Desert Hot Springs is known as “The Mineral Water Capital of the World.” It is famous for the hot mineral waters that bubble up from underground
at 90 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit and flow into the thermal wells
of more than 40 spa hotels. It harbors a range of spectacular
spas and desert vistas that let you escape the chaos of everyday
life. The hotels range from polished marble resorts to retro-hip
motels and ultra exclusive celebrity retreats. The soothing
mineral waters are known to give relief to arthritis, stroke
and other injuries and also to soothe and rejuvenate anyone
seeking relaxation.
Desert Hot Springs also boasts pure and delicious municipal
drinking water. When judged for odor, flavor and aftertaste
in international competitions, it always receives awards in
the top 10 rank. In 1999 it was declared the “Best Drinking
Water in the World.”
The serene setting of Desert Hot Springs is 112 miles east
of Los Angeles, higher in elevation and farther north than
the rest of the Valley cities. It enjoys the commanding views
of distant Mount San Jacinto and it serves as the gateway city
to Joshua Tree National Park.
There are more than 330 days of sunshine per year. The summer
months are warm, but comfortable due to the low humidity and
elevation above the rest of the Valley. While winters are attractive
with abundant warm, sunny, clear and dry days.
History on Desert Hot Springs was recorded back in 1913 when
Cabot Yerxa claimed a homestead of 160 acres near Two Bunch
Palms. When he first arrived he slept in a cave and cooked
over a campfire. Then later he built a 10 X 12 foot cabin.
One day while digging a well, he found water at 132 degrees
Fahrenheit. Then in the 1930’s Cabot Yerxa was joined
by L.W. Coffee, who built a spa and sold lots for $40 and up.
In 1941, the first streets were laid out and soon a Café opened
and more settlers started trickling in.
Today, the city is enjoying new growth as available land is
pretty much all bought out in other Valley cities. The builders
are coming to Desert Hot Springs to construct and expand this
small-town city. Families are moving into Desert Hot Springs
because the houses are still slightly lower in cost than other
Valley cities due to it being extensively developed at a later
period than the other cities. The city’s aggressive economic
development team is bringing in investors for planned communities
and spearheading beautification projects for the old downtown
and the city’s main gateways. The new communities include
developments that will combine hotel accommodations with golf
courses, single-family homes and condos. These mixed-use developments
follow a model that has been extremely successful in other
desert cities.
www.deserthotsprings.com
www.deserthotsprings.org
