / 32.52333°N 109.42639°W |
Elevation | 3,450 feet |
Type | geothermal |
Discharge | 200 gallons per minute |
Temperature | 106°F |
Hot Well Dunes is a hot spring in the San Simeon Valley of Arizona, located on BLM land southeast of the town of Safford. [1]
Hot Well Dunes are a series of artesian hot spring wells that are surrounded by 2000 acres of open BLM land. Camping is permitted at the site for a maximum stay of two weeks. [2] There are two main soaking pools surrounded by a low metal fence and gate, cement benches; pit toilets are available on site. [3] The two main pools overflow into a large rock-lined pool, the temperature is lukewarm. The site is surrounded by desert views. There is no trash pick-up at the site, and all trash must be removed by visitors to the hot springs. [4] [5] There are also more primitive soaking areas on-site surrounded by cattails that also provide habitat for wildlife and fish. [6] [4]
Hot Well Dunes are located on BLM land in a remote location the San Simon Valley, far away from any cities or towns. [4]
The hot springs were discovered in the late 1920s in this remote area as a during an oil exploration drilling operation. [6] Remnants of the rusted drilling equipment can still be found in the area. [5]
The geothermally heated mineral water emerges from the source at a temperature of 106 °F at a rate of 250 gallons per minute. [6] [1]