Agua Caliente, located in Maricopa County, Arizona, was once a prominent resort destination renowned for its therapeutic hot springs. Established in the late 19th century, it attracted visitors seeking the healing properties of its natural waters. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Maricopa County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: Approximately 33°10′N, 113°02′W
Elevation: Approximately 1,000 feet (305 meters)
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (MST) (UTC-7)
Established: 1873
Disestablished: 1940s
Comments: Agua Caliente, Spanish for “hot water,” was named for its natural hot springs, which were utilized by Indigenous peoples for their therapeutic benefits. In 1873, the area became popular among settlers, leading to the establishment of a resort featuring a 22-room hotel built in 1897 and a swimming pool fed by the hot springs. The resort thrived until the 1940s when increased agricultural irrigation caused the springs to dry up, leading to the town’s decline.
Remains: The hotel building still stands, along with several adobe and stone ruins of cabins and outbuildings. The pool that once collected the hot spring water is also present, though the springs themselves have ceased to flow.
Current Status: Abandoned
Remarks: Agua Caliente serves as a historical reminder of Arizona’s resort era, where natural resources like hot springs were central to community development. The remaining structures offer a glimpse into the past, attracting history enthusiasts and explorers interested in the state’s rich heritage.
For a visual exploration of Agua Caliente and nearby ghost towns, you might find the following video insightful:
