Verde Hot Springs
Verde Hot Springs is a grouping of thermal mineral springs near the town of Camp Verde in Yavapai County, Arizona. The springs are located at the western bank of the Verde River. There are ruins of a former historical resort at the site and bathhouse.[1]
Verde Hot Springs | |
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Camp Verde Hot Springs | |
![]() Verde Hot Springs | |
Coordinates | 34°21′25″N 111°42′36″W |
Elevation | 2,800 feet |
Type | geothermal spring |
Temperature | 104°F |
History
The local Native Americans used the hot mineral springs for centuries before the arrival of early settlers. Indigenous people used thermal springs in the American Southwest for thousands of years, per archaeological evidence of human use and settlement by Paleo-Indians. These geothermal resources provided warmth, healing mineral water, and cleansing.[2]
There was an extensive resort with a hotel built in 1920s.[3][4] It burned to the ground in 1962.[5][6] It was called the Verde Hot Springs Hotel and was built by Floyd Williams and his son Floyd Jr.[7] Some of the foundations still exist onsite. In addition to the main pool (near the ruins) there are several smaller rock pools downstream, these range in temperature from 92° to 104 °F.
Water profile
The hot water emerges from several springs along the river bank, and a cave at 104 °F/40C.[8] Mineral content includes boron, calcium, iron, lithium, magnesium, sodium, rubidium, and cesium.[9] In 1960, the New York Times described the water as sulfur-impregnated and that they were "favored by Indians for their curative powers." Health seekers in the early 20th century used the hot spring water to relieve arthritis, sinusitis and rheumatism.[10]
References
- Gersh-Young, Marjorie (2010). Hot Springs and Hot Pools of the Southwest. Santa Cruz, California: Aqua Thermal Press. p. 128. ISBN 978-1-890880-09-5.
- "A History of Geothermal Energy in America". U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- "Verde Springs opens in April". Weekly Journal Miner. 5 April 1922. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
- "Excavation work starts on hotel at Verde Springs". Arizona Republic. 29 June 1928. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
- Sibson, Crystal. "Verde Hot Springs, Central Arizona". Outdoor Project. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
- "Verde Hot Springs Near Sedona Arizona". Gateway to Sedona. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
- "Floyd Williams Jr". Arizona Republic. 8 August 2004. ProQuest 2497897226. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
- Berry, George; Grim, Paul; Ikelman, Joy (1980). Thermal Springs List for the United States. Boulder, Colorado: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
- Love, D.S.; Gootee, B.F.; Cook, J.P.; Mahan, M.K.; Spencer, J.E. "An Investigation of Thermal Springs throughout Arizona: Geochemical, Isotopic, and Geological Characterization, Arizona Basin and Range Province". Arizona Geological Survey Open-File Report – 14-06. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
- Lesure, Thomas B. (24 July 1960). "Along Arizona's Rugged High Road". The New York Times. ProQuest 115182773. Retrieved 19 September 2021.