10 Dreamy New Mexico Hot Springs For Your Bucket List

Looking for the best hot springs in New Mexico? We’ve got you covered with this list of 10 relaxing springs that include luxurious resort soaks and primitive pools immersed in nature. There’s no better way to wind down after an adventurous day of exploring New Mexico’s beautiful southwest landscape, than by relaxing in one of the state’s many mineral-rich hot springs. 

Whether you’re stopping along the side of the highway for a dip, are enjoying hours in a therapeutic resort pool, or are collapsing into the springs after a long hike through a national forest, you’re sure to appreciate the soothing effects of the hot springs from the way the water loosens your tired muscles to how silky smooth it leaves your skin. 

These are the best New Mexico hot springs for a reason. The warm waters will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and longing for a return trip. So pack your swimsuits and get ready for an experience you won’t soon forget. 

10 Dreamy New Mexico Hot Springs For Your Bucket List

#1. Montezuma Hot Springs Is Easily Accessible By The Road

Montezuma Hot Springs is a series of concrete and stone hot springs filled with mineral-rich, healing waters. The hot springs sit in a lush natural landscape beside the Gallinas River near Las Vegas, New Mexico. Though the land is now privately owned by the United World College, the public has complete access to the hot springs for free. 

The hot springs were once a part of the famous Montezuma Castle Hotel that saw many well known guests walk its halls including Theodore Roosevelt and Ulysses S. Grant. Montezuma Castle is no longer an operating hotel, but thankfully the hot springs and the relaxation and enjoyment they bring still remain. 

You’ll need to exercise caution around the hot springs as each pool ranges in temperature with the “Lobster Pot” hitting a fiery 120 degrees and the “Africa pool” hovering at about 102 degrees. Start with the lower, cooler pools and work your way to the hotter ones if you’re feeling up to it. The pools often have slippery algae along the edge so be careful when getting in and out. 

The hot springs are right off of the edge of the highway making them some of the best New Mexico hot springs for visitors looking for pools that are easily accessible. You should note though that because the springs are easy to access, they have the tendency to become quite crowded. If you have the option of visiting in the morning or on a weekday, you’ll likely enjoy a more tranquil setting. 

#2. Ojo Caliente Hot Springs Offers Four Different Types Of Mineral Springs

If you’re looking for luxurious relaxation, Ojo Caliente Hot Springs is one of the finest hot springs in New Mexico for just that. The hot springs are part of the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa which happens to be one of the oldest natural health resorts in the United States. 

The hot springs at this resort are particularly unique, offering four separate arsenic, iron, lithia, and soda springs, each with its own special healing properties. With so many pools to choose from, including the mineral pools and mud pools as well as the steam room and sauna, you can’t help but feel entirely relaxed and rejuvenated. 

If you are a hotel guest, you can access all of the pools for free and are allowed early entry into the pools at 7:30am. Public access begins at 9:30am and the cost of admission ranges from $20-$38 depending on the day and time. We suggest arriving as early in the morning as you are able in order to avoid the crowds that make their way in later in the day. 

Whether you’re enjoying the rocky walls of the Soda Spring or are gazing at the mountains behind the Lithia Spring, you won’t regret your time spent in these magical pools. For extra privacy and relaxation, you can also pay for 50 minutes in one of three private outdoor pools. 

#3. San Antonio Hot Springs Features Stunning Forest Views

Head to Jemez Springs to experience some of the best natural hot springs in New Mexico. San Antonio Hot Springs, a collection of 3 cascading rock-walled pools, boasts dreamy views of the valley and river in a forested landscape. And best of all, it’s free!

Reaching the hot springs takes a bit of effort, but it’s certainly worth it. If you have a 4×4 vehicle you can drive the very bumpy dirt road 5 miles before hiking the last half mile or so to the hot springs. If your car can’t handle the dirt road however, you’ll be hiking the 5 miles of road for a total of about 11 miles round trip. The hike offers you an abundance of beautiful views though making it all worth it. 

Despite having to hike to get there, San Antonio Hot Springs is a popular location and can become crowded during the middle of the day. Aim to start the hike in the morning both for the peace and quiet of the morning hours and to avoid getting baked too much by the sun on your hike back. 

The hot springs generally vary slightly in temperature with the top one being the hottest. With three different pools to choose from you’re bound to find that one matches your optimal hot springs temperature. Be aware that nudity is allowed and happens on occasion. 

