One of the highlights of a visit to New Mexico is the opportunity to visit its many natural hot springs, which are heated by geothermal activity and known for their therapeutic properties. Whether you're more interested in visiting a luxurious spa or relaxing in a natural pool in the middle of the forest, one of the hot springs on this list is sure to be exactly what you're looking for.
Truth or Consequences
Truth or Consequences is a small town located between Albuquerque and Las Cruces, and it has been a popular health and wellness destination since the early 1920s. The town boasts an excellent selection of bath houses with pools; most of these venues also offer additional treatments like mud wraps, massages, and reiki. The water is notable for having no strong odor, and it ranges between 98 °F and 115 °F in temperature. Most of the bath houses offer lodging, but many of the pools are open to walk-in visitors as well.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
Originally constructed in 1916, the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa was one of the country’s original health resorts. There are twelve different pools to bathe in; these pools range in temperature from 80 °F to 106 °F, and they're filled with different combinations of four distinct types of mineral water. The public pools are open between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. every day of the week, and the daily entry fee includes access to the resort's steam room and sauna as well as to the mineral pools and a special mud pool. Private pools are available for an additional fee.
50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente, NM 87549, Phone: 505-583-2233
San Antonio Hot Springs
Tucked away in the Jemez Mountains, the San Antonio Hot Springs can only be reached by driving down a bumpy dirt road and climbing up a short but steep hill. The natural, rock-lined pools here are spaced out down a hillside and filled with water that comes out of a metal pipe at the top of the hill; the water is approximately 105 °F when it comes out of the pipe, and it gradually cools as it progresses down the hill. All of the pools have soft, sandy bottoms, and the largest can comfortably hold up to 10 people.
Forest Road 376, Jemez Springs, NM 87025
Jemez Hot Springs
Conveniently located right in the village of Jemez Springs, the Jemez Hot Springs is a therapeutic outdoor hot spring pool that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are four pools of varying temperatures, and other amenities on the property include restrooms, showers, changing rooms, chairs, hammocks, and a gift shop. Visitors can choose between one hour, half day, and full day passes; large groups can also choose to rent out the entire facility if desired. Several restaurants can be found within easy walking distance, and there is an on-site beverage service that provides drinks to visitors in the pools.
40 Abousleman Loop, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, Phone: 575-829-9175
Montezuma
Formerly known as "Los Ojos Calientes," the mineral hot springs of Montezuma can be found only six miles away from the city of Las Vegas. The pools are located alongside the Gallinas River on private property owned by the United World College, who is generous enough to allow the public free access to the pools while making sure they're kept clean and well-maintained. Both concrete and rock pools can be found here, with the hottest one reaching a temperature of 102.7 °F. Bathing suits are required in all of the pools, and free parking can be found on site.
Hot Springs Blvd, Las Vegas, NM 87701
Black Rock Hot Springs
Situated just down the road from the better-known Manby Hot Springs, the Black Rock Hot Springs consist of two large rock- and mud-bottomed pools on the shore of the Rio Grande. The pool temperatures vary according to the season and the temperature of the river, but they're typically around between 97 °F and 101 °F. The natural location of these hot springs means that there aren't many amenities for visitors to use, but simple pit toilets can be found beside the nearby John Dunn Bridge. No entrance fees are charged, and overnight stays are not permitted.
New Mexico 87529
Ten Thousand Waves Spa
Designed in the style of traditional Japanese hot springs resorts, the Ten Thousand Waves Spa is a peaceful retreat set on a beautiful, wooded 20-acre property. The outdoor hot tubs can be found nestled between the trees; according to Japanese tradition, there is one area for mixed bathing and another for women only. The hot tubs are kept between 104 °F and 106 °F. In addition to the two public bathing areas, there are also several private spa suites with saunas, hot tubs, showers, and private changing areas. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for these private suites.
21 Ten Thousand Waves Way, Santa Fe, NM 87501, Phone: 505-982-9304
Spence Hot Spring
Consisting of two natural pools, Spence Hot Spring is located in the Santa Fe National Forest next to a gorgeous, tree-filled canyon. With an average temperature of 95 °F, the pools aren't as hot as some of the others in the area, but they still provide an excellent opportunity to relax and unwind while surrounded by the beauty of nature. Because of the pools' small size, the parking lot can only accommodate up to seven vehicles, although overflow parking can be found at the Dark Canyon Fishing Access if needed. The springs are open all throughout the year, but overnight camping is not permitted.
Jemez Springs, NM 87025, Phone: 575-829-3535
Lightfeather Hot Springs
Only a twenty-minute walk away from the Gila Visitors Center in the Gila National Forest, the Lightfeather Hot Springs is one of the most popular hot springs in the area. The pools are located in the bottom of a canyon and fed by a stream of geothermal water that measures around 130 °F, and they flow directly into the Gila River. The hot spring is visited by many people each year and is and generally safe, but visitors are advised not to submerge their heads in the water because it's known to be home to a type of bacteria that can cause meningitis.
Faywood Hot Springs
Found in the southwestern part of the state, Faywood Hot Springs is a rustic hot springs resort with both public and private pools for visitors to enjoy. The pools are known for their rejuvenating and healing properties; they range in temperature between 95 °F and 110 °F, and some are clothing-optional. There are several different accommodation options available on-site, including one-bedroom cabins, RV sites with full hookups, and tent sites. Other amenities include a Visitor's Center, a cafe, a gift shop, and a small museum. The resort is open year-round, and advance reservations are recommended.
165 NM-61, Faywood, NM 88034, Phone: 575-536-9663
Sierra Grande Lodge and Spa
Bask in the geothermal hot springs at Sierra Grande for a wellness experience unlike any other. The sophisticated hotel offers 17 guest rooms furnished in rustic elegance as well as a separate Southwestern casita for those wanting a bit more privacy. Sierra Grande Lodge and Spa guests are treated to a complimentary Continental breakfast and 30-minute access to the 104-degree hot springs. In addition to the pools, guests can visit the Sierra Grande Spa for therapeutical services like massages, European facials, and body treatments. Looking to add a bit of adventure to your stay? The hotel also offers a number of activities such as full and half-day tours of the Ladder and Armendaris reserves. On these tours, guests may hike, view wildlife and historical sites, go bird watching, and more.
501 McAdoo Street, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico 87901, Phone: 877-288-7637
Fire Water Lodge
Nestled within the Historic Bath District, Fire Water Lodge provides guests with their own private oasis to soak in the region’s popular mineral hot springs. Previous tribes and dwellers have regarded the springs as having sacred healing waters, and with their high mineral content, guests will surely have a sense of rejuvenation with each dip. Visitors may choose from ten different rooms—all designed with beautiful southwestern charm and featuring their own geothermal hot tub. The lodge also offers various day trips where guests can explore the local attractions such as Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, Elephant Butte Lake, and City of Rocks State Park.
311 N Broadway Street, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico 87901, Phone: 575-740-0315
