Escape the glitz and glamour of the city and embark on the ultimate relaxing day trip from Las Vegas to Tecopa Hot Springs. Just a scenic drive away from the bustling Las Vegas Strip, Tecopa offers a serene oasis in the Mojave Desert, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating the soul. With its soothing geothermal waters, breathtaking desert scenery and a visit to the famous “China Ranch Date Farm”, Tecopa beckons as the ultimate destination for a tranquil getaway (with the tastiest treat on top of it all)!
ℙ𝕠𝕤𝕥 ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤:
- Tecopa Natural Hot Springs
- Leave No Trace &
- Important Information to Know
- What to Bring
- How to Get There
- Best Time to Go
- Leave No Trace &
- China Ranch Date Farm
- What is it and why it’s absolutely worth visiting!
Author: Mindy Michaels, mindyonthemove.com
Photographers: Doug Michaels and Mindy Michaels
My name is Mindy and, as you can guess, I’m always on the move! I currently live in my 2021 Palomino Rogue truck camper as I travel the country full-time. I’ve been to all 50 states (more than once) and I have a slight obsession with remote wildernesses (such as Alaska)! While traveling, I seek out the most epic hikes, wildlife, scenic views, hidden gems and natural beauty I can find!
My primary job use to be freelancing in the tv industry and I have worked on various reality/doc tv shows for a multitude of networks, such as: Travel Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery, HGTV, Cooking Channel and more! Luckily, the shows I typically worked on afforded me to begin this nomadic lifestyle because they, too, traveled around the country.
However, now, I’ve moved on to creating content full-time and work for various tourism boards, travel companies, resorts and cruises, like-minded outdoor brands and more! Along with my husband, I am also a professional photographer and you can browse some of my landscape prints here: https://mindyonthemove.darkroom.com/?…
DISCLOSURE:
THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS AND I RECEIVE A COMMISSION IF YOU VISIT A LINK AND BUY SOMETHING ON MY RECOMMENDATION. PURCHASING VIA AN AFFILIATE LINK DOESN’T COST YOU ANY EXTRA, AND I ONLY RECOMMEND PRODUCTS AND SERVICES I TRUST. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. FOR MORE DETAILS SEE MY DISCLOSURE AND PRIVACY POLICY.
Relaxing Day Trip from Las Vegas
Tecopa Hot Springs
Land Acknowledgement: Nuwuvi and Newe Lands. To find what Native Land you are visiting, try using the app Native Land and read the history and culture of the Indigenous people whose land you are recreating on. Supporting via donation, when able, is also very much appreciated!
LEAVE NO TRACE & IMPORTANT INFORMATION
It is very crucial to practice all of the Leave No Trace Principles when recreating outdoors so we can all do our part in helping to protect and preserve these gorgeous spaces! Some very key things to note when visiting and soaking in these wondrous hot springs:
- Pack out everything you bring in (all litter and waste). I highly suggest bringing along a trash bag to help ensure no stray pieces of litter get missed and left behind! Personally, I like to bring along my reusable one, linked here: Kelty Litter G’tter Trash Can
- There are NO restrooms, no potable water sources or facilities of any kinds by these springs! If you need to use the restroom, I suggest driving 5 mins down the road and into town to find a place. But, it’s best to go beforehand!
- Be respectful of other visitors and of their relaxing experience: do not blast your bluetooth speaker or cause a raucous in any manner. Keeping noise levels low helps to maintain a peaceful atmosphere for all to enjoy!
- It’s not uncommon for soakers to be nude so if this offends you, I suggest not coming here in the first place. Also do not take photos or videos of other soakers (again, respect other bathers).
- Come prepared! There’s little to no cell service out this way, so best to have a portable phone charger and a downloaded map/directions for offline use!
- Speaking of coming prepared, see the section below for things I suggest packing for this relaxing day trip from Las Vegas adventure!
Continued…
- Keep hot springs clean: refrain from adding soap, shampoo or other products to the hot springs as they can pollute the water and harm aquatic life and their natural habitat.
- Leave natural objects behind! Refrain from taking “souvenirs” or natural objects from the hot springs area. Leave rocks, plants and other items untouched.
- Respect all wildlife – always! Do not harm, antagonize or feed any critters you may encounter (including birds). And definitely do not pick any wildlife up, etc.
- Follow all fire regulations: if picknicking near the hot springs, or even just chilling out in the area for awhile, adhere to local fire regulations and guidelines to prevent wildfires (fires are not permitted here).
Other important things to be aware of:
- There isn’t a store or gas station in Tecopa, so fill up and come prepared with everything you need. There is a small convenience store and gas station 8 miles north in Shoshone, though.
- Be aware of Naegleria fowleri: this is a very dangerous and serious microorganism typically found in warm freshwater environments (hence, there’s always a risk of them being in any hot springs). Though it’s an extremely rare infection, it is almost always fatal! It’s super important to avoid this risk by not dunking your head under the water (they travel through the nasal passages up to the brain). If you’re careful to not go under the water / get any water in your nose – you’ll be fine! Again, the risk is extremely low, but it’s important to be cautious and aware of.
