Home > Arizona > Hot Well Dunes |
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Other Names | Hackel Rd, San Simon River, Gold Gulch Wash, Starvation Flat, Tanque Rd, San Simon Valley, Bowie |
Last Known Status | Open |
This unique recreation area features hot springs, onsite camping and limited amounts of shade.
The name comes from an artisan well that produces 250 gallons of hot water (106F) per minute. A couple of concrete soaking tubs have been built for the hot springs and they were actually pretty clean. There are 10 developed tent/RV sites that include fire grills and vault toilets, as well as a day-use area.
Trails consist mainly of sandy washes and one main sand dune, with multiple dirt dunes surrounding it. (The sand is pretty firm, so you can still have plenty of fun without a paddle.) The area is very popular, especially during the weekends and the summer days can be very hot.
Permit Required | Yes | AZGFD sticker required |
Dates Open | Year-Round | |
Other ATV Stickers Accepted | No | All non-residents must purchase an Arizona OHV decal. |
Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | |
Whip Flags | Yes (96 inches) | Whip Flags Required For Safety |
Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
ATVs | Permitted | |
UTV & SXS | Permitted | |
SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Permitted | |
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Permitted | |
2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
MX Helmet Required | Youth Only | required for persons under 18 by state law (RiderPlanet strongly recommends helmets for all riders.) |
Camping | Some Areas | |
Campfires | Some Areas | |
Night Riding | Yes | Not Recommended |
Trail Blazing | Some Areas | |
Rule Enforcement | Few/Periodic |
Approx Size | 2,000 acres (3 sq mi) | |
Miles Of Trail | 5 | |
Climate Type | Desert | |
Elevation | 3300 to 3500 ft. | |
Trail Maintenance | Not Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained | |
Loose Dirt | None | |
Hard Pack | Little | |
Sand | Mostly | paddle or sand tire recommended for best experience |
Mud | None | |
Dust | None | |
Rocks | Little | |
Trees | Few | |
Steep Hills | Some | |
Water Crossings | None | |
Small Jumps | Many | |
Large Jumps | Some | |
Berms | Some | |
Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
Single Track | None | |
Roads | Few | |
Intersections | All | |
Rider Traffic | Some | |
Shade | Few | |
Ranges/Gunfire | None | |
Hazards | Few | (hazards not marked) steep dropoffs |
Novice | Mostly | |
Amateur | Some | |
Expert | Little |
Area | Motorized Trails, Off-Road Dunes |
Land | BLM |
Gasoline | 30+ Miles (NW) | Chevron/Safford |
Diesel | 30+ Miles (NW) | Safford |
Water | 30+ Miles (NW) | Roper Lake State Park (928) 428-6760 |
RV Hookup | 30+ Miles (NW) | Roper Lake State Park (928) 428-6760 |
RV Disposal | 30+ Miles (NW) | Roper Lake State Park (928) 428-6760 |
Campground | 30+ Miles (NW) | Roper Lake State Park (928) 428-6760 |
Conv Store | 30+ Miles (NW) | Bashas/Thatcher (928) 428-6238 |
Parking | (None) |
Entry | Yes ($3.00 per vehicle) |
Riding | (None) |
Camping | (None) |
Comment | Annual Permit - $30.00 |
Pros | unique area has hot tubs, sandy trails & dunes to explore, has nice picnic tables & shade ramadas scattered around, reasonable fees |
Cons | far away from any major cities (long drive), no services |
Our Rating | Very Good |
Recommended Stay | 1-2 Days Fall/Winter |
Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
Nearest City | Bowie, AZ | ||
| From: Tucson, AZ
1) Take I-10 East to town of Bowie (Exit 362) 2) Follow road 1.8 miles to N. Central Ave. 3) Turn left on N. Central Ave., continue 2 miles 4) Turn right (east) on Fan Road (you will see a blue sign that says "Hotwell Springs"), continue 8.3 miles 5) Turn left (north) on Heckle Road (you will cross a cattleguard and see a BLM sign on the right), continue 8.1 miles 6) Look for main entrance on the right (east). |
Contact Info | BLM - Safford Field Office 711 14th Ave Safford, AZ 85546-3321 (928) 348-4400 blm_az_sfoweb@blm.gov www.blm.gov |
Contact Info | Arizona State Parks (602) 542-6942 (602) 542-2146 mrogers@azstateparks.gov meberhart@azstateparks.gov azstateparks.com |
Comment | Arizona State Parks OHV Grants Program |
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