• 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 scenic palm oasis set in the otherwise stark desert of the Imperial Valley, near the United States–Mexico border and just off Interstate 8.
Also known as Highline Hot Well or Old Fogey Hot Springs, this site offers a unique opportunity to soak in natural mineral water in the middle of the desert.
Each year, thousands of visitors come to enjoy its relaxing and therapeutic waters.
Holtville Hot Springs Soaking Experience
The springs feature two cement soaking pools filled with geothermal water. Water from an artesian well enters the larger, five-foot-deep pool at about 120°F (52°C), cooling to a more comfortable 105-110°F (41-43°C). It then flows into a smaller pool, where temperatures are slightly lower.
In addition to the soaking tubs, visitors can use hot-water showers in the pool area. A sandy-bottom lagoon located a short distance to the east, surrounded by tall palm trees, receives overflow water from the pools and showers. This pond typically maintains a temperature of around 90°F (32°C).
The pools are cleaned weekly. The soaking area is fenced and closed daily from midnight to 5 a.m.
Rules & Restrictions
Food, beverages, glass containers, pets, and soap are not allowed in the pool area.
Best Time to Visit
Summers in the Imperial Valley are extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 110°F. The best time to visit Holtville Hot Springs is during late fall, winter, and early spring.
Camping & Lodging
Camping is available across the road in a Bureau of Land Management Long-Term Visitor Area (LTVA). With a paid permit, visitors can camp for up to seven months, from September 15 through April 15.
During the off-season, camping is free for up to 14 days within 28 days.
It is a primitive area with no drinking water, electricity, or dump station on-site. However, dump and water facilities are available in Holtville, and additional services can be found about 19 miles away in El Centro.
Permits can be purchased from on-site campground hosts or at Pilot Knob LTVA, located about 35 miles east along Interstate 8.
The nearest lodging options are 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
Best time: Late fall trough early spring
Development: Primitive
Clothing: Required
Amenities: Vault toilet
Hiking distance: Short
Road Access: Any vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Managed by: Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Elevation: -38 ft (-12 m)
Water T° (source): 120°F (52°C)
Water T° (big pool): 105-110°F (41-43°C)
More Adventures
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