Paso Robles was originally famous for its hot springs.
Even as the town grows and becomes more beautiful, I hope that Franklin Hot Springs will continue on its own path.
Unique values
The Spanish settled in what is now Paso Robles in the 1700s, where the Native American Salinan tribe lived and enjoyed the geothermal water.
In contrast, the history of Franklin Hot Springs in the suburbs is relatively young, dating back to the 1950s, when oil drilling was attempted on farmland owned by the Franklin family.
In the end, no oil was found, and thermal water sprang up instead.
The family continues to operate the business to this day.
A short distance down a dirt road past a faded sign was a handmade hut.
It is essentially a walk-in pool, but also has a simple campground and RV park.
The cluttered reception area even had the feel of a farm shed.
Passing through it, e found a huge pool filled with dark green water.
The water temp was lukewarm, about 97 degrees F.
Located near the reception desk are separate changing rooms and restrooms for men and women.
It was not in that clean of a condition.
When I went to the other side of the pool, warm water was draining from the pool.
It was drained directly into a pond, and the pond was used for fishing.
Returning to the changing room side, I found a tub under the sunshade.
It was an interesting structure with a tub inside the pool.
And the eye-catching feature was the distinctive water outlet.
Organic design with the thermal water being violently fed through eight pipes.
It is no exaggeration to say that it is bizarre.
Some soakers were enjoying the massaging effect of the water on their shoulders.
The pool in this area had a reasonable depth.
When approaching the other side, it was so deep that even adults could not get their feet on the bottom.
Clay was deposited at the bottom of the pool, and some were applying this to their faces and bodies.
Paso Robles was famous for its mud baths in the old days, so this can be a venerable soaking method.
Excellent water in a small tub
I found a two-person sized circular tub in the grass facing the fishing pond.
It was made of concrete and sturdy.
I liked this tub so much that I ended up spending the majority of my time here.
Because the amount of water input was large compared to its size, it maintained a warmer temperature of approximately 100 degrees F.
The water was fresh, and the bubbles could be felt.
The water was powerful, with a rotten egg smell as well as the smell of oil.
Summary
Franklin Hot Springs, Paso Robles, California, U.S.
My rating
Type: Walk-in, Lodging (campground)
Rule: Clothing required
Chemical use: Not detected
Water temp: Up to 100 degrees F
