Glamis North Hot Springs Resort, Niland, Updated Guide 2026
My first solo road trip through California’s desert ended at a warm mineral pool I almost missed the turn-off for. That moment is what built CATRAVELTIMES. I’m Vanessa, and I’ve soaked in dozens of springs across the state.
The full breakdown lives in my California hot springs guide. Glamis North Hot Springs Resort at 10595 Hot Mineral Spa Rd, Niland, CA 92257 earns its place on that list. Clean geothermal pools, no sulfur smell, ATV trails, and a $30 day pass. Here’s what to expect.
What is Find Glamis North Hot Springs Resort? Quick Detail
The water here was found by accident. In 1938, workers drilling a well for the All-American Canal hit a 305-foot geyser of scalding geothermal water at 160°F. They couldn’t use it, so they capped it and left. By the 1950s, locals caught on that people started calling it “Little Yellowstone,” and the springs slowly became a seasonal desert retreat.
The resort sits 87 feet below sea level at the foot of the Chocolate Mountains, fed by the San Andreas Fault. Today it runs October through April, costs $30 for a day pass, holds pools at 98–104°F, and carries a 4.5/5 guest rating. Standing at that pool the first time, knowing the water shot up uninvited in 1938, makes the whole soak feel a little more earned. That history stays with me. Now let me tell you how to get here.
How To Find Glamis North Hot Springs Resort? Directions & Map
From Palm Springs, take CA-86 south for about 12 miles, turn left onto CA-195/66th Ave, then right onto CA-111 South. Drive 29 miles and turn left onto Hot Mineral Spa Road. Continue 3.7 miles the resort sits on your left. GPS: 33.3442° N, 115.6231° W.
The road is fully paved and any vehicle handles it. Watch the CA-111 turnoff it sneaks up at highway speed. The moment you pull through the entrance gate, you’ll understand why I stopped the car and grabbed my camera before I even found my site.
Glamis North Hot Springs Resort Photos Scenic Views Worth Capturing
I photographed the pool complex at golden hour the Chocolate Mountains behind it turned deep rust and the water caught the light in a way that stopped me cold. I also shot the themed cabins up close, because the Pirate House demanded it.
The resort looks completely different after dark fire rings glowing, the pool area lit up and that’s worth a second round of photos if you’re staying over the weekend.
Important Information You Need to Know About Glamis North Hot Springs Resort
Is Glamis North Hot Springs Resort Free to Visit?
No. A day pass costs $30 per person and covers 4 pools, 14 individual hot tubs, and 2 saunas. Cabin and RV guests get hot spring access included in their stay. For what you actually get here, that’s a fair deal by any measure.
What Are the Opening Hours at Glamis North?
The resort runs October through mid-April only. Office hours during the season: Monday–Thursday 8 AM–6 PM, Friday–Saturday 7 AM–11 PM, Sunday 8 AM–8 PM. Call ahead before a day pass visit weekday hours can shift without much advance notice from the resort.
Does Glamis North Hot Springs Have a Sulfur Smell?
No and that’s the first thing people notice. A continuous flow-through system circulates fresh mineral water constantly, keeping the pools clean and odor-free. If the egg smell at other springs has put you off, Glamis North is a real exception. The contrast with places like Travertine Hot Springs is immediate.
What Cabins and Accommodations Does Glamis North Offer?
Options run from full-hookup RV sites with 50-amp service to themed cabins the Pirate House, the Oasis, and penthouse options with custom fireplaces. Cabins sleep up to 6 and include a fridge, microwave, and gas BBQ. Bring your own linens and towels.
Can You Ride ATVs Directly From the Resort?
Yes. The resort sits at the edge of hundreds of miles of desert trails. Park your rig, unload, and you’re riding in minutes. RZR 2- and 4-seater rentals are available on-site. I didn’t come for the riding but watching guests head out every morning while I had the hot tubs nearly to myself felt like a solid trade.
For a broader look at the region’s best soaks, my full guide to Hot Springs in California covers this desert stretch in detail.
What’s the Water Temperature & Best Time to Visit Glamis North Hot Springs Resort?
