The Abandoned Buckhorn Baths – Mesa, Arizona

In Mesa, Arizona, lies an abandoned time capsule of a bygone era and soothing mineral waters: Buckhorn Baths. This roadside motel and hot springs isn’t just a place to soak in mineral-rich pools; it’s a living testament to the rich history and quirky charm of the American Southwest.

I had this spot marked on my Google maps for a long time, and when I found myself in the Mesa area, I finally was able to stop by and photograph this amazing place. I mean, that sign!!! <3

Where is the Buckhorn Baths?

The Buckhorn Baths Motel is located in Mesa, Arizona along the main street. This was once the main road before the freeway was built and thus, you can still find a lot of old, classic motels along this stretch.

Quick History of the Buckhorn Baths

The story of Buckhorn Baths begins in the early 1930s, when Ted and Alice Sliger, a husband-and-wife duo with an entrepreneurial spirit, opened up a gas station and trading post selling curios and snacks in the Arizona desert. What started as a humble roadside attraction soon evolved into a destination for travelers seeking respite from the desert heat and sore muscles.

It wasn’t until the discovery of natural hot springs beneath the surface that Buckhorn Baths truly found its footing. In the 1940s, Ted Sliger happened to tap into the mineral waters while he was looking for a source of drinking water. His drilling struck a hot spring reservoir that produced 127 degree water. This discovery underneath his property completely transformed his business, and the couple turned their desert trading post into a hot springs resort.

As word of the healing powers of Buckhorn’s mineral baths spread, so too did its reputation. Celebrities, athletes (Buckhorn Baths often hosted MLB teams during spring break), and ordinary schmucks alike flocked to the oasis, drawn by the promise of relief from aches, pains, and the stresses of modern life.

But Buckhorn Baths was more than just a spa – it was a cultural hub, a gathering place where locals and visitors alike came together to soak up the unique atmosphere. The lobby, adorned with taxidermy trophies and vintage memorabilia, became a living museum of Arizona’s rich history and wildlife.

Over the decades, Buckhorn Baths weathered its fair share of challenges, from economic downturns to changing tastes in travel. Ted passed away in 1984, while Alice lived to be 103, passing away in 2010.

Unfortunately, in 1999, the spa closed to the public, and finally in 2007, the motel closed its doors. The Buckhorn Baths have been sitting abandoned on a busy street in Mesa ever since.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, else it would likely have been torn down by now.

Visiting the Buckhorn Baths

The property is abandoned but locals keep a watchful eye on this. You won’t find a lot of vandalism and there are no trespassing signs on all the doors. However, you can pull up and park in the large lot next to the Buckhorn Baths and take as many photos of the exterior as you’d like. Just don’t go beyond any posted no trespassing signs.

Related: For more Arizona posts, click here!

Will Buckhorn Baths be revived?

There’s been talk of a revival for years, yet nothing has ever come of it. Every once in a while, you can come across an article in the local newspaper mentioning a revival but again, it’s never come to fruition.

Have you visited the Buckhorn Baths? Any questions, please leave in the comments!