When I mention Tecopa Hot Springs to local Las Vegans, I usually receive one of two reactions: a blank stare and a “huh?” or “I love that place! What a great weekend getaway.”
It all began hundreds of years ago when Spanish explorers discovered Native Americans—Paiute and Shoshone—-utilizing the hot springs. Aside from them, most settlers were unaware of this natural phenomenon until the miners arrived on the scene.
After World War II, Harry Rosenberg developed the property where
Tecopa Hot Springs Resort now sits. Rosenberg, a sight foremen for T&T Railroad, utilized railroad ties to erect the original building. Following his death in a flash flood in 1969, two couples bought the resort, expanded the RV space, bath house and more, but following the demise of one of those owners, the place was dormant until Amy Noel took over in July 2001.
Ms. Noel, a former art student taking a geology course at UC Santa Barbara, found herself attracted to the Tecopa Springs area for its unique geological wonders, discovered by Levi Knobel. She graduated from UCLA and spent 21 years at the famous J. Paul Getty Museum, usually camping twice a year across from the Tecopa hot baths.
There is a “new face” on this historic resort, with all 12 rooms remodeled, four rustic cabins, three private baths in the main building, two more on the hill, a full RV hookups, an exhibit of local artists, and more!!
Aside from the silky baths (high magnesium content pulls toxins out of your muscles)——-my wife and I felt like we were melting into the scenery—–there is a gourmet restaurant on premise!
Pastels Bistro can match up with any fine dining establishment in Las Vegas. The chef, John Muccio, not only graduated first in his class from the Culinary School in Manhattan, but was head chef at the well know Ferraro’s when it was on West Flamingo, and at Momma Jo’s and the now defunct Romeo’s. Along with gracious host, Shelley Scott, this place is a culinary delight. The menu highlights seasonal food with dishes varying each week. Brazilian black bean & brown rice is a constant, buckwheat soba noodle salad appears regularly and the variety of dish we tasted were all fantastic. My wife Louise, of Italian descent, opted for the lasagna and it was delicious.
All this while eating outside on their patio and marveling at the sky that rivaled a planetarium!
In fact, the resort usually has a star gazing event once a month, normally on a weekend close to the new moon, which creates the darkened sky. Featured is an 11 inch Celestron telescope with a computer that can see into deep space and projects images on a monitor or screen.
There is another tale to be told here—–that of Corbin Harney, the spiritual leader of the Shoshones. This is another story in itself, so ask Amy Noel about it when you are there.
Ms. Toni Kizzia provided terrific directions. It took us around 1 ½ hours from the Silverado Ranch area of Las Vegas. Take Route 160 (Blue Diamond Road) west and after you come down the mountain, go a few miles and look for a sign on your left that says Tecopa. Take this road about 34 miles until you come to a “Y” in the road at the town of Tecopa. Take the road to the right (sign says Tecopa Hot Springs Resort) and you will see the resort on your right. There is one stretch of hair pin turns on the way, so slow down when approaching.
On the way there, stop off at the famous Mountain Springs Bar, built in 1951. This landmark tavern sits on top of the hill off Route 160 before you descend toward Pahrump and make the left for Tecopa. It is a fun place with great atmosphere and live music Sundays, 1-5pm and other times too. …..just ask the bartender.
Another stop we made on Sunday was the China Date Ranch, which is 15 minutes or so from the resort and is a breathtaking drive through winding canyons. A date shake is a MUST! Our final stop was an afternoon ride through the southern part of Death Valley. Wildflowers were blooming all over and the views were spectacular.
The resort # is 760-852-4420 and website is www.tecopahotsprings.org.
Have a great getaway! I did!
Barry Berlin
|
|
|
|
|---|
