The freedom to explore
A small town in California’s Imperial County, Niland offers visitors the chance to get to know the desert on their own terms
If you’re looking for a little space and freedom, the area around Niland has plenty to offer. This area is best known for the nearby Slabs, an affectionate title that’s been given to an old abandoned army base where boondocking RVers flock each winter. This is a place that is currently in regulation limbo; therefore, those looking to spend their winters in the warm California sun have a chance to do so free of charge.
Give those muscles some attention
But while The Slabs offers some the promise of financial freedom, it’s the freedom from aches and pains that draws yet another crowd to the Niland area—to visit the Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort.
Hot mineral pools hidden beneath the desert floor were unearthed in the late '30s during construction of the All American Canal. While little notice was given to the pools early after their discovery, the pools garnered the full attention of would-be soakers in the 1950s when word of their rejuvenating powers spread. Today, the Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort has two large pool areas with two swimming pools that offer both water exercise classes and water volleyball, as well as a rejuvenating artesian mineral-water hot spa, three fresh-water hot spas and an oversized waterfall spa. This is the perfect place for winter travellers to ease their tired and aching muscles.
Conversely, it also offers visitors a chance to get those muscles aching—with an abundance of activities. Among the options are bocce on regulation courts, a nine-hole desert golf course complete with artificial greens, line dancing and square dancing, table tennis, pool tables and shuffleboard, a number of exercise classes and guided hiking excursions to see some of the area's unique attractions, including Salvation Mountain, the Mud Pots and Joshua Tree National Park.
Natural and man-made wonders
Located at the entrance to The Slabs, Salvation Mountain is an attraction that truly must be seen to be appreciated. At 50 feet high and 150 feet wide, it’s a man-made mountain formed from local adobe clay, straw and thousands of gallons of donated paint that artist Leonard Knight has used to create his own personal tribute to God.
The Mud Pots are situated not far away, near Calipatria. A result of the same geothermal activity that creates the mineral spas, here mud and ash are pushed to the surface like mini volcanoes, and these can reach temperatures as high as 57 C. What’s unique about this natural wonder is the truly natural state in which it exists; with no signage or fencing surrounding the Mud Pots, visitors are cautioned to be wary as they explore and roam at will.
Farther north of Niland lies Joshua Tree National Park, where hikers, mountain bikers and climbers alike will find terrain suitable for every skill level. Whether you’re looking to go on a short one-mile hike through Hidden Valley or take one of the other 11 self-guided walks available; hike one of the farther reaching backcountry trails that can take all day or see the sights of the desert from the seat of your bike—the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center can help you to discover the trails that will best suit both your abilities and your time constraints.
Climbing and bouldering is another popular activity for visitors to the park, with upwards of 8,000 named climbing routes available. Beginner climbers will find easy access to a number of shorter climbs by taking a short and easy walk through the desert, while the more skilled climbers will find some very challenging, steep-faced routes that have tested the skills and agility of some of the world’s best climbers.
Or, try this angle
Not looking to push yourself that hard in your quest to be active? The Niland area also provides options for those looking for more relaxing activities; you can sit back and cast your line for catfish in one of the many surrounding stocked canals or for tilapia in the Salton Sea—California’s largest lake—which lies to the west of Niland.
A body of salt water that offers nearly 380 square miles of water pleasure, the Salton Sea was born by accident when the Colorado River overflowed its banks into the Salton Sink back in 1905. With its ecosystem currently under revitalization, the Salton Sea is home to a wide variety of recreational activities including fishing, boating, camping and birding.
Whatever your activity level or wherever your interests lie, Niland can give you both the freedom and the opportunity to explore the desert landscape at you desire.
