Getaway Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa Day Trip: Plan Your Mineral Water Getaway

Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa Guide: Soak, Mud & Mineral Pools

Glen Ivy Hot Springs sits in Temescal Valley just outside Corona, roughly an hour’s drive from much of Orange County depending on traffic. For more than 160 years, this day spa has drawn people seeking mineral water soaks, skin treatments, and a full reset from everyday stress. It remains one of Southern California’s most distinctive wellness destinations, centered on natural geothermal waters, California’s only therapeutic red clay mud bath, and a full menu of spa services across lush grounds at the base of the Santa Ana Mountains.

This is a day-use property only—no overnight rooms—so it works perfectly as a focused getaway. Guests 18 and older arrive, check in with a reservation and photo ID, then spend the day moving between mineral pools, Club Mud, optional treatments, wellness classes, and on-site dining. Reservations are required, and capacity is limited, especially on weekends and during peak season. Book early through the official site or by phone.

Geothermal Mineral Pools and Healing Waters

The heart of the experience is the water. Glen Ivy features roughly 19 pools and water features fed by geothermal springs that typically run around 104°F. You’ll find mineral baths high in sulfur, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, plus a saline pool, Roman baths, hot-and-cold plunge circuit, lap pool, lounge pools, and the Vista Pool with mountain views. Plaques around the property explain the temperature and traditional benefits of each. The classic circuit involves short soaks (15–20 minutes is often recommended), alternating between hot and cold water to boost circulation, then resting on loungers or in shaded areas.

Steam rooms and saunas round out the hydrotherapy options. Complimentary towels, lockers, showers, basic amenities, and water stations are included with admission. Loungers are first-come, first-served.

Club Mud: The Signature Red Clay Experience

Club Mud is the standout attraction and the reason many people return. Guests step into a spring-water mud pool, scoop up the locally sourced red clay, and coat their skin from head to toe. The mineral-rich mud is said to draw out impurities and leave skin notably softer after it dries and is rinsed off. You can dry in the sun or in the warm Wafa cave. Plan 30–45 minutes for the full process. It is included with standard “Taking the Waters” admission and remains one of the most memorable (and Instagram-friendly) parts of the day. Dark swimsuits are practical here.

Another unique option is The Grotto, a subterranean self-guided treatment usually available as an add-on (around $45). Attendants apply a warm moisturizing masque blended with coconut oil, shea butter, aloe, eucalyptus, and lavender. You relax in the heated cave as the formula absorbs, then rinse under cascading water and cool down with tea or fruit. Reservations for The Grotto are recommended.

The Grotto and Spa Treatments

Spa treatments expand the menu considerably. Signature options include full-body detox treatments that begin with an exfoliating scrub, followed by shea butter moisturizing and a warm wrap. The Beach Retreat-style experience combines a pineapple-coconut or similar sugar scrub with a moisturizing massage. Hawaiian-inspired lomilomi uses long, flowing strokes. Traditional Swedish, deep-tissue, prenatal (with restrictions), and aromatherapy massages are available, often in outdoor treatment villages. Energy work such as Reiki and pressure techniques like Shiatsu and reflexology are also offered.

Facials, nail services, and body treatments using natural product lines round out the list. Many guests book a 50-minute service and still leave time for pools and Club Mud. Treatments can be reserved with admission or as packages; arrive early for appointments.

Dining at Glen Ivy: GOCO Café & Ivy Kitchen

Dining keeps the day seamless. GOCO Café serves Starbucks coffee, espresso drinks, pastries, and convenient grab-and-go items. Ivy Kitchen offers more substantial, health-focused meals with fresh, often locally influenced options that fit with a spa day. Additional spots such as Lounge 1860 and juice or smoothie stations appear seasonally. Outside food and drinks are not permitted (water is fine). A service charge is typically added to food and beverage purchases.

Cabanas, Groups, and Special Packages

For groups or those wanting extra privacy, day-use cabanas provide shaded lounging space, often with a dedicated server and robe use. Packages such as Passport to Wellness can bundle admission, a private cabana, a massage or facial, The Grotto, a meal, early access, and a host. These are popular for birthdays, bridal showers, small reunions, and corporate outings. Larger groups should contact the spa in advance for catering or special arrangements. Standard admission already supports girls’ getaways and friend groups without needing a private space.

Important Tips for Your Visit

Daytime hours run 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, with early entry at 9:00 a.m. for members, Passport guests, and those with early spa appointments.

During the warmer months (typically May through mid-to-late October), evening sessions run from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on select days, often Thursday through Sunday or Friday through Sunday, with live music and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Admission prices for Taking the Waters vary by day and season—summer rates start around $95 on weekdays and higher on weekends, with frequent Deal of the Day pricing starting near $65 for daytime and lower in the evenings when available.

Always check the current calendar and pricing, as capacity is limited and popular dates sell out. Free parking is available. glenivy.com

Bring a swimsuit, a change of clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and any personal toiletries you prefer. Robes and towels are provided. There is a no-re-entry policy once you leave the grounds.

Address: Glen Ivy Hot Springs, 25000 Glen Ivy Road, Temescal Valley, Corona, CA. (888) 453-6489

Why Visit Glen Ivy Hot Springs?

The combination of historic mineral springs, the one-of-a-kind Club Mud experience, solid spa services, and easy access from Orange County and the Inland Empire makes Glen Ivy a reliable choice for a full day of deliberate rest. Book ahead, arrive with time to explore, and leave room for the simple pleasure of warm mineral water and soft skin at the end of the day.

Glen Ivy Hot Springs FAQ:

Do I need a reservation?
Yes. Reservations are required for all admission and treatments. Walk-ins are not accepted, and popular days often sell out. Book online or by phone.

Is Glen Ivy adults-only?
Yes. Guests must be 18 or older and present a valid government-issued photo ID at check-in.

What is included with standard admission?
Access to the mineral pools, Club Mud, saunas, steam rooms, wellness classes (when scheduled), lockers, showers, towels, basic amenities, water stations, loungers, and free parking.

How much does it cost?
Prices change by day, season, and any special offers. Check the official admission page for current rates. Deals of the Day and evening pricing appear regularly in summer.

What should I bring?
Swimsuit (darker colors work better with mud), change of clothes, sunscreen, hat, and any personal items. Towels, lockers, and basic toiletries are provided. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Can I visit in the evening?
Yes, during the warmer months (roughly May through October) on select evenings, typically 4–9 p.m., with live entertainment and a different vibe. Separate evening admission is available.

Is Club Mud included?
Yes, with standard Taking the Waters admission. The Grotto is usually an add-on requiring its own reservation.

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