[3] The springs were known to the indigenous peoples of the area,[4] and are located on land that was Rancho Las Cruces during the Mexican era of California.

As early as 1880 there was a hotel at the village of Las Cruces advertising the medicinal benefits of the nearby hot sulfur springs.

[7] In 1896 the third edition of California of the South claimed that the Las Cruces Springs "had quite a local reputation for curing skin diseases and rheumatism.

"[8] In 1907 a promotional booklet published by California boosters described Las Cruces as one of three known hot springs in Santa Barbara County:[9] Las Cruces Hot Springs [are] found in the Gaviota Cañon, a remarkable gorge that cleaves in twain the Santa Ynez Range, and down which a creek flows from the interior of the county.

[12][4] During the same era, the Civilian Conservation Corps paved East Camino Cielo between the springs area and the San Marcos Pass.

[18][19] The springs are surrounded by native riparian-habitat plants including elderberry, willows, sycamores, and poison oak,[4][14] and a naturalized palm tree that contributes an oasis vibe to the landscape.

The topographic position of the springs is worthy of note, as they are in a little swale on the mountain side one half mile from and 400 feet above the main drainage canyon of this region.