The last Monday of the year with rain predicted Tuesday and me without running water, thus no shower, for 11 days. And this rain would be too cold to shower in. All it takes is one tiny little part which is on order. So I thought about a place recommended by a reader, the nearby Agua Caliente County Park with hot thermal water pools and RV camping. Went online to check availability thinking I could treat myself for New Years. Partial hookup (water and electric) for limited sites available, $63 for two nights. Ouch! But what the heck, I’m worth that as a belated Christmas present. But instead of making online reservations I decided to make a reconnaissance trip to Agua Caliente and check it out.
The sun was out and it was suppose to get to 61F, so at 11:30 I hit the road. I’m not a super early morning person, and besides what’s the rush. Just before downtown Borrego Springs I turned onto S3 and cruised past the fancy looking Borrego Springs Resort, Casa del Zorro Resort and Spa, and even the Borrego Medical Center all surrounded by tall palm trees amongst their lush desert landscaping.
Soon I’m out of town and back in the park headed over 1750 foot Yaqui Pass. There’s a gravel parking lot at the pass that is also a dry camp though not very enticing with no signal but a lot of barrel cactus, cholla, ocotillo, century plants, yuccas and the William L Kenon Overlook trail. I stopped briefly but didn’t hike.
Tamarisk Campground is at the junction of California 78 surrounded by giant towering tamarisk trees. I got twisted around and went the wrong way but not for long and turned around. And then, OMG, massive amounts of big rigs towing on this curvy road and bringing in their toys and jeeps to play in the desert. Thank goodness only certain areas of the park allow the drive anywhere you want ORV space.
The traffic decreased once I turn onto S2, 21 miles to Agua Caliente over a 2000 foot pass, down into valleys and up again curving past cactus studded landscapes. Through Shelter Valley, population 300 and I can see them all in this long flat valley.
I stopped to check out the Blair Valley dry camp and only saw one tent way off in the distance. No signal and no RVs as it seems we all want our technology. Gone are the days when the Butterfield Stagecoach delivered the true ‘snail mail’ across this unpaved route.
And finally I got to Agua Caliente, a noisy, parked right on top of each other, RV parkish place. No thanks. But maybe after the holiday rush is over and kids are back in school. I mean it is soaking in hot water. Ahhh….
The return drive was prettier than before without the bright sun shinning in my eyes. I smiled returning to this extensive piece of desert off Rockhouse Trail. Sure glad I made the reconnaissance trip to Agua Caliente instead of making those online reservations. And such a beautiful drive.
BTW, it did rain Tuesday night and the morning light of New Year’s Eve showed snow capped mountains all around and down to 2000 feet. Thank goodness I’m not at more than several hundred feet.
It was a beautiful drive though! That park is crowded (and I’m used to RV Parks as you know, but still ….). Just out of curiosity, have you ever thought of doing work camping in a warm place during your off season? Lots of RV Parks and state parks give at least free space, maybe more. and from your background I am sure you have office skills and I know you have people ones! (So you could take a job that did not involve cleaning>)
I’ve thought about it but don’t want to work during the winter. It’s warming up nicely these days.
Oh wow, I was thinking about staying at that park on my way back to the U.S. from Baja, but hmm, not with all that glorious boondocking relatively nearby. What about just coming down to soak in the springs with a day pass?
There’s nice looking boondocking nearer to Agua Caliente than where I currently am but a little higher elevation so colder right now. But yes, a day pass is doable. I haven’t tried their hot water, yet.
Beautiful shots, Gaelyn. I love reading your ongoing narratives.
Thanks Steve.
Excellent decision to check it out. I can sympathize with the need for a shower. Hope you find one. There must be pay as you go somewhere, no? SOOO glad to have you back in the commenters.
There’s always Quartszite, or maybe I should just use Agua Caliente for an afternoon.
My comment went right through. What did you or I change?
We’ve enjoyed Agua Caliente in the past, probably later in the season, and not so crowded. Those pools are awfully nice and some beautiful hikes as well. The AB State Park might be an option for a couple of days. Maybe even a day use pass. The Palm Canyon hike is worth the price of admittance, and you might see some big horn sheep.
bummer that the park is tight and noisy. That place has been on my list for a while, but I’ve just never been. Lovely pics of the drive.
