Hay-Yo-Kay Hot Springs derives its name from a Lakota word (heyoka) meaning the clown.  Many Native American traditions include a clown figure as part of their mythology or religious beliefs. However, the word is here used to honor and respect the Apache belief system.

Hay-Yo-Kay Hot Springs is located in an area which once was home to the Chiracuahua Apaches.  In fact, some believe, the home of the Chiracuahua was located at the point not far from town where four deserts meet.  In any event, we know that the Chiracuahua (and peoples before and after them) lived in this area and used the numerous hot mineral springs to heal their bodies, their psyches and to renew their connection with the Great Spirit.

You may recognize some of the names of the leaders of the Chiracuahua from the last century:  Geronimo, Cochise, Victorio, Nana, Luzon, Juh and Magnas Coloradas.

Hay-Yo-Kay Hot Springs is located within the traditional home lands of the Tchi-he-ne, the easternmost band of the Chiracuahua (also known as the Warm Springs Apache).  Under the leadership of Victorio, Geronimo and his followers were frequently guests here.

The Apache discovered that the hot mineral water was very therapeutic and even healing.  Among other things, the Apache used the silt which comes up with the spring water, to cauterize their flesh wounds.  As every time they used this water and this silt they were healed without infection, the Apache came to view the waters as a gift of healing to them from the Great Spirit.

In order not to offend the Great Spirit and risk losing this gift of healing, the area around the springs was an area of peace.  No fighting took place in the immediate area, and no game was taken here.  In effect, the Apache consecrated the springs and the area around them as sacred ground.

It is in this spirit of recognizing and honoring this deep relationship with the Great Spirit, that Hay-Yo-Kay Hot Springs opens its doors so that you, too, may participate in this centuries old tradition of finding peace and healing, physical or spiritual.

In addition, we have historic evidence that the Paleo-Indian hunter/gathers were in this area about 10,000 years BP (before the present).  Is very likely that they too, noticing the steam rising from the hot mineral springs in the swamp (which the area was until @ 1920), investigated and after splashing warm water on their faces, jumped in for a refreshing hot mineral water "bath".

So, come and experience a 10,000 year old healing site and see what forgotten connection  you may be able to reestablish!