HISTORY
A Historic Desert Retreat in Borrego Springs
The Palms at Indian Head sits on the original site of the historic Hoberg Resort, Borrego Springs’ first major lodging facility. Built in 1947 on 20 acres, the resort quickly became a desert escape for Hollywood stars during the 1950s.
Famous guests over the years included Charles Laughton, Leo Carrillo, Andy Devine, Clark Gable, Lon Chaney Jr., Will Rogers, Bing Crosby, James Arness, Frank Morgan, and Marilyn Monroe, among others. At its peak, the resort featured a private landing strip, Olympic-sized pool, cocktail lounge, restaurant, bungalows, horseback riding trails, tennis courts, and shuffleboard.
Tragedy struck in 1958 when a water heater explosion on the second floor caused a fire that destroyed the original lodge. Locals recall how the flames lit up the entire valley that night. A new lodge was constructed that same year and opened as The Borrego Palms Resort. The new structure was built in the clean, angular lines of mid-century modern design, reflecting the style of the time.
Over the following decades, the property saw many uses—including a nudist retreat, a boarding school for children with disabilities, and even a juvenile detention facility. After its final closure, the property sat abandoned for 15 years, falling into severe disrepair. The 56 surrounding bungalow units were ultimately condemned by the fire marshal and demolished, though remnants remain—offering popular photo backdrops for visitors.
When new owners acquired the property in November 1993, the main building had been without a roof for two years, leaving it exposed to the elements. A major restoration effort followed.
The Name
The Palms at Indian Head
The name reflects two defining features of the property: the striking palm trees and its location at the foot of Indian Head Mountain.
The resort grounds are home to several palm varieties, including native California Fan Palms (with wide trunks and skirted fronds), tall and slender Mexican Fan Palms, and fruit-bearing Date Palms near the pool.
Indian Head Mountain—visible from nearly every point in the Borrego Valley—forms the northern edge of Palm Canyon. A recognizable peak in the San Ysidro Mountains, it was named by the Cahuilla people. The name is said to translate to “Rain in the Face,” inspired by the silhouette of a figure looking skyward, complete with a natural headdress formed by the mountain ridges.
Today, The Palms at Indian Head remains a peaceful, mid-century modern escape, echoing its glamorous past while offering a unique view into Borrego Springs' history.