- RSM – mud mites are also a possibility in some hot springs! We did not encounter any when we were here, but do know it’s something to keep in mind and also to be aware of.
Relaxing Day Trip from Las Vegas
What to Bring / Pack for this Day Trip
In order to have the best and most relaxing Tecopa Hot Springs day trip experience, make sure you have everything you need for a day of soaking and outdoor fun! From towels and sunscreen to water shoes and snacks, my essential packing list ensures you’re fully prepared to enjoy a rejuvenating experience amidst these tranquil waters!
Click on my Rock Porch Locker below for my packing list
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Relaxing Day Trip from Las Vegas
How to Get to Tecopa Hot Springs
Distance from Las Vegas & Death Valley National Park:
It’s about an hour and a half to two hours from the city, depending on traffic conditions, etc. If you’re coming from Death Valley National Park, it’s about 1 hour from Furnace Creek Visitor Center.
Tecopa Hot Springs coordinates:
(35.8859296, -116.2341499) – these coordinates may not be exact, but they got me there and will put you close enough to the trailhead that’s right off the road!
Directions:
The tiny town, itself, is called “Tecopa Hot Springs” and you will find many resorts that have soaking pools and tubs scattered throughout the town (these are great alternatives if you prefer a less-natural experience but still wish to soak in the healing benefits of these local waters). However, to reach the natural pools that you see in my photographs and that are often referred to as “Tecopa Mud Hot Springs or Tecopa Mud Baths”, follow these directions from Las Vegas:
Directions continued…
Once in the town of Tecopa Hot Springs, you’ll find various signs indicating directions to different hot springs in the area (but we did not see any signs for these particular natural ones). Thus, once in town.. drive to the edge of town to the coordinates listed above!
Keep an eye out for a small pull-off section on the right-hand side where you’ll also see a sign and a noticeable trail leading up from the road.
Walk a short distance (maybe 100 yards) up this trail to reach the natural hot springs on the right!
Relaxing Day Trip from Las Vegas
Best Time to Go?
I recommend soaking in these natural hot springs any time from mid-fall to mid-spring! I would avoid opting to do this day trip during the summer months as the desert temperatures can reach extreme heat. Therefore, soaking in hot springs during such extreme temperatures can be dangerous! It’s absolutely best to do during milder weather (be sure to check the forecast beforehand).
As far as time of day is concerned, your best bet to having these springs all to yourself is to go as early in the morning as you can (around sunrise). However, a sunset soak is always lovely as well! We went in the late afternoon (as it was a bit chilly that day) and shared it with a couple other soakers. It was still a wonderful experience, but it’s unlikely you’ll have it all to yourself during typical day-time hours!
For even further solitude, I not only recommend early mornings but I also suggest going during the weekdays! I went on a Monday afternoon for reference.
Relaxing Day Trip from Las Vegas
China Ranch Date Farm
China Ranch Date Farm is a family-owned farm located in the Mojave Desert, near Tecopa, California and is absolutely worth visiting and exploring – this day trip wouldn’t be complete without a stop here!
Visiting hours: they’re open daily, 9am-5pm
Here’s why it’s worth visiting:
It’s a Date Palm Oasis! China Ranch Date Farm is nestled in a picturesque desert canyon, where you’ll find a lush oasis of date palms thriving in the arid landscape. The contrast between the desert surroundings and the verdant date groves makes for a unique and visually stunning experience.
The farm produces a variety of date products, including fresh dates, date shakes, date bread, and other delicious treats. Visitors can sample and purchase these products at the farm’s gift shop, where you’ll also find an array of gourmet foods, snacks, and souvenirs. I couldn’t recommend their date shakes more! Seriously, the best shake I’ve ever had in my life (and the perfect treat post-hot spring soaking).
Oh, and there’s even scenic hiking trails!
China Ranch Date Farm offers access to several scenic hiking trails that wind through the desert landscape and along the Amargosa River. The trails vary in difficulty and length, making them suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels. Along the way, you’ll encounter fascinating rock formations, native plants, and wildlife. And definitely be sure to stroll through the date farm itself, weaving through the many rows of palms is such a beautiful experience.
I also can’t forget to add that it’s a great place for some birdwatching! The farm is a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the area. Birding enthusiasts can spot a variety of desert birds, including roadrunners, hummingbirds, and various migratory species, especially during the spring and fall migration seasons.
It’s also chockfull of history! China Ranch Date Farm is also home to several historic sites, including remnants of a pioneer wagon road and a restored 19th-century adobe house. Visitors can learn about the area’s rich history and cultural heritage while exploring these fascinating landmarks.
Overall, China Ranch Date Farm offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culinary delights, outdoor recreation, and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the Mojave Desert region!
Thank you so much for reading and I hope you found this post helpful in planning for your next relaxing day trip from Las Vegas! If you have any comments or questions, feel free to ask away!
As always,
Happy Exploring!
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