New Mexico's Geothermal Oasis: A Soaking Odyssey in the Land of Enchantment
Beneath the rugged beauty of New Mexico, where mesas rise like silent sentinels and cacti paint the desert in verdant hues, lies a hidden treasure: a network of natural hot springs pulsating with life. These geothermal havens, kissed by ancient volcanoes and steeped in history, beckon travelers with the promise of warm embrace, rejuvenation, and a glimpse into the heart of the Southwest.
Many springs are tucked away in remote locations. Be prepared for unpaved roads, minimal amenities, and a chance encounter with wildlife like desert bighorn sheep or even roadrunners.
Native American tribes like the Apache and Puebloan people used the springs for centuries, weaving them into their creation stories and rituals. European settlers, drawn by their therapeutic properties, established resorts and spas in the late 19th century. Today, historical remnants like Montezuma Hot Springs and Gila Hot Springs Vacation Center offer a glimpse into the golden age of New Mexico spa culture.
Venture beyond iconic spots like Ojo Caliente and explore hidden gems like Jemez Hot Springs Bath House or Black Rock Hot Springs.
A Historical Soak: Tracing the Tapestry of Time:
The story of New Mexico's hot springs is as rich as the minerals that infuse their waters.
The Best Time for a Geothermal Getaway:
Each season offers its own unique charm at New Mexico's hot springs:
Spring and fall: Enjoy mild temperatures and vibrant landscapes with fewer crowds.
Summer: Escape the heat and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of popular resorts. Be prepared for larger crowds, especially on weekends.
Winter: Experience the magic of soaking in steaming pools amidst snow-covered mountains at higher-altitude springs like Montezuma Hot Springs.
Mineral Benefits
Sulfur: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, sulfur-rich springs like Black Rock Hot Springs and Ojo Caliente Resort can be beneficial for joint pain and skin conditions.
Magnesium: This "relaxation mineral" found in springs like Faywood Hot Springs and Turkey Creek Hot Springs can ease muscle tension and promote stress relief.
Silica: The smooth, silky feeling of some springs like Spence Hot Spring comes from silica, which is beneficial for skin health and hair growth.
Lithium: Trace amounts of lithium in springs like San Antonio Hot Springs can have mood-boosting and stress-reducing effects.
Beyond these main minerals, many springs contain trace amounts of calcium, iron, arsenic, and other elements, each contributing to the unique properties and potential benefits of the water.
For the Adventurous: Hike through the Jemez Mountains to reach the secluded pools of Spence Hot Spring, or explore the mystical charm of Light Feather Hot Springs, accessible only by a scenic drive through the Gila National Forest. Take an 11 mile hike to Turkey Hot Springs
For the History Buff: Immerse yourself in the rich history of Ojo Caliente Resort, a favorite amongst artists and writers in the early 20th century, or visit Montezuma Hot Springs.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort
Ojo Caliente is one of the country’s oldest health spas. Tucked between rugged desert cliffs and a cottonwood-lined bosque, our hot springs await soakers seeking healing and respite. Ojo Caliente is one of the only hot springs spas and resorts on Earth featuring four healing minerals: Arsenic, Lithia, Soda and Iron in naturally sulfur-free waters.
There are a range of accommodations from cozy hotel rooms, upscale suites, casitas, vintage trailers, and private homes. Available features include private soaking pools, exclusive soaking access, traditional Kiva fireplaces, private courtyards and full kitchens.
Massage therapists use amazing natural, locally–crafted skincare products and Southwest botanicals including blue corn, prickly pear, and sage. Signature treatments include Cactus Flower Massage and Scrub, or opt for a long-loved service like the Rio Grande Hot Stone Massage.
Note: Ojo Spa Resort properties are 13 and older resorts. Guests under age 13 may join for lodging and dining only and are not permitted in the soaking, pool, or spa areas.
Water Quality (4/5): Minor sediment and slight sulfur odor, but still clean and enjoyable.
Ease of Access (5/5): Easily accessible paved road leads to ample parking and clear signage.
