A palm tree paradise in the desert of Imperial Valley, Glamis North Hot Springs Resort is located about 70 miles southeast of Palm Springs, just a few miles northeast of the Salton Sea at the base of the rugged Chocolate Mountains. The geothermal water, heated by underground activity associated with regional fault systems, emerges at temperatures of up to 160°F and is highly mineralized with little to no sulfur odor.

The hot springs were accidentally discovered in 1939 during the construction of the All-American Canal—workers drilling a well struck scalding water, releasing a powerful geyser that shot up to 305 feet.

Because the mineral-rich water was unsuitable for construction use, the well was capped and eventually abandoned. Over time, pressure from the underground reservoir broke through the concrete seal, allowing the water to resurface naturally (as documented in Desert Magazine, August 1956).

Due to its high mineral and carbon dioxide content—similar to famous geothermal areas like Yellowstone National Park and European spa regions—the site became popular in the 1950s and earned the nickname “Little Yellowstone.”
In a short period of time, it was transformed into a desert bathing oasis.

Glamis Hot Springs Soaking Experience

Glamis North Hot Springs offers a variety of soaking options, including 14 fill-and-drain hot tubs, two swimming pools, and a therapy pool.

The geothermal water is naturally heated underground to 160°F (71°C) and is cooled in a holding tank before being distributed to the pools and tubs.

Water temperatures vary across the different pools, allowing visitors to choose their preferred level of warmth. The therapy pool is the warmest, typically around 104–110°F (40–43°C). The main swimming pools are more moderate, usually around 90–100°F (32–38°C), while the hot tubs are the hottest, often ranging from 102–106°F (39–41°C) depending on flow and season.

A continuous flow system keeps the water constantly refreshed, which helps reduce the need for chemical treatment.

Barrel-style steam saunas are also available near the pool area, adding another way to relax and enjoy the warm, mineral-rich environment.

Overall, Glamis North Hot Springs is a peaceful destination where visitors can unwind in open-air mineral baths and enjoy wide desert views and beautiful sunsets.

Beyond soaking, visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking and ATV riding across nearby sand dunes, as well as exploring old mining sites and bat caves.

Sassy’s Outback Café is open Friday through Sunday and on holidays, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A small store and recreation rooms are also available on-site.

You can enjoy many outdoor activities in the nearby area. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for amazing views of the desert. You can also visit popular places like the Palm Springs Air Museum and Cabot's Pueblo Museum, along with many other interesting spots.

The Salton Sea is close by and is a very unique place. It was formed by a mix of human mistakes and natural forces. Today, it is the largest lake in California and has a strange, beautiful desert landscape.

About 50 miles away, Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to visit. It is known for its unusual rock formations, desert plants, wildlife, and many hiking trails.

Glamis North Hot Springs offers on-site accommodations for visitors who want to stay close to the springs, including RV spaces and cabin rentals.

For day-use visitors or those who prefer more traditional lodging, nearby cities such as El Centro, Desert Hot Springs, and Palm Springs offer a range of hotels and motels within driving distance, making it easy to explore other attractions in the Colorado Desert region of Southern California.

In Desert Hot Springs, some hotels also feature natural mineral pools, allowing guests to continue enjoying geothermal waters even off-site.

Lodging in El Centro

Lodging in Desert Hot Springs

Lodging in Palm Springs