TECOPA, CA
Amongst a backdrop of mountains, Tecopa is an other-worldly landscape varying from desert to dunes to green oases.
Living out west, it is a favorite weekend getaway of mine. Looking at a map? Don’t be deterred by Tecopa’s miniscule size and its in-the-middle-of-absolutely-nowhere location! I promise you, Tecopa is the place to be if you are looking to do any of the following:
- Revitalize in a multitude of natural hot springs
- Find Solitude hiking through vast and stunning desertscapes
- Sample a plethora of dates, date cookies, date jam - heck, drink a date shake
Do
Soak
Although it may be tempting to stop at a hot springs resort and never leave, I beg of you to drive a little ways out of town to find the Tecopa Natural Hot Springs. Join the other cars parked on the side of the road and walk the short distance to the tall grass, the only grass, in the area. Clothing is optional, so put on your bathing or birthday suit, and step in. This spring has a gradient of warmth: cooler in the end closest to the road, growing warmer the further you venture in. Find your ideal temperature, slather on some mud and feel small (in the good-perspective kind of way) amongst the surrounding dunes and mountains.
When you are feeling ready for something man-made but still free to enjoy, head back toward town on Tecopa Hot Springs Road and turn onto Furnace Creek Road. Keep driving until you spot a rather lonely palm tree--this is your next soaking destination, the Tecopa Hot Tub. In this tiniest little oasis, you will find a cement tub, seating 4-6 people, with natural spring water piped in. As it is seemingly owned by no one in particular, I am unsure how regularly it is maintenanced; however, don’t let this deter you, as it was more than suitable for soaking. Please be kind and pack out what you pack in.
If you are looking to soak in tubs that you know are maintenanced daily, scroll down to check out Delights Hot Springs Resort under Stay.
China Ranch Date Farm
Imagine: you are closed in on both sides by towering walls of rock, driving down a winding and very narrow road. You wonder whether you will ever encounter any color other than brown again when the China Ranch oasis opens up to you in all its green glory...phew! Established in the 1920s, China Ranch Date Farm is still family-owned by the descendants of those who laboriously created a patch of paradise out of the harsh Mojave desert.
Firstly, I recommend that you head to the gift shop to sample the many varieties of dates produced at China Ranch, and I insist you enjoy a date shake--think creamy vanilla and sugary date tidbits. Take your date shake to go and wander through rows of mature date palms, possibly bearing flowers or fruit depending on the season. After your leisurely stroll and sucking down your date shake, tighten your hiking boots and head to one of the many trailheads located on the China Ranch premise--how convenient!
China Ranch offers six hiking trails to choose from, varying in length and difficulty. Considering the immense beauty of the surrounding area, take your pick, I doubt you could go wrong. See my details on the Slot Canyon Trail below.
Slot Canyon Trail
Slot Canyon Trail is a four mile in-and-out trail with minimal elevation gain, excellent for someone like me who avoids walking at an incline when possible. Hike through stark desert, wish for a whiskey at an abandoned early 20th-century saloon, cool off under cottonwoods along the banks of the Amargosa River and explore the post-apocalyptic Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad Bed.
eat
Steaks and Beer
I think the name says it all: Tecopa’s place for melt-in-your mouth steaks and an ample beer selection, but don’t let its small town locale and intimate quarters fool you--Chef Eric Scott hales from a career on the Las Vegas Strip and truly offers fine dining with a cool and casual atmosphere.
Tecopa Brewing Company
Despite humble appearances, Tecopa Brewing Company is the place to be for locally brewed beers and smokey BBQ. You devoured your pulled pork, ribs and brisket and still haven’t gotten your fill of meat? Don’t worry, Tecopa Brewing Company has got candied bacon on the desert menu. Oh, and don’t forget to grab a growler on the way out.
Tecopa Bistro
Feed your stomach and your soul with the homestyle comfort foods of Tecopa Bistro. Wanting to step out of your comfort (food) zone? Try topping your key lime pie with a scorpion. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is no wrong time to go.
stay
Delight’s Hot Springs Resort
Don’t want to sit in hot water with people you don’t know? Then Delight’s Hot Springs Resort is the place for you. Lock yourself and chosen company into one of the four private natural spring baths and relax with no unwanted intrusions. Delight’s only asks that you limit your soak to 20 minutes if there are others patiently waiting. Each bath has walls that are uniquely muralled for a kitschy outdoor feel and the ceilings are open for fresh air. Take advantage of the open air ceilings, or lack thereof, to stargaze while you soak. It is $35/person to camp, which includes 24 hour access to the baths. If camping isn’t your thing,don't fret, there are plenty of stay options with four walls and a roof.
Camp free on BLM land
Much of the land surrounding Tecopa is public land. Do as you please but if it were me, I would park and get settled near the Tecopa Hot Tub. It will feel secluded, but is only a short, dusty drive from Delight’s Hot Springs Resort, Tecopa Brewing Company and Steaks and Beer. For $15-$25, price depending on the day of the week, you can buy day passes for the bathhouses at Delight’s Hot Springs Resort.