Glamis North Hot Springs | Southern California

A palm trees paradise in the Imperial Valley desert, Glamis North Hot Springs Resort is located 70 miles southeast of Palm Springs, a few miles northeast of the Salton Sea at the foot of the rugged Chocolate Mountains. Emerging from the San Andreas Fault at 160 degrees Fahrenheit, the hot springs water is highly mineralized with no sulfur smell.

The hot springs were accidentally discovered in 1939 during the construction of the All-American Canal. Workers drilled down a well to obtain water to use for concrete mixes and suddenly released a 305 feet geyser of scalding water. Since this rich-mineral water could not be used for the construction work, the geothermal springs were capped and, finally, abandoned.

Over time, the spring's water from the underground reservoir broke the concrete well and found its way through the desert. (Desert Magazine, August 1956, Page 18). Because of the high mineral and carbon dioxide content of the water, similar to European spa and Yellowstone National Park, this area became extremely popular in the 1950s and was named "Little Yellowstone". In short period of time, the hot springs had been transformed into a bathing oasis in the middle of the California desert.

Today, Glamis North Hot Springs offers a few spots where you can enjoy the healing benefits of mineral water including 14 fill-and-drain hot tubs, two swimming pools, and one therapy pool.

The hot springs flow out of the Earth’s core at the scalding temperature into a large cooling tank. After the water is cooled, it is channeled into hot tubs and pools. Due to a unique system that allows water to flow through at a fast rate, no chemical treatment is required. There are two barrel-like steam saunas near the swimming pool.

Besides soaking and swimming, Glamis offers a variety of activities, including hiking and riding ATVs out on the sand dunes, old mines, and bat caves. Sassy’s Outback Café is open Friday through Sunday and on Holidays for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A store and recreation rooms are available.

Glamis North Hot Springs is a very quiet and relaxing place that provides you an excellent opportunity to relax in the open-air geothermal baths while enjoying peaceful serenity and spectacular sunsets in the California desert.