Re: 5 Palms Hot Springs and safety

Hey Joel, I'm essentially a 5 Palms local. I live in San Diego, but go to 5 Palms often. You have absolutely nothing to worry about regarding the cartel, kidnappings, crimes etc. None of that happens near 5 Palms. Its family friendly so you should have no problem. Be aware that its clothing optional, so I don't know how conservative you and your wife are, but you may see naked people LOL! This time of year it tends to be frequented by a few snowbirds from Canada who park their RVs at the nearby quarry. However, the spring itself is rarely crowded, especially if you go on a weekday. The spring is natural but not real hot, usually about 93 degrees at the wellhead source in the middle.

Your bigger problem will be access. There are two ways to access the road off of Route 78. One way (BLM RTE 461) is not recommended unless you have 4 wheel drive. The other route is down Whitlock Road. Regular passenger cars can usually make it to the spring this way but you have to know how to drive through soft sand patches, which you may encounter. Here are some exact directions:


- Go east on Route 78 from Brawley for about 18 miles toward Glamis.
- Pass Green Road, then cross the East Highline Canal
Just after the Highline Canal, turn right on Whitlock Road (dirt)
- Go 2.5 miles
- Turn left on an unmarked dirt road and drive over the small hill
- The road will turn back to the left (north)
- Go about another half –mile to the Spring

Have fun, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask me here at this forum. Paul