A hot spring located right next to the I-.
It is a fragile paradise that is free of charge for everyone.
An oasis worth seeing
Located near the Mexican border in the Imperial Valley.
It was right next to I- 8, and the sound of cars passing one by one on the highway was so loud.
There are multiple designations for this hot spring, most recently Old Forgey Hot Springs, but it is also known as Holtville Hot Springs or Highline Hot Well.
In the vast gravel parking lot, there was one vault toilet, which was dirty.
The palm trees were scorched round by the 2020 fire, but it was an oasis worth seeing.
The source of this pond was geothermal water flowing out of pools, so the water was lukewarm (about 93 degrees F) and steamy.
I decided not to swim in the pond because it did not look very clean with so many fish.
Snowbird paradise
The pool area, surrounded by a metal fence, was located closer to the highway at the oasis.
Anyone is free to enter, although it appears that use is prohibited between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
Clothing is required, but there are some people who appear to be naked.
This area is owned by the Bureau of Land Management, and the adjacent land is designated as a Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA).
Therefore, if you wish to camp for more than two weeks between September 15 and April 15 each year, you must purchase a permit for the fee.
Even though there are minimal facilities, the total price is a low $180.00 for camping throughout the entire 7-month period.
One might wonder why anyone would stay in such a location for an extended period of time.
These people are called snowbirds.
They are winter vacationers coming from Canada and other cold regions, and this area is popular because they can enjoy a warm climate on a small budget.
Now, the thermal water that was gushing out of its own was as hot as 124 degrees F.
Since it is too hot, it is sprayed in the form of a shower during the summer months to provide natural cooling.
There were two pools, and the water that popped out of the water outlet was poured directly into the first pool.
The water was clear, colorless, slightly salty, and odorless.
The dark green color is due to the fact that the bottom of the pool was covered with slimy algae.
The pool temperature was about 111 degrees F, which was quite hot.
The second pool was smaller and shallower.
Hot water overflowing from the first pool was poured in, so the water temp was lower.
The water overflowing from the second pool drained into the oasis pond.
This hot spring is free of charge even if you do not camp, attracting many people with different values.
In this sense, it is a fragile paradise that is not always comfortable to dip in.
Summary
Holtville (Old Fogey) Hot Springs, Holtville, California, U.S.
My rating
Type: Walk-in, Lodging (campground)
Rule: Clothing required
Chemical use: Not detected
Water temp: Up to 124 degrees F
