• Holtville Hot Springs is a beautiful oasis in the lifeless desert of Imperial Valley
• Features two concrete pools and a pond of hot mineral water
Holtville Hot Springs is a beautiful palm oasis in a lifeless desert of the Imperial Valley near the United States-Mexico border just off Highway 8. Holtville Hot Springs is also known as Highline Hot Well or Old Fogey Hot Springs. Holtville Hot Springs is an incredible natural hot spring where anyone can take a hot bath in the middle of the desert. In fact, thousands of people visit this place every year to enjoy the soothing benefits of the hot mineral waters.
Filled with hot natural water, two cement pools are great places for relaxing soaking. The geothermal water is transferred from an artesian well into the five-foot deep tub at 125°F and cools to 104-110°F. The water from this bigger pool overflows to the smaller one, where the water is a few degrees cooler. You can enjoy hot water showers in the pool area and a large sandy-bottom lagoon-pond a few yards east, surrounded by tall palm trees. The pond receives mineral water from the tubs and shower and, typically, its temperature is 90°F.
Traditionally, the pools are cleaned weekly. The soaking area is fenced and close from midnight to 5 a.m.
Restrictions: No food, beverages, glass, pets, no use of soap are allowed in the pool area.
Since summers are very hot and a temperature over 110°F is typical in this area, late fall, winter, and early spring are the best time to visit Holtville Hot Springs to enjoy bathing in mineral water.
Camping & Lodging
Camping for up to seven months from September 15th through April 15th is allowed by paid permit on Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) that is located across the road and managed by BLM. During off-seasons, campers may stay up to 14 days free of charge within a 28-day period. No drinking water, no dump site, and no electricity available there. Dump station and water facilities located in Holtville. All other services are 19 miles away in El Centro.
You can purchase a permit with the campground hosts at the site or at Pilot Knob LTVA which located 35 miles east on Interstate-8.
The nearest lodging is available in El Centro.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Holtville
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Holtville Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 19 miles east of El Centro • California • USA
Open: Year-round
Development: Primitive
Clothing: Required
Amenities: Vault toilet
Hiking distance: Short
Road Access: Any vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Managed by: BLM
Elevation: -38 ft (-12 m)
Water T° (source): 118-120°F (48-52°C)
Water T° (big pool): 105-110°F (41-43°C)
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Directions to Holtville Hot Springs
From El Centro,
- Travel 18 miles on I-8 east to the exit 131 for CA-115/Van der Linden Road
- Turn left and then immediately right onto Even Hewes Highway and travel for about 1 mile to the destination on the right (just after the bridge).
Phone: 760-337-4400