The pool water holds between 98–104°F depending on which pool you’re in. The hot spring pool runs warmer; the 2 cold pools sit on the opposite end and moving between them on a cool January morning is something my shoulders still remember.
The source water comes out at 160°F before being cooled and routed through the system. When I stepped in that first time, the warmth hit fast and the clean air no smell at all told me immediately this place operated differently from most.
| Season | Why Visit | Best Time | Water Temperature |
| Fall | Resort reopens, mild desert air, smaller crowds | October–November | 98–104°F |
| Winter | Cool air makes the hot soak perfect; peak season | December–February | 98–104°F |
| Spring | Quieter crowds, warm days, cool evenings | March–April | 98–104°F |
| Summer | Resort is closed — temps hit 120°F | Not available | N/A |
| Year-Round | Seasonal only — plan around October–April window | October–April | 98–104°F in season |
Winter is the sweet spot here, and the resort fills up accordingly. Now let’s cover what to actually do while you’re there.
Things to Do at Glamis North Hot Springs Resort
The soaking was why I came, but I ended up spending a full afternoon just walking the grounds and watching the Chocolate Mountains shift color. I wish I’d built in a second day one wasn’t close to enough.
Soaking in the Hot Springs Pools
The pool complex runs 4 pools, 14 individual hot tubs at 98–104°F, 2 cold pools, and 2 saunas. Clean, odor-free, open to all day-pass and overnight guests. Rated 4.5/5 on Google. This is the main event everything else at the resort circles around it.
Salvation Mountain
About 15 minutes from the resort near Niland, CA. Folk art installation built over decades by Leonard Knight. Rated 4.7/5 on Google Maps. Free to visit. Surreal and genuinely moving the kind of roadside landmark you don’t expect to find out here and don’t forget once you have.
Bombay Beach Ruins
About 20 minutes west on the Salton Sea shore. Art-saturated ghost town with abandoned structures and desert installations. Free to explore. Rated 4.5/5 on Google Maps. The Ski Inn bar there is worth the stop cold beer, dollar bills on the ceiling, and a jukebox that somehow fits perfectly.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
California’s largest state park, about 1.5 hours west of the resort. 600,000 acres of desert wilderness. Free in most areas. Rated 4.8/5 on Google Maps. The wildflower bloom in February and March alone is worth building a whole trip around. I made the drive one afternoon and came back sunburned and completely satisfied.
Joshua Tree National Park
About 1.5 hours north of Glamis North. One of the most distinctive desert landscapes in California rated 4.8/5 on Google Maps. Entry is $35 per vehicle or free with an America the Beautiful pass. The Joshua tree silhouettes at sunset hit differently when you’ve spent the day soaking in a desert spring.
Desert Trail Riding & RZR Rentals
Trails run directly from the resort in multiple directions old mining routes, sand dunes, bat caves. RZR 2- and 4-seater rentals available on-site. This is the kind of riding where you won’t see another person for miles. The guests who return repeatedly usually come back for this as much as the springs themselves.
If you’re curious how this compares to other desert soaks, my guide to Deep Creek Hot Springs covers another strong Southern California option worth knowing about.
Once you’ve planned the days, the next question is where to sleep and eat if you’re not staying on-site.
Where to Stay & Eat Near Glamis North Hot Springs Resort
I stay on-site when I visit Glamis North the themed cabins are part of the trip for me. But if the resort is fully booked or you want a different base, here are the closest options I’ve tracked down.
Hotels Near Glamis North Hot Springs Resort
Bashford’s Hot Mineral Spa
Smaller mineral spa resort on Hot Mineral Spa Road, Niland, CA. Rated 3.9/5 on Google Maps. RV sites and basic accommodations with hot mineral pool access at modest nightly rates. A quieter option for visitors who want the soak without the ATV crowd.
Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort
Full-service RV resort on Hot Mineral Spa Road, Niland, CA. Rated 4.2/5 on Google Maps. Natural hot mineral pools and a strong snowbird community from November through March. A solid backup when Glamis North is fully booked during peak winter season.
