Santa Rosa Spring, Ribbonwood, CA 92561

## Overview Santa Rosa Spring is a piped natural spring located at the Santa Rosa Campground in the rugged desert mountains near Ribbonwood, California, within Riverside County. The spring feeds water through a pipe, making it convenient for visitors to fill containers directly. While the detailed history of this spring is not well documented, the pipe infrastructure suggests it was intentionally developed — likely by land managers or early settlers — to provide reliable water access in this arid region of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The Santa Rosa Mountains are part of the broader Peninsular Ranges and are known for their scattered desert springs, which have historically served as vital water sources for wildlife, indigenous Cahuilla people, and later ranchers and travelers moving through the region. Santa Rosa Spring appears on topographic maps of the area, indicating its longstanding recognition as a water feature in this otherwise dry landscape. ## Directions 1. The spring is located at or near the Santa Rosa Campground in the Ribbonwood area of Riverside County, California. 2. From Palm Desert, head south on Highway 74 (Palms to Pines Scenic Byway) into the Santa Rosa Mountains. 3. Watch for signs or turnoffs leading to Santa Rosa Campground. The spring and its pipe are situated within or adjacent to the campground area. 4. GPS coordinates: **33.540155, -116.467252** — use these for precise navigation, as signage may be limited in this remote desert setting. *Note: Road conditions in the Santa Rosa Mountains can vary seasonally. It is advisable to check current road status before heading out, especially after storms.* ## What to Expect At Santa Rosa Spring, visitors will find water flowing from a pipe — a setup that appears to have been designed specifically to make filling water bottles and containers easy. The flow comes from the natural spring source associated with the Santa Rosa Campground area. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of the high desert terrain of the Santa Rosa Mountains: rocky slopes, scattered desert scrub, and sweeping views of the arid valleys below. The campground setting provides a relatively accessible base for exploring the area. Water flow may vary depending on the season and recent precipitation. Desert springs in this region tend to be most reliable during and shortly after the cooler, wetter months (late fall through early spring). During dry summer months, flow could diminish. The water has historically been used by campers and visitors in the area, though its current quality has not been independently verified — visitors should use their own discretion regarding consumption. The area is also home to diverse desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep that rely on springs like this one throughout the Santa Rosa Mountains. Keep an eye out for tracks and other signs of wildlife near the water source.