Lewis Spring
Lewis Spring emerges at 68°F within Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge, protected by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and flowing 6 degrees above the region's 62°F average. Its rugged desert setting and permanent protection status make it a rare example of federally preserved thermal habitat in southeastern Arizona.
The spring surfaces at 4,920 feet elevation in the arid landscape of Cochise County, where rocky terrain and sparse vegetation characterize the surrounding high desert. Access requires a short walk of roughly 330 feet from Leslie Canyon Road, with the modest warm water emerging amid the Chiricahua Mountains' southern reaches.
The refuge restricts public access to protect sensitive ecosystems and wildlife. Visitors need permission from US Fish and Wildlife Service. Winter weather can be harsh at 4,920 feet; visit during late fall through early spring for the most comfortable conditions.
Located within tribal Apache territory, Lewis Spring's thermal activity reflects the region's geothermal heritage, part of a broader system of warm springs across southeastern Arizona where the earth's internal heat remains close enough to the surface to warm groundwater. The Leslie Canyon refuge was established to protect both cultural resources and unique wildlife habitat.
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Overview The Camp Rucker Group Site is not available for reservations at this time for site re-design and facility improvements. The group camp area is now open to individual party walk-in camping. Individual sites are $15 per night; cash payment on-site. Camp Rucker sits in the beautiful and remote Chiricahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona. Recreation The Rucker and Tex Canyon scenic drive takes visitors over the southern reaches of the Chiricahua Mountains through beautiful canyon co...
Lewis Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
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