Essence of Tranquility Hot Springs

## Overview Essence of Tranquility Hot Springs is a privately operated hot springs facility located along US Highway 191 near Safford, Arizona, in Graham County. Nestled in the Gila Valley at the base of the Pinaleño Mountains, this area of southeastern Arizona sits within a geothermally active zone that has long been known for its natural hot mineral waters. The region's hot springs have historically been used by indigenous peoples and later by settlers who recognized the therapeutic qualities of the geothermally heated waters rising from deep underground. As a paid hot spring destination, Essence of Tranquility offers visitors a more curated soaking experience compared to wild, undeveloped springs. The facility channels naturally heated mineral water into soaking pools, allowing guests to enjoy the warm waters in a maintained setting. The hot springs in the Safford area are fed by geothermal activity associated with the Basin and Range geological province, where deep faulting allows groundwater to circulate to significant depths, absorb heat from the earth's interior, and rise back to the surface enriched with dissolved minerals. ## Directions 1. From **Safford, AZ**, head south on **US Highway 191** (also known as US-191 S). 2. The facility is located at **130 US Hwy 191**, on the highway just south of the town of Safford. 3. Watch for signage along the right (west) side of the road. 4. **GPS Coordinates:** 32.8339546, -109.70758 — enter these into your navigation app for precise routing. If traveling from **Tucson**, take **I-10 East** to **US-191 North** toward Safford. The drive is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. From **Phoenix**, take **US-70 East** through Globe and into the Gila Valley, then connect to **US-191** near Safford. ## What to Expect Essence of Tranquility is a paid facility, so visitors should expect an admission fee or hourly soaking rate. It is advisable to call ahead or check for current hours of operation, pricing, and any reservation requirements, as small hot spring businesses in rural Arizona may keep seasonal or limited hours. The setting along US-191 south of Safford places you in the high desert landscape of the Gila Valley, with sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges — including the Pinaleño Mountains to the west, home to Mount Graham, the tallest peak in southern Arizona. The climate here is arid and warm for much of the year, making a hot spring soak especially enjoyable during cooler fall, winter, and early spring months. Visitors to the Safford area hot springs have historically reported that the mineral waters feel silky and soothing, though specific water temperature and mineral composition details for this facility should be confirmed directly with the operators. The region's geothermal waters are generally known to contain a mix of dissolved minerals typical of Basin and Range hot springs. Nearby points of interest include **Roper Lake State Park** (which also features a natural hot spring–fed tub), the **Mount Graham International Observatory**, and the scenic **Swift Trail Parkway** climbing into the Pinaleño Mountains.