Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area

Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area is 2,000 acres of off-highway vehicle (OHV) fun. Within its fenced borders, sand rails, motorbikes, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), and four-wheel-drive trucks are free to roam the dunes without caution. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is tasked with preserving the surrounding region and monitoring activity within the fenced area, located near Safford, AZ, about 127 miles north of Tucson.

Once an unknown quirk of nature in the heart of Arizona, Hot Wells Recreation Area grew from a forlorn attempt to find oil in the middle of the desert. Though no oil was found, hot mineral water boiled up from 1,920 feet beneath the sands once drillers hit the hidden pocket. It was not long before the 106-degree water drew curious visitors from the local area. The waters, boiling up at a 250-gallon per minute pace, formed a lake that quickly dissipated away under Arizona's hot sun. Today, the pools are considered hot tubs, which solar-powered pumps regulate to maintain an even flow. Visitors to Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area are within a day's travel of several national parks. A drive of 127 miles to the south reaches the borders of Saguaro National Park, while Petrified Forest National Park lies 254 miles north, and White Sands National Park is only 286 miles to the east in New Mexico.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Ladybug Trail

The Ladybug Trail is an in-and-out pathway located inside the Coronado National Forest, about 15 miles south of Safford. It elevates over 4,000 feet during its course, with long sections that gradually rise and descend via a series of switchbacks and abrupt climbs to three peaks.

Length: 10.9 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Heliograph Peak Trail

Located deeper in the Coronado National Forest, it takes a drive of 29 miles from Safford to reach the trailhead for the Heliograph Peak Trail. The pathway emerges from the Shannon Park campground and elevates 1,280 feet through forests to reach Heliograph Peak and its impressive views of the Gila Valley.

Length: 3.8 miles

Intensity: Intermediate

Fishing and Boating

Though the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area sits in the middle of a desert, several fishing and boating opportunities are within reach. Located immediately outside Safford, Roper Lake provides anglers an excellent opportunity to launch boats and fish for largemouth bass, trout, catfish, and panfish.

Climbing

Though the area around Hot Wells Recreation Area is relatively flat, it is surrounded by mountains that offer incredible views at their peaks. For instance, the Safford Peak (often referred to as Sombrero Peak by locals due to its shape) towers over the desert. Climbers consider the scrabble to the peak through loose rocks and gravel challenging.

Wildlife Viewing

Wherever there is water in Arizona, wildlife congregates. Travelers typically see bighorn sheep, coatimundi, and migratory birds in the wetter areas and snakes, Gila monsters, and desert ground squirrels hiding amongst the hot sands.

Picnicking

The Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area includes several picnic tables and trash bins. Many of the most-used campsites have picnic tables, and the hot tub area offers travelers tables and benches on which to relax.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

The Bureau of Land Management camping areas near Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area come in two types—developed and undeveloped. Though the developed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds do not provide extra amenities for RV camping, most are patrolled by Rangers. An example is the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area dispersed camping site, which carries a $3 fee for each night's stay near the hot tubs. Picnic tables and hard-packed sites let travelers pull over for a night in the desert in relative comfort.

Free Camping

There are numerous Bureau of Land Management free camping locations near the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area. The nearest is the Tanque Road Dispersed Camping site located about 20 miles to the west. Anyone can pull off the road to camp in this area. There are no amenities, but the scent of sage, the warm evening breezes, and the amazing night sky draw visitors from far and wide.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area BLM trip

Using the phrase "BLM camping near me" to search for campgrounds is a viable tool that enhances travel for millions of RV travelers each year. If you designate Safford, AZ, as the center of your search, you'll find several nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. The Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area is sometimes visited by inclement weather, as witnessed by the number of washouts travelers see while driving to the site. Pack extra clothing, canned foods, sunblock, and potable water. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

The BLM Leave No Trace regulation is strictly enforced at Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area. Though the dunes are subject to vehicular traffic and the damage that entails, other areas such as the hot tub, picnic, and camping enclosures are strictly monitored. While walking around, stay on established trails to minimize your impact on the environment. Make sure to retrieve any trash, even if it is not yours. When staying at one of the dispersed camping areas, use a high-lipped skillet to contain any campfires and dispose of the ashes properly.

Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area Location

Tucson, AZ is the nearest urban community to the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area. To reach the recreation area from Tucson, get onto Interstate 10 East (I-10 E) and travel 94.1 miles to exit 352. Turn right at exit 352 toward Safford and drive for 0.3 miles. Turn left onto United States Highway 191 North (US-191 N) and go for 33.6 miles into Safford. Once in Safford, take United States Highway 70 East (US-70 E) for 7 miles. Turn right onto BLM's Hackel Road and drive south for 25 miles into Hot Wells Recreation Area.

Ready to visit Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area? An RV Rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.