Palm Springs RV Park & Glamis North Hot Springs
On-site RV accommodations at the resort itself 50-amp full hookups, water, sewer, cable, WiFi. Rates average $60–$75 per night. Rated 4.5/5 on Google Maps. Staying on-site keeps you steps from the pool at any hour, which is the only reason you need.
Restaurants Near Glamis North Hot Springs Resort
Wrangler’s Roost
American diner near Niland, CA. Casual, affordable, local crowd. Reliable for a filling meal before or after a soak day. Check Google Maps for current hours before making the drive desert restaurant hours are unpredictable.
Ski Inn
Located in Bombay Beach, CA about 20 minutes from the resort on the Salton Sea shore. Rated 4.3/5 on Google Maps. Bar atmosphere, cold beer, cash only. More of an experience than a restaurant, but food is served. A legitimate stop either way.
Buckshot Deli & Diner
Casual deli near Niland. Sandwiches, coffee, road food. Affordable and practical for early starts heading to the trails or winding down after a full soak day. Check current hours before arriving.
The Spot
Local American comfort food in the Niland area. Relaxed vibe, reasonable prices, rated well by regulars. Good sit-down option for dinner after a full day on the trails and in the water.
The Coop
Casual local eatery near the resort with a simple menu and laid-back atmosphere. Easy and unpretentious after a day in the pools or out on the trails. Worth a try if you’re eating in the area.
What Are People Saying About Glamis North Hot Springs Resort?
Google and TripAdvisor both hold Glamis North at 4.5/5. The consistent praise covers clean facilities, no sulfur smell, and staff that’s helpful without hovering. Families love the themed cabins. Couples return for the penthouse options. The honest criticism worn grounds in spots, a weekend-only café shows up in reviews too, and both are accurate in my experience.
My Honest Take After Soaking at Glamis North
Glamis North is not a polished resort. The grounds are functional, not manicured. But the water is genuinely good clean, warm, odor-free, sourced from a geological accident that’s been running since 1938. I drove out half-skeptical and left already planning a February return, when the desert air gets that cold edge and the hot pool feels truly earned.
If you want a spa experience, look elsewhere. If you want geothermal water in the Chocolate Mountains with a cold pool on standby and ATV trails a minute from your door this is the place. It doesn’t pretend to be more than it is. That’s part of why I liked it. For more desert soaks and hidden gems across the state, everything I’ve found and tested is waiting for you at catraveltimes.com.
FAQs About Glamis North Hot Springs Resort
When Does Glamis North Hot Springs Resort Open?
Glamis North runs mid-October through mid-April. It closes for summer because temperatures regularly hit 120°F in the Imperial Valley. The 2026–27 season opens October 23, 2026. Plan your visit within that window.
How Much Does a Day Pass Cost at Glamis North?
A day pass costs $30 per person and includes 4 pools, 14 individual hot tubs, and 2 saunas. Cabin and RV guests receive hot spring access included in their stay at no additional charge.
Do I Need a 4WD Vehicle to Get to Glamis North?
No. The road to Glamis North is fully paved all the way. Any standard car handles the 3.7-mile stretch on Hot Mineral Spa Road without difficulty. No off-road driving is required to reach the resort entrance.
Is There Food Available on Site at Glamis North?
Sassy’s Outback Café opens most weekends during winter season only. No daily food service is available. Bring your own food for weekday visits or plan a short drive into Niland or Bombay Beach for a meal.
Are the Pools Chlorinated or Chemical-Treated?
No. Glamis North uses a flow-through system fresh geothermal mineral water circulates constantly. No chlorine added, no sulfur smell. The water stays naturally clean, which is exactly what sets this resort apart from most California springs.
Can I Bring My Pet to Glamis North?
Yes. Pets are welcome for a $75-per-visit fee not per night, per visit. Bring your own linens and towels for cabin stays regardless of whether you’re traveling with a pet.
How Far Is Glamis North From Palm Springs?
Glamis North sits about 70 miles southeast of Palm Springs. The drive takes roughly 1.5 hours via CA-86 South and CA-111 South. Turn left onto Hot Mineral Spa Road and continue 3.7 miles to the resort entrance.
