El Dorado Hot Springs

Mind you, the people that run it are really nice. They had clean places to change and to shower. But these are not hot springs. They are warm.....tepid. Hot springs are from 95° - 104° to qualify as such. These were maybe pushing 90°....the warmer ones anyway. The one I was in was no more than 85°. So, it amounts to a mineral water soak. I can get that and hotter water in my bathtub.

My mom is the one who set up most of this excursion. The websites I saw were set up strange so I think it might be best to call. From my understanding, it was around $20 a person to sit in a sort of rock hot tub hot spring. Not exactly sure of prices but I believe it’s hourly. Surrounded by a fence to separate from the other tubs. Website mentioned clothing optional, but it was a family trip for us so we kept our swimsuits on. There was a bathtub next to the hot spring with cool water in it, but it had a lot of leaves in it. Pretty views of desert out the back. We went on a hot day in the middle of the summer so I couldn’t tolerate the heat really well. As a jeep girl, I loved the jeep they had with the hot springs name on it! Free range chickens.

We are taking long circuitous route camping trip across the country while exploring different Hot Springs along the way. El Dorado popped up on our search, the reviews we read had us cautiously optimistic. We called, asked questions and decided that one night couldn’t hurt, that was three days ago. We are still here and couldn’t be happier, our camping spot is private, the bathrooms are brand new and sparkling clean. The communal soaking area is nude only and very comfortable with single tubs as well as communal tubs. There are private soaking tubs available for those who are more modest or want to include the entire family. We feel very at home and safe among everyone we’ve encountered here. The visitors are kind, friendly and respectful of personal space. Most everyone we’ve encountered here are repeat visitors with unique stories of how they “stumbled upon” this place and continue to return. Yes, there are a few chickens, beautiful peacocks and a very chilled out pig. The owner couldn’t be more accommodating despite some of the comments I read. Perhaps those people had expectations of a well managed “Hot Spring spa” with fluffy robes and slippers. This is NOT that place, El Dorado Hot Springs is a quirky spot in an odd location right off the highway, right near a truck stop and road side taco stands. ( You can’t change the location of the water) If you’re and open minded traveler with a passion for relaxing waters and a good vibe, check this place out. If this doesn’t sound like you, maybe skip it, but I assure you a few hours in the lithium heavy waters and the good vibes will turn you into a repeat visitor or a resident. We had a great experience and we will return. This Hot Spring is not for Divas or high maintenance people and we feel it is intended that way and appreciate that.

Drove almost three hours round trip to take a chance with this place. I planned my entire trip around finishing here. I called MANY TIMES to try to get a reservation in a private spring and no one even answered? I figured we’d try anyway because I had a good feeling about it, boy was I wrong. We arrived and were told they were fully booked for the next month. Therefore they “don’t even bother with the phone”. Instead of wasting everyone’s time, pay someone $50 to update the website so that you can make reservations online. This entire situation could’ve been avoided had I just been told they were fully booked, or even put it in the voicemail: but I guess it’s too much of a hassle to pick up the phone or be considerate. It’s honestly a matter of respecting people and their time. Just be a good person? I would’ve considered the community nude spring, but the level of professionalism or lack there of, put a bad taste in my mouth.

Mind you, the people that run it are really nice. They had clean places to change and to shower. But these are not hot springs. They are warm.....tepid. Hot springs are from 95° - 104° to qualify as such. These were maybe pushing 90°....the warmer ones anyway. The one I was in was no more than 85°. So, it amounts to a mineral water soak. I can get that and hotter water in my bathtub.