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Desert Hot Springs, CA

Frequently asked questions

Desert Hot Springs, CA

Desert Hot Springs is a city in Riverside County, California, United States. The city is located within the Coachella Valley geographic region. The population was 25,938 at the 2010 census, up from 16,582 at the 2000 census. The city has experienced rapid growth since the 1970s when there were 2,700 residents.

It is named for its many natural hot springs. It is one of several places in the world with naturally occurring hot and cold mineral springs.  More than 20 natural mineral spring lodgings can be found in town. Unlike hot springs with high sulfur content, the mineral springs in town are odorless.

Before the development of the city began in the 1930s, Desert Hot Springs was a treeless place in California's Colorado Desert.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 30.66 square miles (79.4 km2), of which 98.73% is land, and 1.27% is water. Desert Hot Springs is nestled between two mountain ranges: San Bernardino Mountains and San Jacinto Mountains. It is located just south of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park. It is located in the Colorado Desert region of the Sonoran Desert.

The only people residing in areas north of Palm Springs before the 20th century were the Cahuilla Indians in the village of Seven Palms.  Although Cahuilla people never settled permanently in today's Desert Hot Springs, they often camped here during winter times due to the warm climate.

According to early homesteader and writer Cabot Yerxa in his newspaper columns published in The Desert Sentinel newspaper, the first homesteader in the area of the city of Desert Hot Springs was Hilda Maude Gray, who staked her claim in 1908. Cabot Yerxa arrived in 1913 and soon discovered the hot water aquifer on Miracle Hill. Due to the Mission Creek Branch of the San Andreas Fault bisecting the area, one side is a cold water aquifer, the other has a hot water aquifer. His large Pueblo Revival Style architecture structure, hand-built over 20 years, is now one of the oldest adobe-style buildings in Riverside County and houses Cabot's Pueblo Museum, designated a state historical site after he died in 1965. Cabot's Trading Post & Gallery opened there in February 2008.

Desert Hot Springs gives importance to health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Desert Hot Springs Recreation and Community Services Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Healing Corner incorporates the healing properties of plants, herbs, cremes, oils, and minerals from around the world into a variety of unmatched spa services designed to reduce stress and enhance balance. Some popular options include 5 Star Gym and Fitness Center. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Desert Hot Springs, such as the Long Canyon Trailhead and the Swiss Canyon Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Desert Hot Springs, CA are The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Palm Springs Art Museum, and Palm Springs Air Museum.

Population: 25,938 (2010). ZIP Code: 92240. Area code: 760. Elevation: 1,076 ft. Area: 23.6 square miles (61 km2).

FAQs

Why is it called Desert Hot Springs?

Desert Hot Springs, also referred to as "DHS", is a Riverside County city located in the Coachella Valley north of Palm Springs. The city’s name is derived from the numerous natural hot springs that dot the landscape. It is one of the few places in the world to boast naturally occurring hot and cold mineral springs due to the presence of two aquifers that are separated by the Mission Creek Fault, a branch of the San Andreas Fault.

Is Desert Hot Springs, CA a good place to live?

Living in Desert Hot Springs offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Desert Hot Springs there are a lot of parks. Many families live in Desert Hot Springs and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Desert Hot Springs are above average.

What is the crime rate in Desert Hot Springs, CA?

The crime rate in Desert Hot Springs is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 22 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Desert Hot Springs is 1 in 45. Based on FBI crime data, Desert Hot Springs is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to California, Desert Hot Springs has a crime rate that is higher than 65% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Desert Hot Springs

Desert Hot Springs Recreation and Community Services Department

5 Star Gym 

Healing Corner

Fitness Center

Long Canyon Trailhead 

Swiss Canyon Trail

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Palm Springs Art Museum

Palm Springs Air Museum

Bdhomes

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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