Page 70 - 2025-2026 Travel Guide to California

DESERT HOT SPRINGS
The Ultimate Guide to Unwinding in Desert Hot Springs
SOAK, SIP,
SURRENDER,
REPEAT
DESERT HOT SPRINGS
visitdhs.com
THE POOL AT AZURE PALM HOT SPRINGS is
from a geothermal aquifer, and is naturally
heated and mineral-rich, above; Hikers head
out on the Swiss Canyon Trail, below.
Wellness flows naturally in Desert Hot
Springs, a sanctuary nestled between
the San Bernardino and San Jacinto
mountains. Here, some of the purest
healing waters bubble just beneath the sur-
face, and the desert sizzles with energy.
Whether seeking deep relaxation, desert
adventure, or a secluded retreat, this desti-
nation delivers.
Before it became a renowned wellness
hub, this land was sacred to the Cahuilla
tribe. It remained largely untouched until
the early 1900s, when settlers arrived,
lured by the 1877 Desert Land Act. Among
them was Cabot Yerxa, who struck liquid
gold in 1913, uncovering both hot and cold
mineral springs on his 160-acre home-
stead. His Hopi-inspired pueblo, now
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, stands today as a
tribute to early desert settler life. By the
1940s, his friend L.W. Coffee recognized the
town’s potential as a wellness haven,
branding it as a spa retreat.
Magical “Miracle Water”
Something about Desert Hot Springs feels
different. Its mix of powerful elements—
water, wind, sun, mountains, and an active
fault zone—creates an energy vortex that
revitalizes the body and mind. The natu-
rally heated hot springs, reaching up to
105 degrees, have drawn wellness seekers
for generations, offering benefits like
improved circulation, stress reduction, and
radiant skin. Many hotels tap directly into
these pristine underground springs,
allowing guests to sip some of the purest
drinking water on Earth.
Indulgence with a Twist
Beyond its healing waters, Desert Hot Springs
is known for its effortless fusion of indul-
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gence, freedom and innovation that sets this
place apart. Boutique spas cater to total
relaxation and stress-free experiences, while
some incorporate cannabis-friendly ameni-
ties, including on-site consumption and
dispensary delivery. For the uninhibited,
clothing-optional resorts provide a chance to
soak up the sun—tan lines optional.
Eco-conscious travelers can enjoy guilt-
free relaxation at Two Bunch Palms, a
carbon-neutral wellness resort powered by
solar energy. This award-winning retreat
blends sustainability with luxury, offering
mineral-rich pools and holistic therapies
like guided meditation, detoxifying salt
scrubs, and chakra-aligning treatments.
Nature and Adventure
Let your mind wander and body move
through stunning desert landscapes where
the Mojave and Sonoran deserts meet at
Mission Creek Preserve. Hike the scenic
2.4-mile Swiss Canyon Trail in the Sand to
Snow National Monument, or for a greater
challenge, tackle the 12-mile Long Canyon
Trail leading into Joshua Tree National Park
before rewarding yourself with a well-
earned hot spring soak.
For a slower pace, explore the lush wet-
lands and creosote-dotted hillsides of
Mission Creek Preserve, a haven for nature
lovers. Alternatively, relish breathtaking
sunrise and sunset views from Mission
Lakes Country Club.
Before leaving, capture the essence of
Desert Hot Springs with a visit to the
vibrant Palm and Pierson Mural or the
iconic Desert Hot Springs Water Tower. A
step back in time at Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
offers a glimpse into Native art and artifacts
collected by theosophist-artist Cabot Yerxa
on his travels.
DESERT HOT SPRINGS