Tag: Mojave Desert
Heard Around Town: Water, Wildflowers, and Willpower
SIFPD Declines Water Tank Offer, Focuses on New Fire Stations and 2026 Tax Measure At the most recent meeting of the Southern Inyo Fire Protection District (SIFPD), the board turned down a proposal from local landowner Jon Zellhoefer, who had offered the district use of a water tank located on his property—currently listed for sale…
Inyo County Opens Door for Bold Proposals at Tecopa Hot Springs Bidder’s Conference
The path forward for the Tecopa Hot Springs Campground and Pools came into sharper focus this week as Inyo County officials fielded questions from prospective operators during a Bidder’s Conference held at the Tecopa Community Center. Many questions were answered, offering new insights into what bidders can and should include in their proposals — and…
New Records Reveal Tecopa Hot Springs’ Books
Prospective operators eyeing the Tecopa Hot Springs Campground and Pools are poring over Inyo County’s request for proposals, searching for clues and benchmarks that might help them craft realistic financial projections for this iconic but demanding desert site. Newly released financial records spanning three years offer a revealing look at the fragile economics behind one…
Hot Springs Etiquette in Tecopa: How Nudity and Showering First Protects the Amargosa River
Hot springs have long been revered for their therapeutic and spiritual benefits, from Japan’s ancient onsen culture to Iceland’s steamy geothermal lagoons. These natural baths provide relaxation, healing, and a connection to the earth’s mineral-rich waters. Yet, despite their tranquil allure, many newcomers overlook an essential etiquette rule: showering before soaking. In Tecopa, California—home to…
Save the Vole: Borehole Spring BLM Lawsuit Explained
In a legal battle aimed at protecting one of North America’s most endangered mammals, the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) filed a lawsuit in 2022 against the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for failing to take necessary action to protect the Amargosa vole and its critical habitat at Borehole Spring in the Mojave Desert.…
Local Environmentalists Profiled in The New York Times Magazine
Our little corner of the world was covered in the New York Times Magazine recently. The article “Nevada’s Lithium Could Help Save the Earth. But What Happens to Nevada?” was published on January 24, 2025 and written by Meg Bernhard, a writer based in Las Vegas (who also wrote this profile of Wonderhussy). The sub-headline…
What to do Before and After a Power Outage
A power pole caught fire near Death Valley Brewing, while another on Highway 127 emitted alarming sparks on Sunday morning, plunging Tecopa into its second 24-hour blackout in a week. The prolonged outage left residents grappling with yet another disruption to their daily lives. Recent windstorms across Southern California have caused widespread power outages, leaving…
Local Communities and Tribal Members Secure Mineral Withdrawal to Protect Ash Meadows and Amargosa Valley
Federal Action to Safeguard Sacred Lands and Water Resources The federal government has initiated the mineral withdrawal process for approximately 308,890 acres of public land in Nevada’s Amargosa Valley. This action temporarily halts new mining claims in the area, allowing for a two-year review of the valley’s ecosystems, groundwater reserves, and culturally significant landscapes. The…
Discovering Tecopa’s Mining Heritage
Nestled in the arid landscape of Southern California’s Mojave Desert, Tecopa holds a rich history deeply rooted in mining. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this small desert town emerged as a vital hub for extracting silver, lead, and zinc. The discovery of abundant ore deposits in the surrounding mountains sparked a mining…
Healing Waters: Exploring the Benefits of Soaking in Tecopa’s Hot Springs
Due to a recent fire, visiting Borehole Spring is not advised. Visit our Borehole Spring page to learn more. Nestled in the arid beauty of the Mojave Desert, Tecopa, California, boasts a hidden gem that has been cherished for centuries—the therapeutic hot springs that grace this unique landscape. Beyond their natural allure, these hot springs…
Surviving and Thriving: Best Practices for Camping in the Mojave Desert
The Mojave Desert, with its vast expanses of arid landscapes and unique ecosystems, presents both challenges and opportunities for those seeking to camp and connect with nature. As a region known for its extreme temperatures and diverse terrain, proper preparation and adherence to best practices are essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.…
A Desert Escape: Easy Road Trips to Tecopa from Los Angeles and Las Vegas
Tucked away in the vast and serene landscapes of the Mojave Desert, Tecopa, California, offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. The ease of accessibility from both Los Angeles and Las Vegas makes it a perfect destination for a rejuvenating road trip. Whether you’re seeking the therapeutic embrace of hot springs, the rugged…