Discover Relaxing Tecopa Hot Springs Near Death Valley

Tecopa is a sleepy little desert town located in southeastern California. Tecopa is situated along The Old Spanish Trail, a trade route that connected Santa Fe, New Mexico, with Los Angeles. Tecopa was a rest stop for wagon trains traveling along the to California. In the early 20th century, the discovery of natural hot springs led to the establishment of health resorts, attracting visitors seeking the water’s healing properties.

Tecopa Hot Springs Natural Hot Pools

Travelers come from near and far to enjoy the natural hot springs, have a mud bath, or stay at one of the town’s rustic resorts. Several free-use natural hot springs pools are adjacent to Tecopa Hot Springs Road near the Amargosa River. Nudity is the norm here because it is in the middle of nowhere. Mud bathing is also popular in public areas. It is highly recommended that you dig into the mud to the fresh stuff and avoid the top layer of mud. The water temperature is an average of 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tecopa Hot Springs Resort

Tecopa Hot Springs Resort features a 12-room motel, four cabins, and a campground. Five private hot spring tub rooms are available for guests on a first-come, first-served basis. The bathhouse includes separate men’s and women’s showers and toilets and two private hot spring tub rooms for guests staying in the campground and cabins. Motel guests have access to three private hot spring tub rooms. Also, the Yaga Labyrinth was created on-site at the Resort using stones from the surrounding area. The Labyrinth is a place to relax and enjoy the views of the Amargosa Valley. Website.

Delight’s Hot Springs Resort

Delight’s is a hidden oasis in the desert, offering a variety of accommodations from rustic cabins to motel rooms, as well as RV spaces with full hookups. It’s the perfect retreat for those looking to unwind and soak in natural hot springs water. Delight’s Resort features a large outdoor pool and multiple private tubs, all supplied with natural hot springs water. The Resort offers day passes for those who want to enjoy the facilities without staying overnight. Additionally, there’s an on-site restaurant available for dining.

Tecopa, California History

Indigenous peoples, including the Paiute and Shoshone, originally inhabited the area. The town was named after Paiute-Shoshone Indian chief Tecopa. Tecopa’s development was greatly influenced by the arrival of the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad in the early 20th century. This railroad was crucial in transporting goods and people, connecting the town to Death Valley Junction, California. The railroad mainly served area mines until the mining boom came to an end, leading to the abandonment of most of the track by 1933. Today, remnants of the railroad can still be seen at various locations along Highway 127. The ruins of the Tecopa Mine (private property), the Anaconda Mill, and a large Talc mine are in the area. These sites are a must-see for anyone interested in Western history.

Getting to Tecopa, California

Tecopa’s small-town charm results from its mix of long-time residents, artists, and people attracted to the peacefulness of the desert. Located in California, Tecopa continues to honor its history while adapting to the present, showcasing the resilience of communities in the Mojave Desert. Tecopa is a captivating desert oasis with a story worth exploring. Tecopa Hot Springs is located just outside of Death Valley National Park. To get there, take Highway 127 North from Baker, California, for about 50 miles, Highway 160 from Las Vegas to Pahrump, and Highway 372 to Tecopa.

Nearby Tecopa Points of Interest

China Ranch Date Farm & Bakery

The ranch was named after a mysterious Chinese farmer who settled there in the late 1800s. Legend has it that he was run off the land at gunpoint by a man named Morrison, who then claimed the ranch for himself. Today, China Ranch is a family-owned farm that offers a variety of date-infused treats such as date shakes, date bread, and date cookies. Their date shakes are a perfect antidote to a scorching desert day—date Farm Website.

Death Valley Junction, California

Death Valley Junction has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s when it was a bustling hub for the Pacific Coast Borax Company. The company built a Spanish Colonial Revival-style complex with a hotel, theater, and office building. Today, part of that complex, the Amargosa Opera House, still stands as a testament to the town’s past.

Dublin Gulch Miners Caves

These caves, carved out of solidified volcanic ash near Shoshone, California, served a dual purpose: they kept the miners cool during the scorching Mojave Desert summers. They provided insulation from the freezing Mojave Desert winters. And if you’re wondering if any famous prospectors lived there, Frank “Shorty” Harris, a well-known Death Valley prospector, also called Dublin Gulch home.

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