The Good House Spa - A Wheelchair Accessible Guide with Pictures

 Desert Hot Springs, CA

April 2023

While looking over a map, I noticed a town between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park called Desert Hot Springs. It brought back memories of when Kellisa and I stayed at Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa in British Columbia, Canada, for a few days. We both enjoyed the relaxation and soaking while the hot springs did temporary miracles for Kellisa's cerebral palsy. I searched online to see if Desert Hot Springs actually had hot springs and it didn't take long to confirm they did. With several options available, I zeroed in on the Good House Spa which offered day passes for the pool and jacuzzi area if you weren't staying overnight in their hotel. When I read, "Adults only," I paused with disappointment for a second before remembering that Kellisa is no longer a child, in fact, she's a 23-year-old adult.

After carefully studying the pictures and reviews I could find online, I decided it looked accessible enough and called to purchase our day passes. I explained our situation and needs and the lady on the phone thought we would be able to navigate around their grounds with little problems.

The one disabled parking spot was taken when we arrived, but one of the end spots was open. It was a little tight, but I was able to get Kellisa out and back in without too much trouble. We were greeted at the gate and shown the grounds. Kellisa and I decided to enjoy a nice lunch before soaking in the pool. Kellisa ordered a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, and I enjoyed mushroom nachos with fresh fruit.

We let lunch settle a little before getting ready to soak. The changing room was a little small and the attendant opened a massage room for me to change Kellisa into her swimsuit. We made sure we left the room exactly the way we found it and really appreciated the accommodation.

Kellisa pointed to the pool with excitement and two minutes later we were up to our chins in beautiful mineral water. We found the 94F water heavenly and spent the next three hours relaxing and playing. We were careful not to make too much noise since it was an "adults only" resort. I do have to admit that it was nice to enjoy our time without children running, splashing, and making a lot of noise. I would have taken a nap while floating under the blue skies if I weren't solely responsible for Kellisa. I thought we would end with some time spent in the jacuzzi, but we used all our time enjoying the pool. If/when we return, we will consider staying here overnight to enjoy their oasis beyond the limited hours of a day pass.

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Swimming in the Wintertime

Grover Hot Springs State Park

California

October 2017

Laurel was asking to go swimming and camping in one trip. With the cooler autumn weather, I was worried it was too late in the season to do both without a hotel stay. After a quick search on the Internet, I found Grover Hot Springs State Park. 

The park had a large pool that was the temperature of a hot tub while also having a swimming pool kept at "cool" 88 degrees and the park was only 2 hours from our house in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 

We left after work and arrived shortly before nightfall. The campground was closed for winter, but the park allows camping in the picnic area. It was hard to find a level spot, so we picked the least inclined spot we could.

While I setup our camp, Laurel made some new friends and shared her slime with them. When we were both done, I was ready to cook dinner and retreat inside our tent for the night. Laurel had other plans, she was ready to go swimming. I was hesitant because it was now dark and also starting to get cold. We had about an hour to spend in the hot springs before they closed at 9pm and it was a glorious hour spent soaking under the nighttime sky filled with stars. When it was time to leave, we dried off, changed our clothes, and drove back to the campsite. We used the few minutes in the car to warm up the rest of the way.

Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa

Harrison Hot Springs

British Columbia, Canada

October 2013

After presenting "Kellisa's Path" to the Seattle Hydrocephalus Association, we had a few days before we had to head home. Our original plan was to hike in Washington's National Parks, but the government shutdown forced us to change our plans. We didn't let the government ruin (Read More)