Ability to Be Alone (4/5): Larger pools with designated quiet zones, smaller pools offer privacy.
Water Temperature (5/5): Multiple pools with varying temperatures, extensive options.
Health Benefits (4/5): Noticeable mineral presence with potential health advantages.
Nearby Amenities (5/5): Full-service resort with lodging, restaurants, spa treatments, and recreational activities.
Jemez Springs Bath House
The Jemez Springs Bath House is a non-profit, owned and operated by the Village of Jemez Springs, where proceeds go back into the Village.
The naturally occurring minerals in the Bath House’s water are acid carbonate, aluminum, calcium, chloride, iron, magnesium, potassium, silicate, sodium and sulphate.
The mineral water issues from the natural hot springs at 159-189 degrees. As the water flows into the Bath House, some is diverted into holding tanks where it cools overnight.
They offer cool or hot mineral soaks and healing massages by licensed therapists in private treatment rooms.
The Jemez Springs Bath House offers hot spring mineral baths, wraps and massage. Blanket or Herbal Wraps are available; both include a 25 minute bath. Customers can choose between a 30 minute, 60 minute & 90 minute massage. Chair massage is also available with a 10 minute min, 30 min max.
Water Quality (4/5): Clean water with minimal sediment, faint sulfur odor present.
Ease of Access (4/5): Short walk on a paved path from parking.
Ability to Be Alone (3/5): Moderate crowds, shared pools, some privacy in smaller tubs.
Water Temperature (4/5): Comfortable soaking temperature with slight variation.
Health Benefits (4/5): Rich mineral content with documented therapeutic benefits.
Nearby Amenities (4/5): Restaurants, shops, and lodging options within walking distance.
Spence Hot Springs
Spence Hot Spring is reached from a short hike from the parking area. Located five (5) miles north of Jemez Ranger District Office. There is no location sign for the spring. The paved parking area accommodates seven vehicles.
The spring maintains a 95-degree temperature but the water has been cooling for the last several years and is a warm spring at approximately body temperature.
Towards the end the trail kind of peters out, but follow the water flow to the boulder area above and to the left. Circle around the right of the boulders and then back down; the boulders are where the pools are located.
The lower pool is coolest, around 80's. the next pool is better w/ a gravelly bottom and temp around low 90's. The "Grotto" is in the back of this pool and is the warmest of the pools: maybe mid 90's and about 2 ft. deep.
The hot spring is located one-quarter mile off NM State Highway 4. To get to the spring use Highway 4 about seven miles north of the Village of Jemez Springs.
Note: No head immersion, as the water is known to have brain eating amoeba naegleria fowleri.
Water Quality (5/5): Crystal clear water, naturally filtered, no odor present.
Ease of Access (4/5): Short, scenic drive on dirt road, limited parking.
Ability to Be Alone (4/5): Multiple pools with varying sizes, some offer solitude.
Water Temperature (4/5): Comfortable soaking temperature with slight variation.
Health Benefits (5/5): Rich mineral content with documented therapeutic benefits for skin and joints.
Nearby Amenities (2/5): Limited amenities, camping and basic supplies available nearby.
Black Rock Hot Springs
Black Rock Hot Springs is located north of Taos, west of the quaint village of Arroyo Hondo, across from the John Dunn Bridge on the west bank of the Rio Grande. Pool temperatures are usually about 97 F depending on how high the river is. Black Rock is well known and easy to reach, so don’t expect to be alone.
Black Rock Hot Springs is accessible via narrow one-lane bridge that takes you across the Hondo River, then cross the John Dunn Bridge over the Rio Grande. Go up the hill and park at the first switchback. It is an easy walk on the trail downstream to the hot springs along the Rio Grande.
Locals consider it to be a nude hot springs and 90% of locals go nude.
Water Quality (3/5): Noticeable sediment and strong sulfur odor, but generally safe.
Ease of Access (3/5): Moderate hike through the canyon, limited parking.
Ability to Be Alone (5/5): Secluded location with a single pool, high chance of solitude.
