Mercey Hot Springs, Firebaugh, CA (2.5 Stars **)

We rate this hot spring 2.5 stars. We would rate this hot spring higher, but it is undergoing some upgrades and is still a work in progress. Due to its convenient location, we believe this hot spring could be rated as high as 4.0 if they added some additional services and completed the planned work. Mercey Hot Springs is located in the northwest corner of Fresno County approximately 13 miles west of I-5 on Little Panoche Rd. (A.k.a. J1). Little Panoche Rd. was originally a stage coach route used by many of the early California pioneers in particular those people that were doing business with the nearby, New Idria (Quicksilver) mine. This hot spring was easy to reach. It was only about an hour and a half from San Jose, CA. Driving about 10 miles south on Interstate 5 and then about 13 miles up Panoche Road/Shields Ave. Very easy and convenient to find. We wish they had a restaurant nearby and some additional services. However, they are in the process of building a cafe. It is not clear when they plan on completing it. The cost of the tub use was $20.00 per person for 4 hours. The private tubs are priced separately at $12.00. We were told they are the hottest tubs on the property. The water of the tubs was very clean. There are some private tubs (2-3), optional tubs (9), a pool (100 F), a set of new open tubs near the pool (9-10 tubs)(104 F), some cabins to stay in, a sauna (116 F), and separate changing/dressing rooms and bathrooms. There are also a few outdoor showers. The facilities were recently remodeled and were in great shape. It was a real treat to drive up Panoche Road through the flowering cherry trees, past the thousands of orange poppies and colorful wildflowers and up through the Panoche Hills. Also, there were some interesting wild life on the property. A bird watchers paradise!