Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most popular destinations in California for nature lovers, rock climbers, and stargazers. The park is famous for its unique landscape of giant boulders, twisted Joshua trees, and desert flora and fauna. But did you know that there are also some amazing hot springs near Joshua Tree that you can enjoy after a day of exploring the park?
Hot springs are natural pools of water that are heated by geothermal activity underground. They are rich in minerals and have many health benefits, such as relaxing muscles, improving blood circulation, and soothing skin. Hot springs are also a great way to experience the beauty and tranquility of the desert.
There are several hot springs near Joshua Tree, ranging from rustic natural pools to luxurious spa resorts. Some of them are located within a short drive from the park, while others are a bit further away but worth the trip. In this guide, we will introduce you to nine of the best hot springs near Joshua Tree National Park, and give you some tips on how to make the most of your visit.
How to Get to Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California, about 140 miles east of Los Angeles and 60 miles east of Palm Springs. The park covers an area of 790,636 acres and spans two deserts: the Mojave Desert in the north and the Colorado Desert in the south.
There are three entrances to the park: the West Entrance near the town of Joshua Tree, the North Entrance near the town of Twentynine Palms, and the South Entrance near the town of Cottonwood. You can access the park by car or by public transportation.
If you are driving, you will need to pay an entrance fee of $30 per vehicle, which is valid for seven days. You can also buy an annual pass for $55 or a lifetime pass for $80 if you plan to visit more often. You can pay at any of the entrance stations or online in advance.
If you are taking public transportation, you can take a bus or a train to Palm Springs or Indio, and then transfer to a shuttle service called Roadrunner that will take you to the park. The shuttle operates on weekends and holidays from October to May, and costs $10 per person for a round trip. You can find more information about the shuttle service here1.
Where to Stay Near Joshua Tree National Park
There are many options for accommodation near Joshua Tree National Park, depending on your budget and preference. You can choose from camping, hotels, motels, cabins, vacation rentals, or even glamping.
If you want to camp inside the park, there are nine campgrounds with a total of 500 campsites. Some of them are reservable online in advance, while others are first-come, first-served. The camping fee ranges from $15 to $20 per night per site. You can find more information about camping in the park here2.
If you prefer more comfort and amenities, you can stay at one of the many hotels or motels near the park entrances. Some of them offer hot springs access as well as other facilities such as pools, spas, restaurants, and bars. You can expect to pay from $50 to $200 per night for a standard room.
If you want more privacy and space, you can rent a cabin or a house near the park. There are many options available on platforms such as Airbnb or VRBO. Some of them have their own hot tubs or pools filled with mineral water from the hot springs. You can expect to pay from $100 to $500 per night for a whole property.
If you want to experience something different and unique, you can try glamping near the park. Glamping is a combination of camping and glamour, where you can enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort. You can stay in a tent, a yurt, a tipi, a dome, or even a covered wagon that has amenities such as beds, electricity, heating, cooling, and sometimes even private bathrooms. You can expect to pay from $50 to $300 per night for a glamping site.
How to Enjoy Hot Springs Near Joshua Tree National Park
There are many hot springs near Joshua Tree National Park that you can visit during your trip. Some of them are natural pools in remote locations that require hiking or driving on dirt roads to reach them. Others are commercial resorts that offer various services and amenities such as massages, facials, saunas, steam rooms, and more.
