Do people really run naked through the Arizona desert? Believe it or not, they do. Hundreds of brave souls will run wild when the Bare Buns Desert Run returns Oct. 17 at Shangri La Ranch in New River. Billed as Arizona’s only nude run, the 5K race winds through desert trails, a dry wash and the ranch property. Clothing is optional, but tennis shoes are highly encouraged — along with avoiding any cactus along the race route. But if running is not your thing — or if you just want to avoid the flop factor that must come with running naked — there are other options to feel the freedom of going naked in Arizona in 2026 … without getting yourself in trouble (see legal guidelines below).
Arizona doesn’t have official nude beaches, but it has a long tradition of clothing-optional spots — mostly private resorts and remote BLM and National Forest land where nude use is tolerated.
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While the only way to stay 10% safe in to keep your clothes on in public, here are 10 of the lowest-risk options to get naked in Arizona in 2026, listed in alphabetical order:
1. Bartlett Lake — Tonto National Forest, northeast of Phoenix
Desert lake with a well-known informal “nude beach” area. Day-use, popular for nude sunbathing and swimming, though water can be cold even in summer. Also noted as a nude-friendly lake in naturist guides.
2. El Dorado Hot Springs — Tonopah, about 45 miles west of Phoenix
Natural mineral-water spa with small clothing-optional pools scattered around the property plus a larger communal pool where most guests go nude. Private tubs $15/hr, communal $10/hr or $30/day. Described as rustic with private and communal soaking options.
3. Lake Pleasant — Northwest of Phoenix
Skinny-dipping is commonplace on the northern end of the lake and upriver, away from Humbug Cove / Party Cove where sheriff scrutiny is higher.
4. Magic Circle (La Posa South LTVA) in— Quartzsite
Located within La Posa South LTVA near Quartzsite, Magic Circle is a clothing-optional camping area offering desert solitude, community, sunshine and wide-open Arizona scenery.
5. Mira Vista Resort — Tucson
30-acre resort with buildings dating to 1852, 14 guest suites in adobe-style buildings, mature trees and saguaros. One of the world’s most unique nudist resorts and a favorite for vacationing naturists.
6. Shangri La Ranch — New River, north of Phoenix
One of Arizona’s most popular family-friendly clothing-optional resorts. Pool, hot tub, volleyball, tennis, basketball, plus live music, cookouts, and themed parties. Free first-time visitor pass. 60-year legacy with Bare Buns Cafe and RV and cabin rentals.
7. Sycamore Creek — Off Beeline Hwy near mile marker 212
Creek with several natural pools used for skinny-dipping. Best in spring/fall — often dry in summer. Look for the bridge at Sycamore Creek, turn right on dirt road just beyond, then left at the T past the ford.
8. Tanque Verde Falls — East of Tucson off Redington Road
Steep trail down to year-round waterfalls and clear swimming holes. Longtime naturist area, described as a Garden of Eden in the desert. Bring lots of water.
9. Upper Tanque Verde Creek — Tucson
This remote desert swimming and hiking area has long been cited as one of Arizona’s informal destinations for nude recreation, although it is not an officially designated nudist resort or park.
10. Verde Hot Springs — Near Camp Verde
Remains of a 1920s resort that burned in 1962 — one main pool and several cliffside pools. Requires a 1-mile hike and river crossing. Decades-long favorite for nudists.
The legal side to remember
In Arizona, public nudity can constitute indecent exposure when a person exposes specified intimate areas while another person is present and is reckless about whether a reasonable person would be offended or alarmed. Indecent exposure involving someone age 15 or older is generally a Class 1 misdemeanor, while exposure involving a child under 15 can be a Class 6 felony. Breastfeeding is expressly excluded.
Importantly, Arizona’s statute does not simply make all nudity everywhere illegal; the circumstances and presence of others matter. Cities, counties, parks and other jurisdictions may also have their own rules, so visitors should stick to designated clothing-optional resorts, private property where permitted, or areas where nude recreation is expressly authorized.
Quick Arizona etiquette: At resorts: bring a towel to sit on, no photos, sunscreen everywhere, and respect posted rules.
