Tecopa, Desert census-designated place in Inyo County, United States.
Tecopa is a small settlement in the Mojave Desert sitting at around 400 meters elevation, known for its natural hot springs. The area is largely composed of federally managed land and spans several square miles with sparse development.
The settlement emerged in the 1870s during the silver mining era and was named after Paiute Chief Tecopa. Development improved when railroad access arrived in 1907, connecting the remote area to larger towns.
The settlement is named after a Paiute leader, keeping that heritage visible in the local identity. The hot springs remain the main reason people gather here and make this place their temporary home.
The settlement can be reached via U.S. Route 395, with Bishop located roughly 60 miles (97 kilometers) away. Visitors should plan ahead for supplies, water, and accommodations since services in the area are limited.
The natural hot springs draw visitors throughout the year seeking the therapeutic properties of the warm water. Despite this draw, the settlement is home to roughly 120 permanent residents, making it one of the least populated places in the region.
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