10 of the best hot springs in New Mexico

There is a steamy side to New Mexico’s volcanic past. Dozens and dozens of mineral hot springs bubble up across the state's dramatic landscape of colorful canyons, steep gorges and obsidian-studded terrain. Whether you are at an undeveloped riverside stone pool or a luxurious mountain resort, a blissful, restorative soak is never much of a detour. Here are 10 of our favorite hot springs in New Mexico.

1. Jemez Hot Springs

The mountain town’s namesake resort, once called Giggling Hot Springs, sits next to the Jemez River in gorgeous San Diego Canyon. Jemez Hot Springs has four mineral pools, all maintained at 98–105°F (36–41°C). Plenty of shaded seating surrounds the pools, thoughtfully arranged to take in the views of the colorful Virgin Mesa from anywhere on the grounds. There's poolside service and wi-fi, and three cabins are available for overnight stays. Swimsuits are required, alcohol is prohibited, visitors must be 14 or older, the property does not accept reservations, and it’s closed on Tuesdays.

How to get there: Find the hot springs off Hwy 4. Albuquerque is the closest major airport, at just over 1 hour away, and Santa Fe is 90 minutes away.

2. Riverbend Hot Springs

Fun fact: the town of Truth or Consequences was previously called Hot Springs, a testament to the area’s abundance of geothermal activity. Perched on the banks of the Rio Grande, Riverbend Hot Springs has eight common pools, or you can rent a private pool, two of which (Apache and Rio) have infinity edges that make you feel like you’re floating above the river. Private pools are in whisper-quiet zones, intended as true relaxation centers. Common areas are more social, with hammocks in the pools and lounges set up like cozy outdoor living rooms. Guests can stay overnight in suites or casitas, which include unlimited access to the common spring pools.

How to get there: Riverbend is off I-25 between Albuquerque and El Paso, TX, 2 hours from both cities.

3. Montezuma Hot Springs

The grand Montezuma Castle Resort developed these hot springs as an indoor attraction in the 1880s, but today, they’re owned by the United World College, open to the public and out in the open on a hillside where numerous bathhouses once stood. Choose from three soaking areas, each with several rudimentary but exceptionally clean concrete pools in varying shapes and temperatures. The upper pool, closest to the water source, is aptly nicknamed the “Lobster Pot.” The Friends of the Montezuma Hot Springs group stewards the springs, keeping them free to visit.

How to get there: Take NM-65/Hot Springs Blvd north out of Las Vegas, NM (not Las Vegas, NV) for about 6 miles. As you approach United World College, look for signs on your right, park, and go through the gate.

4. Spence Hot Springs

The short but steep hike to Spence Hot Springs, nestled in the incredibly scenic Jemez Mountains, is worthwhile even if you don’t soak. Spence is technically a warm spring, with upper and lower pools at 95°F (35°C). A small waterfall cascades between them, creating a fairy-tale grotto where the water tends to be a bit warmer.

How to get there: The trailhead is off Hwy 4, 7 miles north of Jemez Springs. It’s equidistant (65 miles) from Albuquerque and Santa Fe; both are about 80 minutes away. The parking lot accommodates seven vehicles, and while the lot is not hard to find, it’s completely unmarked. Find overflow parking at Dark Canyon Fishing Access, a quarter-mile north on Hwy 4.

5. McCauley Warm Springs

A moderately challenging hike through an ethereal forest leads to several spring pools situated along a babbling creek near Battleship Rock. McCauley Warm Springs are comparatively cooler than some of the state's other hot springs: temperatures range from the mid-80s to lower 90s (30–35°C). That makes the mossy springs better suited when visiting New Mexico in the summer. There are even tiny minnows swimming around.

How to get there: You have two options to reach McCauley Warm Springs, which is about 90 minutes from Albuquerque, and both require a 3–3.5-mile hike with 800ft of elevation gain. One trail starts from the Jemez Falls Picnic Area, taking you directly by the waterfall, while the other trail starts at the base of Battleship Rock. The trailheads are close together, both off Hwy 4 north of Jemez Springs. You can also hike from one trailhead to the other, adding about 2 miles to visit Battleship Rock and the 70ft-tall Jemez Falls in addition to the springs.

