Holtville Hot Springs

Holtville Hot Springs is a palm-lined oasis in the middle of the arid Imperial Valley desert near the US-Mexican border.

Seemingly out of place, these springs are very accessible, lying immediately beside Interstate 8 and off of a paved road. Two concrete pools along with a metal trough sit within the fenced in area where the water surfaces at around 103-105 degrees. The water emerges into a series a pipes with valves, allowing visitors to control the flow and heat of the pools. 

From the pools, the water flows into a lush lagoon beside the area. While sitting in the pools, it's possible to stare up into the palms and imagine being far far away from this desert. While swimming isn't allowed in the warm lagoon, it does create some interesting scenery to your soak.

The springs receive a good number of visitors being so easily accessible, particularly during the winter months when the area fills up with snowbirds camping out on BLM land throughout the area. The springs are also popular for nearby campers to fill up water jubs with the mineral rich water for drinking.

A sign advertises the springs day use only and forbids overnight parking though campers are welcome at the surrounding BLM land. Animals are not allowed within the fenced area.

There is no fee to visit the springs. A vault toilet is at the dirt parking lot, and water emerges from a horizontal pipe as a shower, where visitors are asked to rinse off before entering the pools.