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Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area

Bowie, Arizona · Graham County

Sound like a day at the beach? The sands at the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area were a beach surrounding a lake approximately two million years ago. What remains today is one of the most unique recreation spots in Arizona. Hot Well Dunes provides the opportunity to ride 2,000 acres of sand dunes, set up a camp, and then…

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About Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area

Sound like a day at the beach? The sands at the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area were a beach surrounding a lake approximately two million years ago. What remains today is one of the most unique recreation spots in Arizona. Hot Well Dunes provides the opportunity to ride 2,000 acres of sand dunes, set up a camp, and then soak in relaxing hot tubs, all in the same location. However, please be considerate of your neighbors who may not be here to participate in the same activity as you. This is the only way this area will continue to be available to have fun in the sand, sun, and water.Supplementary RulesVisitors come to the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area to participate in many different activities. To ensure that everyone’s visit is enjoyable, please note the following:Vehicle Rider Capacity: Operators must use the designated seat and can only carry additional passengers if the vehicle is designed for it.Clinging and Towing: Towing objects or people and clinging to vehicles is prohibited.Safety Flags: All off-road vehicles must display a safety flag, except for certain types of vehicles like RVs, pickups, and passenger sedans. Flags must be bright orange or red, at least 6x12 inches, and mounted 8 feet high.Vehicle Use: Off-road vehicles are not allowed in areas with metal railings or marked as prohibited.Nudity: Public nudity, especially in hot tubs, is not allowed.Firearms and Archery: The use of firearms, including BB and pellet guns, and archery is prohibited.Pets: Pets must be leashed or otherwise physically restricted at all times.Speed Limit: The speed limit is 10 mph on and within 50 feet on either side of main access road, and within 50 feet of campsites or any concentration of three or more people.Camping: Camping is restricted in certain areas, including parking lots and posted prohibited zones.Waste Disposal: Dumping sewage or gray water is not allowed.Length of Stay: Camping is limited to 14 days within a 28-day period to ensure fair access for all visitors

How to Get There

Haekel Road: From Safford, travel seven miles east on Highway 70. Turn right (south) on BLM's Haekel Road and proceed 25 miles to the area.Fan Road: From Bowie, drive two miles north on Central Avenue to Fan Road. Travel one mile east on Fan then go north on Donahue for one mile. Turn east on Rosewood and follow it for six miles to Haekel. Go another nine miles north to the site.Tanque Road: This road provides access from Highway 191. The turnoff from Highway 191 onto Tanque Road is located near milepost marker 105.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area

Heading to Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area?

No central reservation system listed for Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/2034) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area?

Haekel Road: From Safford, travel seven miles east on Highway 70. Turn right (south) on BLM's Haekel Road and proceed 25 miles to the area.Fan Road: From Bowie, drive two miles north on Central Avenue to Fan Road. Travel one mile east on Fan then go north on Donahue for one mile. Turn east on Rosewood and follow it for six miles to Haekel. Go another nine miles north to the site.Tanque Road: This …

How do I contact Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area?

You can reach the park at phone: 928-348-4400 or email: BLM_AZ_SFOWEB@blm.gov.