Malibu, renowned for its beaches and scenic views, holds secrets deep within its landscapes. Among these hidden treasures are the forgotten hot springs, which once flourished as wellness retreats in the Santa Monica Mountains. The most famous of these is the Seminole Hot Springs, a historical gem tucked away in the Cornell area. Its story reflects the evolution of health retreats, from the days of oil exploration to a community-centered lifestyle today.
La Sierra Canyon and Early Settlements (1802-1905)
The history of the region begins in La Sierra Canyon, which was part of the Rancho Santa Gertrudis de las Virgenes concession granted by the Spanish governor in 1802. Ranching and minor farming dominated this rugged landscape for much of the 19th century. Development in the area began after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, leading to homesteads like that of John Ballard and his daughter Alice, who settled here in the early 1900s.
La Sierra Canyon's proximity to key waterways made it a crucial passage through the Santa Monica Mountains. Early roads, including Cornell Road, traversed the region, connecting what we know today as U.S. 101 and the Pacific Coast Highway. For a time, it was the only route through the mountains, with the rugged canyon providing a vital connection for travelers and early settlers.
The Discovery of Oil and Mineral Water (1906-1925)
By the early 20th century, the potential for oil in the region led to exploratory drilling. In 1911, a wildcat well drilled by the Ramera Oil Company hit water instead of oil—116-degree mineral water, rich in hydrogen sulfide. This discovery transformed the area. The water’s purported healing properties for ailments like rheumatism and kidney issues led to the founding of Seminole Hot Springs.
Norman Wise, who named the nearby town of Cornell in 1911, capitalized on the discovery by marketing the springs as a health resort. The springs were rich in hydrogen sulfide gas, believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that could treat ailments like rheumatism and skin conditions.Visitors from nearby Los Angeles and the burgeoning film industry flocked to this serene enclave, drawn by the promise of wellness through mineral baths and scenic retreats.
Seminole Hot Springs: The Rise of a Wellness Destination (1917-1945)
Seminole Hot Springs soon blossomed into a popular resort. By the 1920s, the spa attracted thousands of visitors each weekend. Cabins were available for rent, and visitors enjoyed Roman-style baths, separate sections for men and women, and other amenities like massage rooms, a lodge, and even a dance floor. The mineral water, believed to have healing properties, became the focal point of a wellness craze sweeping across America.
The springs were billed as "The Palm Springs of Los Angeles," offering hiking, picnicking, and a plunge in the mineral water pool, which expanded to Olympic size by 1929. Despite its popularity, the value of mineral bath therapy was never scientifically proven, and by the 1950s, the resort's allure began to fade as more modern vacation options became available.
The Decline and Transformation of Seminole Hot Springs (1945-1959)
By the late 1950s, the resort struggled to maintain its relevance. A 1950s rebranding attempt as a country club failed to attract the numbers needed to sustain it. In 1959, the Seminole Hot Springs resort officially closed, marking the end of an era. The property was soon razed, and the land was transformed into the Seminole Springs Mobile Home Park.
The mobile home community flourished until the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, which destroyed 100 of the 215 homes. The close-knit community has been rebuilding ever since, but the history of the hot springs lives on in local memory.
Legacy and Influence on Modern Wellness Retreats
Though the Seminole Hot Springs resort is no more, its legacy remains. Today’s luxury wellness retreats in Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains owe much to these early health resorts. The allure of "taking the waters" in a natural setting laid the foundation for the modern wellness industry in Southern California. Visitors seeking tranquility continue to explore these mountains, drawn by the same beauty and serenity that once attracted thousands to the hidden hot springs.
The Cornell Community and Its Unique Charm
Over time, the Cornell area, including La Sierra Canyon, has evolved into an upscale residential community, protected by steep topography and public lands. Iconic locations like the Rock Store, The Old Place, and the rustic charm of local wineries maintain the area’s historical character, contributing to the region’s unique appeal.