Soaking in Southern California's Secret Waters
Southern California conjures images of sun-drenched beaches, Hollywood glamour, and desert landscapes. But beneath the glitz and sand lies a hidden world of geothermal wonder: natural hot springs. These steaming oases, infused with mineral magic, offer a haven of relaxation, rejuvenation, and adventure. Forget crowded amusement parks and overpriced attractions; this guide unlocks the secrets of Southern California's hot springs, from history and safety tips to the best times to visit and a deep dive into the healing powers of their waters.
Southern California's hot springs have a rich history, attracting native tribes, explorers, and settlers for centuries. Cahuilla and Serrano tribes used the springs for healing ceremonies, while early European settlers saw them as medicinal marvels. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a boom in hot spring resorts, catering to health-seekers and tourists alike. Today, remnants of this bygone era like Tecopa Hot Springs and Agua Caliente Hot Springs offer a glimpse into the golden age of Californian spa culture.
Ditch the popular resorts and discover hidden gems like Deep Creek Hot Springs, nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, or the enchanting Sespe Hot Springs, accessible only by a scenic hike.
The Best Time for a Geothermal Getaway:
Each season offers its own unique charm at Southern California's hot springs:
Spring and fall: Enjoy mild temperatures and vibrant landscapes with fewer crowds.
Summer: Escape the heat and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of popular resorts. Be prepared for larger crowds.
Winter: Experience the magic of soaking in steaming pools amidst snow-capped peaks in the higher-altitude springs. Some desert springs are open year-round.
Mineral Matters: A Dip into the Science:
The mineral content of Southern California's hot springs is as diverse as its landscapes. Here's a taste of the magic hidden within their waters:
Magnesium: This "relaxation mineral" found in springs like Agua Caliente Hot Springs and Mono Hot Springs can ease muscle tension and promote stress relief.
Sulfur: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, sulfur-rich springs like Calistoga Hot Springs and Sespe Hot Springs can be beneficial for joint pain and skin conditions.
Silica: The smooth, silky feeling of some springs like Desert Hot Springs comes from silica, which is beneficial for skin health and hair growth.
Lithium: Trace amounts of lithium, found in springs like Glen Ivy Hot Springs, can have mood-boosting and anti-anxiety effects.
Jacumba Hot Springs
Jacumba reopened in late 2023. The remote town of Jacumba Hot Springs, California, about an hour’s drive east of San Diego in the Sonoran Desert, has been a Native American healing and gathering place for millenniums. (The word “jacumba” is a Kumeyaay Indian word meaning both “magic springs” and “hot water.”).
Note: Stay the night and get exclusive access to The Echo Room and Solstice Mineral Pools. The Echo Room is a smaller indoor soaking pool open 24 hours a day that is enhanced by reverberations created by light refracted from the skylight and a gentle echo within the coved walls. You also have to be 21 and older to come here - so families you’ll need to try another hot springs.
In the 1920s and ’30s, it also became a popular destination for Hollywood types, attracting the likes of Marlene Dietrich and Clark Gable. But by the time the San Diego-based interior designer Melissa Strukel came across the original Jacumba Hot Springs Spa in June 2020, it was neglected and for sale. Along with two friends, she bought the place and has transformed it into an eclectic 20-room property with Spanish-style terra-cotta tiles, Moroccan lanterns and textile artworks by local artists, as well as a lively restaurant and three pools fed by the mineral-rich springs.
They offer poolside Cabanas with a mini fridge, fire pit, locking cabinet with charging station, misters, complimentary towels and organic mineral sun care. Each Cabana can accommodate up to 12 guests.
The healing water is Alkaline (10+ pH) and high in many minerals. Enjoy the benefits of sodium, chloride, lithium, silica, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide.
Natural mineral spring water flows from deep in the earth to 19 therapeutic pools and healing mineral baths, bringing guests relaxation, renewal and a deep sense of well-being.
With an idyllic year-round temperate climate, Glen Ivy Hot Springs attracts over 200,000 annual visitors who seek the benefits of nature, water, and transformative body, skincare, and nail care treatments.
Stretching across a dozen acres of lush gardens, the spa also features California’s only therapeutic red clay mineral bath, aptly named “Club Mud,” The Grotto, a unique body moisturizing spa treatment enjoyed alone or with friends, and the Ivy Kitchen, where guests delight in healthy spa cuisine prepared by Glen Ivy’s Executive Chef.
Guests can enjoy an extensive menu of treatments and therapies in the Spa Salon, Massage Village, or in the South Massage area.
Glen Ivy has been named Best Spa and Best Spa Cuisine in Inland Empire Magazine and Best Day Spa by American Spa Magazine, Parenting OC Magazine, the Press Enterprise, and the Orange County Register as well as #1 attraction by TripAdvisor.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean and clear water with a faint sulfur aroma, varying across different pools.
Ease of Access: 5 stars - Convenient location near Corona, with ample parking and easy navigation within the large resort.
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars - The expansive resort and various pools offer pockets of serenity, but solitude is generally challenging.
Water Temperature: 5 stars - A plethora of pools with varying temperatures, from cool plunges to steaming hot springs, cater to a range of preferences.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Diverse mineral content across different pools offers potential benefits for various ailments, from muscle relaxation to skin health.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars - Glen Ivy provides a luxurious experience with spa treatments, restaurants, bars, and even an onsite vineyard.
Overall Score: 4 stars - Glen Ivy caters to those seeking a complete spa and resort experience, offering a variety of soaking options and amenities amidst a vibrant atmosphere.