Nina
Might be better after the holidays. Loved the mountainous drive but could have gotten snow at Yaqui Pass.
Hi Gaelyn,
Sorry that Agua Caliente didnt seem to work for you. I havent been there at this time of the year and can imagine being that crowded was a turn off. We have only been there in April and it isnt nearly that crowded. Also it was probably crowed as kids were still out for Winter break. You can use the park for a day, get a good warm soak and then clean up with a hot shower. Also for me I like April as the desert is much more colorful.
If you are thinking about going to Quartzsite, I recommend that too. There is a group that gets there about now and are a real fun experience. Its called Rubber Tramp Rendevous and I believe they have a website. I follow a blog called “Cheap RV Living” and he has wonderful blog about boondocking and Van living.
Hopefully able to see each other in Quartzsite.
Rosemary
I’m sure between holidays and snowbirds that’s why it’s busy right now. I might consider a day stop on my way south. I’ll be meeting friends in Quartzsite the 17th and stay for probably a week.
Hi Cuz 🙂
I enjoyed reading your journey too. Seeing your photos and having an idea of where you are or was 🙂 I’ve been working on getting a Blog thing going, like you and I have talked about. But nothing yet. The more I read yours, should get to going sooner to start a Blog. Looking forward to reading more of your Blogs.
Rick
Thanks Rick. You’ve got time so why not write and get that blog started. It’s gets easier as you go along.
The desert offers such amazing contrasts, doesn’t it? Can seem so desolate but yet there is actually so much life, although I’m sure you know that better than most! 😉 Hope you get your part and get your shower working again soon!
When I first saw the desert, like many thought it was dead and ugly. Then I walked into it to get acquainted and found it hard to leave. Tomorrow should be part day.
There is nothing better than soaking in a natural hot springs! That is why we loved living in Truth or Consequences NM! Hot Springs everywhere! I could use one right now! Good luck finding one!
I much prefer the natural hot springs but would settle with a pool of warm water. And it’s too cold by T&C right now.
We wondered about that park as well. Thanks for checking it out .
I may go check it out for day use later this week. Will let you know after what it’s like.
Hi there gal – – I went to Quartz. yesterday with Nancy with just a car, and returned the same day to Yarnell. I thought it was quite an
outing until I read all these wonderful adventures you folks are having with your own rigs, and going to sleep in your mobile homes, and waking up in the lower desert, which I love so, and miss so, here in upper dessert. I’m spending my am at the Communit. Ctr, so
have limited time this morn. Great fun even just reading of all your great times and places.
Love = B
Maybe you’ll make another trip to Q when I’m there.
Don’t work too hard today.
Love ya’
My, that drive was spectacular. Agree that there are too m any RVs, but I might have been tempted to go in and have a look. like you say there’s always a bit later after. And you’ll get more for your money with a longer period of no-shower, ha, ha. 😉
I’m still thinking about this hot water treat.
Beautiful trip to and back though. I hope you get a shower sometime soon.
Best to check things out in advance. I went on a camping trip to Oklahoma’s Turner Falls park years ago. Everybody was on top of each other. The place was patrolled by police who wouldn’t roll down their windows to talk to people. They used their loudspeaker to tell me to move my car. The shower rooms were a mess with lines to use them.
That was in the days before cell phones but I bet they don’t have a signal.
I hate places like that and it’s one of the reasons I’m boondocking in a big desert. Bet you never went back. Water problem fixed yesterday and the water heater works, so I’m treating myself to that long overdue shower today. Surprising there is such good signal out here.
We were there as volunteers from Oct 1 to Jan 3. I’m thinking the post holidays will be quite similar to the Oct to Mid Dec period. The place was typically very light on occupancy. The Holidays had it packed but for most of our stay except for a few weekends, during the week it was nearly like being out in the bush. It was great Sunday through Thursday always. The pools are mineral water but enclosed pools and treated.
Day pass is $3.oo per person for use of the pools if you are not camping there. Good value.
Thanks for that information Wayne. I should have known the holidays would be Very busy but am considering a trip back, maybe just for day use as the overnight price is a little steep for my budget. Nice volunteer gig.
I can never believe my eyes when there are mountains with snow in the desert