The Water

In 1914 Cabot Yerxa, using little more than a pick and shovel, unearthed the curative mineral waters of Desert Hot Springs. He was the first one to rediscover the mineral water at 132 degrees in modern times. Only 600 yards from his home, Cabot dug a second well delivering drinking water. Finding both the hot and cold mineral wells, prompted Cabot to name the area Miracle Hill.

Desert Hot Springs is one of the few places in the world with naturally occurring hot and cold mineral Springs. The Mission Creek Branch of the San Andreas Fault bisects the area and on one side is the cold-water aquifer and on the other, is the hot-water aquifer.

The natural hot mineral waters originate from the Desert Hot Springs Aquifer and are heated by geothermal forces thousands of feet below the Earth’s surface. Naturally heated to temperatures as high as 180 degrees, the waters hold therapeutic value. The Mission Creek Aquifer holds the award winning cold mineral waters. This water is ranked among the nation’s best water for taste and was awarded the International Water Tasting Competition at Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.

Desert Hot Springs now boasts more than 20 boutique resorts and spas where guests can enjoy these unparalleled waters in the midst of unspoiled desert terrain and stunning mountain views.