Deep Creek Hot Springs
Deep Creek Hot Springs is a must for adventurers seeking a secluded wilderness soak with a touch of rustic charm. Be prepared for a moderate hike and the wonders of the desert. The springs are part of the San Bernardino National Forest and the creek is a state-designated Wild Trout Stream if you enjoy fishing. This told me the water is clean.
I parked along Arrowhead Lake Road, along with a dozen or so other cars, and found my way to the trailhead. I highly recommend not doing this hike in the summer unless you have experience with arid places. I packed up a couple of gallons of water and my lunch and began.
The trail to find the springs is well-used. I saw the first little hot spring, just big enough to fit a person as the trail turned to the left towards the Creek. I dipped my toe in it and realized, much like Goldilocks that this spring was too hot!
After following the trail for five more minutes I came into an open area where folks were camping. There is a potable water spigot there and I learned from one of the campers there that it has lithium, a mineral common in this hot spring, and one that was used to treat depression in the past. I took a risk and refilled my water bottle.
I then explored the other springs. There are about five springs along the creek, which is more like a river. As I approached the river, there was a pool in the boulders that could hold about four people – this one was only lukewarm, too cool for me.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean and naturally filtered water with a distinct sulfur presence, enhancing the rustic experience.
Ease of Access: 2 stars - Requires a moderate hike through the Mojave Desert, suitable for active individuals with proper footwear.
Ability to be Alone: 5 stars - The remote location and limited capacity guarantee a peaceful and private soak in nature's embrace.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Multiple pools with varying temperatures, from warm to comfortably hot, allowing you to personalize your experience.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Rich in sulfur and other minerals, the water boasts potential benefits for joint pain and skin conditions.
Nearby Amenities: 1 star - No amenities are available, and self-sufficiency is essential. Pack enough water and sun protection!
Agua Caliente Hot Springs
Agua Caliente Hot Springs is a perfect choice for those seeking a pampering spa experience with a touch of geothermal magic, amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Palm Springs.
Agua Caliente Park is a camping park nestled in the huge, Anza Borrego Desert State Park and is best known for its geothermally heated springs and rugged desert hiking. Three naturally fed pools provide different ways of enjoying the park's mineral water. Hikers will enjoy miles of trails that meander through the park's canyons and over its hillsides.
Two outdoor and one indoor natural mineral hot spring pools are available to suit everyone’s soaking needs. The outdoor pools are ideal for children and families. The glass-walled indoor therapeutic spa features Jacuzzi-style jets and adults-only times.
The park is very popular during the winter and has numerous camping sites available including: Full hook-ups, partial hook-ups and tent sites, a caravan area for large groups, and seven camping cabins with temperature controls, a table with seating for four, two queen size bed frames, a sink, and a bathroom.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean and clear water with a light mineral scent, varying across different pools and spa treatments.
Ease of Access: 5 stars - Located in Palm Springs, the resort offers easy access with ample parking and luxurious facilities.
Ability to Be Alone: 3 stars - Private soaking areas and a variety of pools offer some privacy, but the resort atmosphere can be lively, especially on weekends.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Multiple pools with varying temperatures, catering to different preferences, from relaxing dips to invigorating plunges.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Diverse mineral content across different pools offers potential benefits for various ailments, from muscle relaxation to skin health.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars - Agua Caliente boasts a luxurious experience with spa treatments, fine dining, and entertainment options within walking distance.
Sespe Hot Springs
Sespe Hot Springs is a hidden gem for adventurous souls seeking a pristine soak in a secluded canyon, offering peace and rejuvenation amidst the wilderness.
Sespe Hot Springs is located deep in the Sespe Wilderness. There are three possible access points for reaching the springs, but all require either a ridiculously difficult day hike or a strenuous multi-day trip. The Ojai Ranger District has a useful PDF describing the various trails.
Sespe Creek has some great swimming holes, but a 16 mile trek to the hot springs might be a bit much when it’s 100 degrees outside.
From Ojai, CA, follow Hwy 33 north for approximately 15 miles. Make a right at the signed junction for Rose Valley (and Piedra Blanca). From here, it’s another 5 miles to the trailhead. Follow signs for either Piedra Blanca or Sespe River Trail. It’s a paved road all the way to the parking lot.
Water Quality: 4 stars - Clean and clear water with a faint sulfur aroma, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Ease of Access: 2 stars - Requires a challenging 5-mile hike through Los Padres National Forest, suited for experienced hikers with proper gear.
Ability to be Alone: 5 stars - The remote location and limited capacity guarantee a quiet and secluded experience in nature's embrace.
Water Temperature: 4 stars - Multiple pools with varying temperatures, from warm to comfortably hot, allowing you to find your perfect spot.
Health Benefits: 4 stars - Rich in sulfur and other minerals, the water boasts potential benefits for joint pain and skin conditions.
Nearby Amenities: 1 star - No amenities are available, and self-sufficiency is essential. Pack plenty of water and snacks!
Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort
Healing mineral spring water emerges from the private wells at 174° infused with rich, healing, minerals. Calcium, sulfur, magnesium, potassium, silica, lithium and hundreds of other vital trace minerals make this Miracle Hill water some of the richest in the world.
The resort features spacious Spa Suites with private ensuite mineral spring tubs. The magical, healing spring water is drawn out of the earth, cooled underground and spills into your private tub at a perfect 105 degrees. West facing rooms feature balconies with mountain views of Mt. San Gorgonio and Mt. San Jacinto. Overnight guests enjoy complimentary the benefits of the Desert Ice Room and Halotherapy in the only Himalayan Salt Room in Greater Palm Springs.
For more on SoCal’s hot springs, take a peek at my 3 day tour of southern California hot springs.
