Aqua Caliente County Park Hot Springs

## Overview Aqua Caliente County Park (commonly spelled Agua Caliente) is a 910-acre desert oasis nestled along the southern edge of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego County, California. Managed by the County of San Diego, this park has long been cherished for its naturally heated mineral hot springs, which feed three soaking pools available to day-use and overnight visitors alike. The hot springs here carry a rich history. The area was once a vital stop along the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach route, established in 1858, where weary settlers and mail carriers could rest and rejuvenate before continuing their arduous journey across the desert. The springs were almost certainly known and used by the Kumeyaay people long before European settlers arrived. Today, the park preserves that tradition of rest and renewal, drawing visitors from across Southern California who come to soak, hike, camp, and enjoy the stark beauty of the Anza-Borrego desert landscape. The park sits at a GPS location of approximately 32.9496° N, 116.3017° W, roughly 111 miles east of San Diego. ## Directions 1. From San Diego, head east on **Interstate 8**. 2. Take the **Ocotillo exit**. 3. Turn north onto **Highway S2** (also known as the Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849). 4. Continue north on S2 for approximately **22 miles**. 5. The park entrance will be on your right at **39555 Great Southern Stage Route of 1849, Julian, CA 92036**. The drive from San Diego takes roughly two hours. The route along S2 is scenic but remote — make sure you have a full tank of gas and plenty of water before heading out. ## What to Expect ### Hot Spring Pools The park features **two indoor pools and one outdoor pool**, all fed by the natural mineral hot springs: - **Indoor Therapeutic Spa** — Enclosed in glass, this adults-only pool features jacuzzi-style water jets and is maintained at approximately **102°F (39°C)**. It's designed for a quieter, more therapeutic soaking experience. - **Indoor Pool** — A second enclosed pool suitable for general soaking. - **Outdoor Pool** — Open to both children and adults, this pool offers a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere under the desert sky. The facility also includes locker rooms, private changing areas, and lounge chairs on the pool decks for post-soak relaxation. ### Hiking Miles of desert trails wind through the park and connect to the broader Anza-Borrego Desert State Park trail system. The surrounding landscape features classic Sonoran Desert terrain — rocky washes, ocotillo, cholla cactus, and sweeping mountain views. ### Camping & RV Sites Agua Caliente offers approximately **140 campsites**, including around **30 RV sites with full hookups**. A large group gathering area is also available. Campsite fees vary, so it's best to check with the park directly. **Reservations are strongly recommended**, especially during holidays and peak weekends, when the park can fill up quickly. - **Phone:** (760) 765-1188 - **Reservations:** (877) 565-3600 ### Supplies & Amenities A small convenience store is located near the park entrance, but the selection is limited. Visitors are encouraged to bring plenty of drinking water, food, and snacks — this is a remote desert location, and the nearest full-service town is a considerable drive away. ### Fees This is a **paid facility** — day-use fees and camping fees apply. Check with San Diego County Parks for current pricing and seasonal hours before your visit. ### Seasonal Notes The desert climate means summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F. The most popular visiting season runs from **late fall through early spring** (roughly October through April), when daytime temperatures are more comfortable and the desert wildflower season can be spectacular in good rainfall years.