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.
![Parking Lot 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs21.jpg)
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.
![Rest Room 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs17.jpg)
In the vast gravel parking lot, there was one vault toilet, which was dirty.
![Oasis 03](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs01.jpg)
The palm trees were scorched round by the 2020 fire, but it was an oasis worth seeing.
![Oasis 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs20.jpg)
The source of this pond was geothermal water flowing out of pools, so the water was lukewarm (about 93 degrees F) and steamy.
![Oasis 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs11.jpg)
![Alpaca](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/alpaca150.png)
![Capybara](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/capybara150.png)
I decided not to swim in the pond because it did not look very clean with so many fish.
![Entrance 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs19.jpg)
Snowbird paradise
The pool area, surrounded by a metal fence, was located closer to the highway at the oasis.
![Pool Area 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs12.jpg)
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.
![Entrance 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs18.jpg)
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.
![Water Outlet 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs03.jpg)
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.
![Pool Area 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs16.jpg)
These people are called snowbirds.
![Water Outlet 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs05.jpg)
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.
![Pool Area 04](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs06.jpg)
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.
![Water Temp 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs08.jpg)
There were two pools, and the water that popped out of the water outlet was poured directly into the first pool.
![Larger Pool 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs23.jpg)
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.
![Soaking 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs14.jpg)
The pool temperature was about 111 degrees F, which was quite hot.
![Pool Area 05](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs10.jpg)
The second pool was smaller and shallower.
Hot water overflowing from the first pool was poured in, so the water temp was lower.
![Water Temp 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs09.jpg)
The water overflowing from the second pool drained into the oasis pond.
![Water Discharge 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/holtville-hot-springs13.jpg)
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