Miracle Hill
Desert Hot Springs
Miracle Hill, Desert Hot Springs
At the heart of Desert Hot Springs lies Miracle Hill — a place where the desert hides its greatest treasure beneath the sand. Just fifteen minutes from Palm Springs, this small rise in the landscape holds one of the world’s rarest aquifers: twin underground rivers, one cold and pure, the other steaming hot and mineral-rich. From this geological wonder flows the famous “miracle water” that built an entire city of spas, known for its silky texture and therapeutic power. Emerging at temperatures from 95°F to 174°F, the water carries calcium, magnesium, and silica in perfect balance, making every soak both soothing and restorative. Travelers come here not only for relaxation but to connect with a tradition of healing that has drawn seekers, celebrities, and wellness enthusiasts to Miracle Hill for nearly a century.
What makes Miracle Hill truly unique is the way its resorts and spas are designed around this water. Each property draws directly from the aquifer, offering experiences that range from intimate boutique inns to full-service wellness retreats with yoga, meditation, and farm-to-table dining. Guests can slip into quiet grotto pools beneath desert skies, spend a day cycling through saunas, steam rooms, and mineral tubs, or book a luxurious overnight stay where every detail is curated for renewal. Unlike other spa towns, Miracle Hill blends raw natural power with thoughtfully crafted wellness experiences, creating a destination where the water itself is the treatment, and every resort adds its own layer of care and comfort.
The Healing Benefits of Miracle Hill Mineral Water
The mineral balance in Miracle Hill’s aquifer is what makes these hot springs truly unique. Every soak surrounds you in water naturally infused with trace elements that support both body and mind.
Muscle Recovery & Pain Relief
Magnesium – Known as nature’s muscle relaxant, magnesium eases tension, reduces inflammation, and helps joints feel more flexible after a soak.
Emotional Balance & Stress Relief
Lithium – In trace amounts, lithium has been shown to calm the nervous system, stabilize mood, and reduce stress.
Skin Health & Radiance
Silica & Sulfate – Silica leaves skin soft and hydrated, while sulfates aid in gentle detoxification and promote a healthy glow.
Spa & Body
While the hot springs are the centerpiece, the spa culture on Miracle Hill is what transforms a soak into a complete wellness journey. Massages that use desert botanicals, body wraps infused with local clay, and aromatherapy sessions inspired by native plants all enhance the restorative power of the water.
Guests often combine body treatments with mineral soaks for maximum benefit. A typical ritual might begin with 20 minutes in a geothermal pool, followed by a deep-tissue massage, ending with meditation in a quiet garden. The integration of water, body, and spirit is what makes Miracle Hill one of the most respected spa destinations in California.
Spend the Day
Not staying overnight? Day passes make Miracle Hill accessible to everyone. Resorts like Desert Hot Springs Inn, The good House, and The O Spa welcome daytime guests to enjoy pools, saunas, and quiet relaxation spaces.
A perfect day might include:
A morning soak in a mineral pool as the desert wakes around you.
A massage or body treatment to deepen relaxation.
Lunch on-site featuring fresh, local ingredients.
An afternoon of quiet reading or sunbathing between dips in the water.
Even a single day on Miracle Hill leaves visitors describing a sense of calm that lingers long after they leave.
Nature
Though Miracle Hill is known for water, its surroundings are equally captivating. The desert landscape stretches in every direction, framed by the San Jacinto and San Bernardino mountains. Sunrises bathe the valley in soft pink light, while evenings deliver fiery sunsets that reflect off the mineral pools.
For adventurers, the hill is a gateway. Within minutes, you can hike into Joshua Tree National Park, wander Coachella Valley Preserve, or explore the hidden oases of the San Gorgonio wilderness. Many visitors balance their spa days with desert exploration, finding renewal in both soaking pools and open trails. Miracle Hill offers the best of both worlds — nature’s grandeur and nature’s healing waters.
Spend the Night
For those who want to linger, Miracle Hill offers overnight stays ranging from boutique inns to luxury spa resorts. Each property draws directly from the aquifer, so the hot spring experience continues long after the sun sets. Imagine slipping into a private tub outside your room, desert stars above, and the warmth of mineral water easing you into sleep.
Some of the most celebrated places to stay include:
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Two Bunch Palms – A historic retreat beloved by Hollywood stars, known for its grotto pools and eco-conscious ethos.
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Azure Palm Hot Springs – Modern, spacious, and perched high on the hill with panoramic desert views.
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El Morocco Inn & Spa – Exotic flair meets warm hospitality, creating an immersive hideaway.
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The Good House – Minimalist design and quiet surroundings, perfect for deep rest.
Every stay tells its own story, but all share one common feature: the Miracle Hill aquifer, continuously feeding their pools.
Naturally
Healing Waters
History & Culture
Cabot Yerxa’s discovery of the hot and cold aquifers in the early 1900s led to the founding of Desert Hot Springs. His pueblo-style museum still stands nearby, preserving the story of how this “miracle” shaped the city.
Planning Your Visit
Best season: Fall through spring for mild desert weather.
Duration: A two-night stay is ideal.
Combine with: Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs art tours, and local hiking trails.
“In hot springs, we touch the healing power of nature.”
– Polare Elen
“Across cultures, mineral springs have been places of gathering, reflection, and renewal. Desert Hot Springs continues that timeless tradition.
– Joseph Erndt
Divi Marina
Address
1234 Divi St. #1000 San Francisco, CA 94220.