Great Escapes: Gilroy Hot Springs

Every week, Gilroy Patch brings you a new way to take a break from the kids. A little escape can go a long way to keeping you sane!

If you're looking to get away without getting away, take a tour of the Gilroy Hot Springs. In the past, this wondrous place was a playground for families as well as professionals from near and far. The Gilroy Hot Springs, also known as the Yamato Hot Springs, was a place that allowed people to enjoy the natural whirlpools along with their beautiful surroundings that were further embellished with the construction of bath houses.

Since then, the entire constructed area has fallen into decay and has been deemed to be uninhabitable for public use until structural improvements and refurnishing have been completed. Nonetheless, this hidden jewel remains open for public exploration by tour appointment only, minus the use of the hot springs themselves.

Interested in a tour led by a state ranger? Simply log onto the Henry W. Coe State Park site, or even better, join the"Friends of Gilroy Hot Springs," a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to facilitate the reopening of the hot springs to local residents, regional visitors and tourists from afar.

This is a great choice for a nearby getaway, because it keeps on giving, both as a great source of relaxation as well as excitement. The collective members who form Friends of Gilroy Hot Springs meet frequently and are focused on enjoying, providing and maintaining access to one of the greatest natural wonders our planet has to offer.

The organization encourages everyone to join them to help with championing a cause which is both eco-friendly and and personally rewarding. Plus, as an added bonus, you’ll have the privilege of mingling and meeting other local community members like yourself while preserving historic structures, reinstalling utilities, protecting and securing the grounds from vandalism and, most importantly, reestablishing the park for public use. This great escape will become even greater once these natural hot springs are reopened.

To join Friends of Gilroy Hot Springs, visit online. Membership with the organization is inexpensive and provides members with free passes to regularly scheduled tours of the hot springs, a subscription to the Ponderosa newsletter, 15 percent discount on most of the items in the museum store, tax deductions, invitations to special events and outings in the back-country and much more.

FYI: There are several different rates for joining, including individual ($35), family ($50), seniors ($15)  and more.