6. San Antonio Hot Springs

In a considerably more remote segment of the Jemez Mountains, San Antonio Hot Springs are among the state’s most pristine. Water flows directly from the mountain at 102–110°F (39–43°C), gathering in crystal clear pools terraced down the hillside, with the hottest at the top. Getting here is no easy task: visitors must drive a rough 5-mile dirt road – or hike down it in the winter, when the road closes – then hike to the springs, 0.7 miles each way. The silver lining? While you may see a few other people, it’s never crowded.

How to get there: San Antonio Hot Springs is 40 minutes from Spence Hot Springs (a 2-hour drive from Albuquerque). Access is via Forest Rd 376 North; the rough dirt road can be impassable after rain – high clearance vehicles are recommended.

7. Black Rock Hot Springs

Not far from Taos on the banks of the mighty Rio Grande, Black Rock is only accessible about half the year because snowmelt increases the river’s volume in winter and spring, completely obscuring the thermal pools. The retaining rock walls must be reconstructed throughout the year, so the number of pools changes. The cool river water also mixes with the springs’ water, varying the exact temperature.

How to get there: Take NM-522 north out of Taos to County Rd B-007. After about 2.5 miles, you’ll cross two narrow bridges, one over the Hondo River and one over the Rio Grande. Park at the top of the hill after crossing the John Dunn Bridge, then hike 0.25 miles to the river. The path isn’t marked, but painted black rocks guide the way.

8. Ojo Caliente

In a postcard-perfect location between Santa Fe and Taos, Ojo Caliente has an impressive claim to fame: it’s one of the only hot springs resorts in the entire world with sulfur-free waters that have four naturally occurring healing minerals – arsenic, iron, lithia and soda. It’s also one of the USA’s oldest spas, opening in 1868. In addition to soaking in the nine communal springs, several private tubs and a wildly popular mud pool, guests can take yoga classes, dine at the farm-to-table Artesian Restaurant or schedule a blue corn and prickly pear salt scrub at the spa. Accommodations range from luxury suites to vintage Airstream trailers and campsites, encouraging travelers to make a weekend of it. You can also visit Ojo Caliente’s sister property, Ojo Santa Fe.

How to get there: Ojo Caliente is off US-285, about 1 hour northwest of Santa Fe and 50 minutes southwest of Taos. You’ll find plenty of flights and rental car options in both cities, not to mention a scenic, pleasant drive to the resort.

9. Faywood Hot Springs

Southwestern New Mexico's Faywood Hot Springs bills itself as a “rustic, natural geothermal resort.” The eclectic property, which counts free-roaming peacocks among its full-time residents, has an offering for every type of hot springs enthusiast: clothing-optional and clothing-required pools, private and group pools, private cabins, RV and tent campsites, and a visitors center and gift shop. All visitors must have reservations, whether it's a day-use soakers’ pass, private pool rental or overnight accommodation.

How to get there: Faywood is 2 miles off US-180, halfway between Silver City and Deming and right next to City of Rocks State Park (which is also well worth a visit!).

10. Middle Fork Hot Springs

Reaching this mineral-rich sweet spring – so called because it doesn't contain any sulfur or salt, and doesn't have that acrid rotten egg smell – in the Gila National Forest requires a moderate 0.75-mile hike from the Gila visitors center through a sagebrush-filled canyon to the springs (you'll cross the river twice). Known as both Middle Fork and Lightfeather, the springs get as hot as 140°F (60°C), so to ensure that you don't scald yourself, wear sturdy shoes to walk on the riverbank and take care to avoid the source, soaking only in the rock-lined artificial pools.

How to get there: The Gila visitors center is about 90 minutes (45 miles) north of Silver City. Park at the well-signed Middle Fork Trailhead, 157.