Water Temperature (4/5): Comfortable soaking temperature with slight variation.
Health Benefits (5/5): Rich in sulfur and silica, potentially beneficial for skin and joint issues.
Nearby Amenities (2/5): Limited amenities, camping and basic supplies available nearby.
Faywood Hot Springs
Faywood Hot Springs Resort has 13 geothermal pools ranging from 100 to 110 degrees in temperature. Also, there are six cozy cabins available for an overnight stay as well as a campground with full hook-ups.
There are separate clothing-required, clothing-optional (naturist) pools and private and group bathing areas. There are tent sites for camping, pull through and back in RV (recreational vehicle) sites with full hook ups, and private cabins for overnight lodging accommodations.
About 2 hours north of Silver City on the edge of the Gila River. A mile and a half hike of medium difficulty including about a dozen river crossings.
Note: All guests must pay, in advance, for their planned stay or private pool use. All reservations must be processed with a MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express credit card, cash or gift card.
Water Quality (4/5): Clean water with minimal sediment, faint sulfur odor present.
Ease of Access (2/5): Moderate hike through the mountains, limited parking.
Ability to Be Alone (5/5): Secluded location with multiple pools, high chance of finding peace.
Water Temperature (3/5): Variable temperatures, some pools can be uncomfortably hot.
Health Benefits (4/5): Rich in sulfur and silica, potentially beneficial for skin and joint issues.
Nearby Amenities (2/5): Limited amenities, camping and basic supplies available nearby.
Montezuma Hot Springs
Montezuma Hot Springs, also known as Las Vegas Hot Springs, are a grouping of 20-to-30 thermal springs.
The hottest pool, known as The Lobster Pot, has been landscaped and sculpted into a hillside. Another pool, known as The Cube, sits near the ruins of the old bathhouse, while the third grouping consists of two concrete pools, known as The Toaster. There are also several seeps nearby where the mud can be dug out to create primitive soaking pools.
The hot spring water emerges from the ground at 138°F (59°C). The water temperatures of the soaking pools varies from 94°F to 120°F. The source of the spring water issues from fractured rocks at the intersection where the Gallinas River crosses the Montezuma Fault.
The water contains relatively dilute solutions of sodium-chloride-bicarbonate-sulfate, with moderate silica levels and very high fluoride levels (≤ 23 ppm). Compared to nearby hot springs, Montezuma mineral water contains less natural chloride and higher levels of bicarbonate and sulfate.
Located northwest of the town of Las Vegas on the grounds of the United World College. Three clusters of concrete soaking pools of various sizes and temperatures. Bathing suits required.
Water Quality (4/5): Clean water with minimal sediment, faint sulfur odor present.
Ease of Access (5/5): Easily accessible paved road leads to ample parking and clear signage.
Ability to Be Alone (2/5): Large communal pool, limited privacy except in changing rooms.
Water Temperature (4/5): Comfortable soaking temperature with slight variation.
Health Benefits (3/5): Moderate mineral content, may offer general relaxation benefits.
Nearby Amenities (3/5): Restaurant and shops on-site, additional amenities nearby.
Gila Hot Springs Vacation Center
Gila Hot Springs Campground is a private business owned by Allen and Carla Campbell. It offers camping and natural hot spring pools beside the Gila River in southwest New Mexico.
The springs vary in temperatures from 147 to 154 degrees F. and are considered sweet springs (no sulfur odor).
Enjoy nearby Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the Gila Wilderness and the larger Gila National Forest.
Water Quality (4/5): Clean water with minimal sediment, faint sulfur odor present.
Ease of Access (4/5): Paved road leads to ample parking and clear signage.
Ability to be Alone (3/5): Large communal pool, smaller private pools available for additional fee.
Water Temperature (4/5): Comfortable soaking temperature with slight variation.
Health Benefits (3/5): Moderate mineral content, may offer general relaxation benefits.
Nearby Amenities (4/5): Full-service resort with lodging, restaurants, spa treatments, and shops.
