Hidden in the seldom-explored reaches of the Mojave Desert lies a desert oasis world renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and therapeutic natural artesian hot spring mineral water. The Tecopa California hot springs are widely considered to be one of the highest quality hot springs in the United States, with a reputation built from word of mouth testaments echoed from travelers for well over a century.

The Amargosa river flows along the surface all year long here supporting a historical natural wetland deep in the Mojave Desert on the eastern edge of Death Valley, the official hottest recorded site on earth. Here is a rich and unique blend of wildlife adapted to desert extremes, searing hot summer temperatures and below freezing winter nights.

Several hundred bird species have been recorded here, including Least Bell's Vireo, SW Willow flycatcher, California Yellow-billed Cockoo and several hawks. The wetlands are on the edge of a large dry plays, and adjacent to the community of Tecopa Hot Springs. Because of the lack of adjacent habitat few species are found here from higher in the food chain. The site is most common with smaller mammals, tiny fish and birds; like the Amargosa Vole, Amargosa Pocket Gopher, Speckled Dace and Snowy Egrets. Two insect species easily observed in the summer, and recommended you avoid, are the Horsefly (locally known as Tecopa Bombers) and Deer Flies.