10 Best New Mexico Hot Springs

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Some people mistakenly think that New Mexico is nothing but a big, dry desert, but the state has plenty of wonderful attractions to offer as well. One of the highlights of a visit to the state 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!

© 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

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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

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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

© Giggling Springs Hot Springs

Conveniently located right in the village of Jemez Springs, the Giggling Springs 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

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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

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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

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© 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

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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

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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.

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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 hot pools fed by geothermal water that flows out of the nearby Rio Grande; 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.