It all started with a man, a mule, and a mission. In 1913, the natural beauty of this idyllic spot, located at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, beckoned homesteader Cabot Yerxa and his trusty black burro named Merry Christmas. His successful quest for water paved the way for modern explorers to continue the trek to Desert Hot Springs. These days, visitors come to stake a claim on the tranquility found at a cadre of boutique spas, and the back-to-nature state of mind in its village atmosphere.
Ancient geothermal forces spawned a vast aquifer 100 feet below the earth’s surface, filled with rich mineral water naturally heated to 180 degrees. These storied waters, said to have provided habitat to wildlife and sustained Native American peoples, are believed to hold powerful curative powers. A legacy of miracles is helping to fuel the dynamic community renaissance, now underway in Desert Hot Springs.
Speaking of H2O, although cities throughout the West struggle to procure and provide safe and adequate drinking water, Desert Hot Springs has been tapped as having some of the best-tasting water in the world. At the international Berkeley Springs Water Tasting and Competition, the same water served domestically in the City of Desert Hot Springs by Mission Springs Water District, has taken five medals in eight years of competition. With two gold, two silver, and one bronze, it has become obvious that there is no water in the west like the water in Desert Hot Springs.
Desert Hot Springs is the Coachella Valley’s gateway to Joshua Tree National Park. More than three million people each year travel historic Highway 62 to visit the unique wilderness to rock climb, hike, and camp in a setting unlike any other. Many of those same world travelers cap their journey by “taking the waters” in Desert Hot Springs to recharge and rejuvenate. Natural resources are a vital component of the future of Desert Hot Springs — so much so that the City’s vision statement for its General Plan has adopted the following motto: “The City of Desert Hot Springs is committed to becoming a world-class health and wellness destination based upon its famous miracle waters, unique desert ecosystem, spectacular mountain views, and natural environment.”
Long considered “off the beaten path” from the more high-profile desert resort communities, this spunky hot-water haven is a popular refuge for celebrities and sun seekers from all walks of life and all corners of the world. Poised to overlook other Coachella Valley cities and thousands of acres of protected mountain preserves, the great outdoors will always be an integral part of the Desert Hot Springs lifestyle.
“Commercial developers and investors are discovering that our short distance from other valley cities provides them with a captive market,” observes Mayor Alex Bias. “Businesses that locate in Desert Hot Springs can rely on a significant market share for their goods and services. Businesses here will reap a significant return on investment.”
The Desert Hot Springs Hotel Association represents small inns ranging in aesthetics from minimalist to naturalist, to the larger, resort-style properties with complete spa amenities. Desert Hot Springs’ health and wellness niche is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the hospitality industry.