Here is a list of nine hot springs near Joshua Tree National Park that we recommend:
| Name | Location | Distance from Park | Type | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wonder Valley Hot Springs | Twentynine Palms | 50 miles south | Natural | Private granite soaking tubs with mineral water | $100-$200 per night for a cabin or a house |
| Glamis North Hot Springs Resort | Niland | 50 miles south | Commercial | 14 hot tubs and 2 large pools with mineral water, ATV rentals, cabins, and wagons | $25 per day pass, $50-$100 per night for accommodation |
| Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort | Niland | 50 miles south | Commercial | 3 hot pools, 4 hot tubs, and 1 natural spa with mineral water, RV sites, and vacation villas | $25 per day pass, $50-$100 per night for accommodation |
| Sam’s Family Spa Hot Water Resort | Desert Hot Springs | 40 miles west | Commercial | 2 pools and 4 covered hot springs pools with mineral water, RV sites, and motel rooms | $15-$25 per day pass, $50-$100 per night for accommodation |
| Aqua Soleil Hotel and Mineral Spa | Desert Hot Springs | 40 miles west | Commercial | 1 large pool and 1 hot tub with mineral water, Soleil Suites with private pools with mineral water | $15 per day pass (weekdays only), $100-$200 per night for a room |
| Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort | Desert Hot Springs | 40 miles west | Commercial | 1 large pool and 1 hot tub with mineral water, Oasis Suites with private pools with mineral water, spa services | $200-$300 per night for a room |
| Miracle Springs Resort and Spa | Desert Hot Springs | 40 miles west | Commercial | 8 pools and hot tubs with mineral water, spa services, restaurant, and bar | $100-$200 per night for a room |
| Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa | Desert Hot Springs | 40 miles west | Commercial | 2 pools and several hot tubs with mineral water, spa services, restaurant, and bar | $200-$400 per night for a room |
| Deep Creek Hot Springs | Apple Valley | 60 miles north | Natural | Several natural pools with mineral water along a creek, clothing optional, hiking required | $5 per person |
When you visit any of the hot springs near Joshua Tree National Park, there are some things you should keep in mind to have a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Check the weather and road conditions before you go. Some of the hot springs are located in remote areas that may be inaccessible or dangerous during certain seasons or weather events. You may need a high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach some of them.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks. The desert can be very hot and dry, especially in the summer. You may sweat a lot while soaking in the hot springs, so you need to stay hydrated and replenish your energy. Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine before or during your soak, as they can dehydrate you more.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat. The sun can be very strong and harsh in the desert, especially at high altitudes. You may get sunburned easily while soaking in the hot springs, so you need to protect your skin and eyes from the UV rays. Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply it every two hours. Wear a hat or a cap to cover your head and face.
- Limit your soaking time. The hot springs can be very relaxing and soothing, but they can also raise your body temperature and lower your blood pressure. You may feel dizzy, nauseous, or faint if you soak for too long or too often. Limit your soaking time to 15 to 20 minutes at a time, and take breaks in between. Cool off in the shade or in a cold pool if you feel overheated.
- Respect the rules and etiquette. Each hot spring may have its own rules and etiquette that you need to follow. Some of them may require reservations or fees to enter. Some of them may have clothing optional policies or age restrictions. Some of them may prohibit pets, glass containers, smoking, or loud music. Be respectful of the environment, the staff, and the other visitors. Leave no trace behind and pack out what you bring in.
FAQs
- Is there hot springs in Joshua Tree?
There are no natural hot springs in Joshua Tree National Park, but there are some nearby options for soaking in mineral-rich waters. One of them is Desert Hot Springs, a city about 20 miles south of the park that has several spa resorts and hotels that offer access to hot springs pools and tubs. Another option is the Spa at Séc-he, a new facility in downtown Palm Springs that uses water from the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, a sacred source for the local Native American tribe1.
- Are there hot springs to swim in Hot Springs National Park?
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas does not have any outdoor soaking opportunities in the park. The only way to experience the thermal water is to visit one of the two bathhouses on Bathhouse Row, the Buckstaff and the Quapaw, where the water is piped directly into pools and tubs. The water is safe to bathe in, but it may contain Legionella bacteria that can cause illness if inhaled, especially for people with compromised immune systems or other medical conditions2.
- What is so special about Joshua Tree?
Joshua Tree is a unique and beautiful destination that encompasses two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, where different plants and animals thrive. The park is famous for its namesake Joshua trees, which are actually giant yuccas that can grow up to 40 feet tall. The park also features stunning rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, palm oases, wildflowers, and dark night skies that are ideal for stargazing3.
- Can you go in the hot springs in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs is located near several natural hot springs that are open to the public. Some of them are located in Desert Hot Springs, such as Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis, The Spring Resort & Spa, and El Morocco Inn & Spa. Others are located in Palm Springs itself, such as The Spa at Séc-he and Aqua Soleil Hotel and Mineral Spa. These places offer various services and amenities, such as massages, facials, private baths, and mineral pools4.
Conclusion
Hot springs near Joshua Tree National Park are a wonderful way to relax and rejuvenate after exploring the park’s natural wonders. They offer a variety of benefits for your body, mind, and soul. Whether you prefer a natural pool in the wilderness or a luxurious spa resort in the city, you can find a hot spring that suits your taste and budget.
We hope this guide has helped you learn more about the hot springs near Joshua Tree National Park and how to enjoy them safely and responsibly. Have fun soaking in the desert!