#4. McCauley Hot Springs Is The Perfect, Warm Summertime Escape

Hidden within the Santa Fe National Forest is McCauley Hot Springs. These free New Mexico hot springs are best suited for a summer day as the water hovers around 95 degrees which is a bit cooler than the average hot tub temperature. 

Just under 4 miles of round trip hiking will take you from the Battleship Rock Day Use Area, through the forested landscape, and along the Jemez River to the hot springs. The hike itself is reason enough to visit the area. The hike to the springs is consistently uphill making it moderately difficult, however you get the benefit of a much easier downhill hike back to the parking lot. 

The pools themselves are beautiful and clear with little harmless fish that will nibble at your feet. It’s the perfect spot to take in your surroundings on a beautiful sunny New Mexico day. 

Pay close attention to the trail markers as you make your way to the springs. It’s not uncommon for people to get lost along the way. Though minimal trail markers help lead you toward the springs, we suggest taking screenshots of a trail map to help you out should the path get confusing at any point. 

#5. Spence Hot Springs Involves An Easy Hike With A Huge Payoff

If you’re looking for natural hot springs near Santa Fe, we suggest venturing just over an hour outside of the city to the Jemez Valley where you’ll find the wildly popular Spence Hot Springs. A small, seven-car parking lot can be found off of Highway 4 about seven miles from the village of Jemez Springs. 

A little under a mile of hiking, mostly uphill, will get you to the beautiful springs consisting of two small pools overlooking the Jemez Canyon. The water hovers between 95-100 degrees giving you a pleasant soak with the added benefit of spectacular views. 

The hike in general can be classified as easy due to its overall short length and the limited amount of time spent trudging uphill. If you’re hiking in the winter however, the often muddy and icy trail can prove a bit trickier, so prepare accordingly and wear appropriate footwear. 

Due to the popularity of this hike, the area has suffered from overuse and a general lack of care from the humans enjoying its natural landscape. If you’re going to visit the springs, please pick up after yourself and leave the place as clean as you can. 

#6. Black Rock Hot Springs Is Greatly Influenced By The Rio Grande

Some of the best Taos hot springs lie just along the Rio Grande River about 25 minutes from the heart of the city. Black Rock Hot Springs is popular among locals and tourists alike and features two pools that quite literally are a stone’s throw from the river. 

The parking lot for the springs is not the easiest to find, but once you cross the John Dunn Bridge over the Rio Grande you know you’re close. At this point, you’ll head left up the hill and park at the first switchback where you’ll begin your short .3 mile hike to the springs. Though short, the hike is quite rocky which marginally increases its difficulty level.

The hot springs themselves vary by season as the water levels and temperatures are greatly affected by the water level of the river. The two springs tend to range from 97-100 degrees with the upper spring being the warmer of the two. 

If you’re looking for a little contrast bathing, jump in the river for a refreshing swim before hopping back in the hot springs to warm up. Be aware that clothing is optional at Black Rock Hot Springs so it’s not uncommon to see nude locals enjoying a soak in the springs. 

#7. Riverbend Hot Springs Offers Luxury Soaking Along The River

Truth or Consequences hot springs are some of the best hot springs in New Mexico, and Riverbend Hot Springs is no exception. Riverbend Hot Springs is the luxury alternative to the primitive Black Rock Hot Springs as both offer you front row seats to the beauty of the Rio Grande River. 

The 8 public pools, which are part of the Riverbend Hot Springs Resort, are free for overnight guests and are available to the public for 1 hour time slots ranging from $24-$30. The pool temperatures range from 95-108 degrees. The three hottest pools are called the Hot Minnow Baths, while the other 5 Riverside Rock Pools are slightly cooler and boast striking views of the Rio Grande River and the Turtleback Mountains. 

If you’re feeling like a more intimate experience you can choose to rent a private pool from $30-$40 for 50 minutes at a time. These private pools, which are clothing optional, are walled off on three sides, with the fourth side being open to the river so you don’t miss out on the views. 

In addition to your healing soaks in the mineral-rich pools, you have access to a barrel sauna as well as lounge chairs for continued relaxation. In the summer, misters will cool you off in the New Mexico heat, while in the winter you’ll have the cozy warmth of a gas fireplace. 

#8. Jemez Hot Springs Leaves You With Soft Skin And Relaxed Muscles

For the best hot springs near Albuquerque, you’ll want to head just over an hour outside of the city to Jemez Hot Springs (formerly known as Giggling Hot Springs). These resort pools are located right alongside the Jemez River with views of the river and the surrounding mountains adding to the peaceful nature of your soaking experience. 

