Discover Tecopa: Your Desert Adventure Awaits

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Tecopa with a range of outdoor activities. Hike through stunning desert trails, bike along scenic routes, and explore the rugged terrain that offers endless opportunities for adventure. If you are more adventurous, take a tour underground in the Tecopa mines. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a casual nature lover, Tecopa’s landscapes promise unforgettable experiences.

The Tecopa Mines, located near the small desert community of Tecopa in Inyo County, California, span several historic mining sites including War Eagle, Noonday, Columbia, and Grant. These mines trace their roots to late 19th and mid-20th-century efforts, initially targeting lead and silver, later including talc mining operations

You can tour the mines—most notably the War Eagle Mine—by invitation from the current owner. These tours offer an immersive journey through abandoned shafts and vast underground workings, with opportunities to explore for a few hours or stretch into multi-day adventures

For more information check out thier Facebook Page.

Tucked away in a hidden canyon just outside Tecopa, California, China Ranch Date Farm is a true desert gem—part working date plantation, part history-rich hideaway, and part serene escape. The moment you turn off the highway and wind through the narrow, colorful canyon walls, you feel as though you’ve stepped into another world. Lush groves of date palms suddenly appear, their green fronds swaying gently against the backdrop of rugged desert hills.

China Ranch is a family-owned farm that has been cultivating dates for decades, offering visitors a chance to taste nature’s candy straight from the source. The farm store is a must-visit, famous for its fresh date shakes, baked goods, and a wide variety of dates—from soft and caramel-like to firm and honey-sweet.

Beyond the food, China Ranch invites you to slow down and explore. Shaded picnic spots are perfect for relaxing after your treats, while several hiking trails lead out from the ranch into the surrounding Amargosa River canyon. Along the way, you’ll discover old mining ruins, remnants of historic railroad routes, and the unique beauty of the desert ecosystem.

Whether you come for the dates, the history, or simply the peaceful desert scenery, China Ranch is the kind of place that lingers in your memory—an unexpected oasis that offers both flavor and a sense of timeless wonder.

For more information check out their website chinaranch.com

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Borehole Spring – Tecopa’s Hidden Hot Water Gem

Just beyond the quiet streets of Tecopa lies Borehole Spring, a rustic and lesser-known soaking spot that captures the raw beauty of the desert. Unlike the polished resort pools, Borehole Spring feels untouched—where steaming mineral water flows naturally into a simple pool with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and open sky.

It’s a favorite for those seeking a more off-the-grid hot spring experience, perfect at sunrise or under a blanket of stars. The warm, mineral-rich waters are said to relax muscles, ease the mind, and connect visitors to the timeless rhythm of the desert.

Bring a towel, an adventurous spirit, and be ready for one of Tecopa’s most authentic natural soaks.

The Borehole is getting to be more well known and can get busy during the weekends.

The Miner’s Tub – Soaking in Desert History

Tucked away in the wide-open expanse outside Tecopa, The Miner’s Tub is a simple concrete bath fed by the area’s natural hot springs—a humble relic from the days when miners sought relief after long hours underground. Today, it offers the same steaming, mineral-rich waters, but with the added luxury of uninterrupted desert views and brilliant starry skies.

It’s an unpolished, authentic soak—just you, the warm water, and the silence of the Mojave. Come at sunset, watch the colors shift across the mountains, and you’ll understand why this little tub has been a Tecopa tradition for generations.

Just a short drive from Tecopa’s hot springs lies one of the area’s most surprising adventures—a hike through a rugged canyon that ends at a seasonal waterfall. This trail blends the stark, sunbaked beauty of the Mojave with a rare splash of water and life.

The route begins near the Amargosa River canyon at China Ranch, following a sandy wash that gradually narrows into winding passages framed by layered cliffs in shades of red, gold, and brown. As you venture deeper, the walls close in, offering pockets of shade and glimpses of desert plants thriving against the odds—mesquite, willows, and spring wildflowers.

After about 1.5 to 2 miles (one-way), you’ll hear it before you see it: the soft trickle of the falls. Tucked into a shaded alcove, the waterfall flows strongest after winter rains or during early spring snowmelt from the nearby mountains. In wet years, a small pool forms at its base, a welcome spot to cool your hands or simply pause and listen.

The hike is considered easy to moderate, with mostly flat terrain but some sections requiring scrambling over rocks or navigating loose gravel. There’s no shade for much of the route, so bring plenty of water, a hat, and sun protection.