Four different natural mineral water pools are offered, ranging in temperature from 98-105 degrees. For the hottest water, you’ll want to head to the Meditation Pool. The other pools include the Inner Peace Pool (the property’s original pool), the Fountain of Youth Pool, and the Reflecting Pool. 

The complex only allows walk-ins on a first come first serve basis, with a limited number of guests allowed in at any given time. You can choose to enjoy the pools for 1 hour at $25 or for 2 hours at $50. 

These pools in the mountains of New Mexico are the perfect way to wind down an adventurous day. Because these are therapeutic pools as opposed to recreational pools, you can expect to enjoy complete peace and quiet as your muscles relax and your skin softens in the beautifully blue water. 

#9. Manby Hot Springs Is A Historically Interesting Riverside Soak

A neighbor of Black Rock Hot Springs, Manby Hot Springs is among the best New Mexico hot springs if you’re hoping to get a view of the Rio Grande River while you soak. You’ll find these relaxing hot springs just outside of Taos. After driving down a rocky, dirt road in a 4×4 vehicle, you’ll hike a short 20 minutes on relatively rocky terrain to the hot springs themselves.

The hot springs are a collection of 2 main pools ranging in temperature from 90-97 degrees. These small pools can accommodate around 6-8 people tightly packed. Don’t be alarmed if there are a number of people at the pools who choose to go the clothing optional route.

The views of the river and the surrounding mountains are beautiful and the chance to soak in these primitive hot springs is well worth the short hike to reach them. Beyond that you’ll find the history of the area to be quite interesting as well. 

Once a favorite place to soak among the Pueblo people, the springs eventually fell into the hands of the British traveler Arthur Manby. He had grand plans to make the springs a part of a luxury resort, however his lack of financial backing and gruesome, untimely death saw those plans fall through. Today however, you can still see the remains of an old bathhouse and the historic stagecoach roads. 

#10. Jordan Hot Springs Is A Relaxing Stop On A Long Hike 

Located in the Gila National Forest, Jordan Hot Springs is one of the most popular New Mexico hot springs. Jordan Hot Springs is perfect for avid hikers as you’ll have to hike roughly 14 miles round trip with many river crossings in order to access the springs. 

For ranger help and a map to plan your route (there are a couple of different ways to reach the springs), head to the Gila Visitor Center near the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. The trailhead will begin at the TJ Corral where you’ll follow the Little Bear Canyon Trail to the springs. Though the hike is long, the terrain is not particularly difficult. 

There are a number of campsites near the springs if you’d prefer to stay overnight and hike the seven miles back in the morning. The hot springs are also along the Continental Divide Trail so you might meet a few thru-hikers who are stopping for a rest along the way. 

The hot springs themselves are beautifully clear and hover around 94 degrees, a perfect temperature that keeps you warm but won’t overheat your body after a long hike. Shaded by a canopy of trees and surrounded by natural rock walls, the hot springs are wonderfully relaxing and are a worthwhile stop. 

Tips For Visiting New Mexico Hot Springs

• Drive a 4×4 vehicle when visiting the primitive springs. Many of the primitive springs require driving down narrow, rocky, dirt roads that are only accessible in a high clearance 4×4 car.
•  Keep your head above water at the primitive springs. In order to avoid contact with parasites, you’ll want to avoid getting any water up your nose.
• Nudity is allowed at many of the primitive springs. For many locals, shedding their clothes adds to the experience of connecting with the healing powers of nature. 
• Check the age restrictions at the resort hot springs in New Mexico. In order to ensure your experience is a quiet and peaceful one, many of the resorts will prevent children under a certain age from entering their pools. 
• Be respectful of the environment and pick up after yourself. Locals tend to do what they can to keep the primitive springs clean, but tourists are often guilty of leaving trash behind. Please do your part to make sure these springs are still around to be enjoyed in the future.
• Avoid the crowds. Particularly at the primitive springs, the earlier you arrive in the morning, the more likely you are to have the springs to yourself. 

We’re thrilled you’ve chosen to seek out the hot springs in New Mexico as part of your next trip to the desert landscape and mountain peaks of this stunning southwest state. 

Can you picture yourself listening to the rush of the Rio Grande flowing by as you sink a little deeper into the warm water of the hot springs? Or maybe you’re daydreaming of sweating it out in a sauna after a romantic soak in a private resort pool. However you choose to enjoy these magical New Mexico hot springs, you’re in for a real treat.