New Mexico has an abundance of Hot Springs that span the gamut from long hikes in the wilderness to luxurious spas. Sometimes this is an overlooked tourism resource that brings many out of state visitors to NM that are specifically looking for natural hot mineral water.

New Mexico is blessed with some of the finest hot springs on the planet Earth. There are beautiful springs at the end of a long hike in the wilderness, lovely gems that are only a short hike, and resorts that run the gamut from rustic to luxurious.

Gila Hot Springs Vacation Center, 505-536-9551. About 2 hours north of Silver City, not far from the Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor’’s Center. Lodging, RV park and a hot tub.

Gila Hot Springs –– River Campground, about 2 hours north of Silver City along the banks of the Gila River. Primitive campground with three mud pools ranging in temperature between 105-110 F. Clothing optional.

Light Feather Hot Springs, on the edge of the middle fork of the Gila River. A moderate mile long hike (with two river crossings) from the Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor’s Center. A series of shallow rock and sand soaking pools with the temperature variable according to how much cold river water is let in. Get directions from the rangers at the Visitor’s Center. Bathing suits advisable.

Jordan Hot Springs, fairly strenuous eight mile hike from the Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor’s Center (can be reached on horseback) with many (over 30) river crossings (middle fork of the Gila River). Two log and rock pools averaging about 93 F. Get directions and hiking conditions from the rangers at the Visitor’s Center. Clothing optional.

Turkey Creek Hot Springs, north of the town of Gila. Several rock pools along the edge of Turkey Creek. Tough four wheel drive road with five river crossings, then a difficult three mile hike. Water temperature adjustable according to how much cold water one allows to mix with the 160 F hot water that seeps out of rocks at the creek edge. Make sure to get very good directions from the locals. Clothing optional.

San Francisco Hot Springs, about 50 north of Silver City just south of the town of Glenwood. Moderate hike of about one hour. Three natural sand bottom pools along the edge of the San Francisco River of various temperatures. Clothing optional.

Artesian Bath House and Trailer Park, 312 Marr, 505-894-2684
Eight ceramic private drain and fill tubs at about 108 F are available by the hour. RV hookups, massage by appointment. No Credit Cards.

Indian Springs, 218 Austin, 505-894-2018 Motel units include use of baths.

Ojo Caliente Resort, 505- 583-2223
located in the foothills of the Carson National Forest, in the town of Ojo Caliente, between Santa Fe and Taos. Five different springs with different temperatures and mineral content; indoor and outdoor pools with temperatures ranging from 85-106F. Bathing suits required. Credit card accepted.

Black Rock Hot Springs, located north of Taos, west of the town of Arroyo Hondo. It is about a 5-10 minute walk off a dirt road. Ask locals for directions. Two mud-bottomed rock pools on the west bank of the Rio Grande. Pool temperatures are usually about 97 F depending on how high the river is. Clothing optional.

Stagecoach (Manby) Hot Springs, located north of Taos, west of the town of Arroyo Hondo. It is about a 15-20 minute walk off a dirt road. Ask locals for directions. Three shallow sand-bottomed rock pools on the east bank of the Rio Grande. Pool temperatures are usually about 97 F depending on how high the river is. Clothing optional.

Montezuma Hot Springs, 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.

San Antonio Hot Springs, located west of Santa Fe, north of the town of Jemez Springs. It is about a 10 minute walk from where you can park. Ask locals for directions. A series of rock pools built along the hillside of San Diego Canyon. The hottest pool is about 105 F with the lower ones progressively cooler. Clothing optional.

McCauley Hot Springs, located west of Santa Fe, north of the town of Jemez Springs. It is a moderately strenuous 2-mile hike. Ask locals for directions. Large, shallow, warm pool that flows into several smaller, deeper pools with temperatures 85-90 F. Clothing optional.

Soda Dam Hot Springs, located west of Santa Fe, north of the town of Jemez Springs. A cluster of small hot spring pools with spectacular scenery not great soaking.

Spence Hot Spring, located west of Santa Fe, north of the town of Jemez Springs. An easy short hike. Ask locals for directions. Several sand-bottom pools on a steep hillside on the east side of the Jemez River. Water temperature between 100 –– 110 F. Clothing optional.

Giggling Springs Hot Springs Jemez Springs, 505-829-9175
Bathing suits required. Reservations strongly recommended. Pool temperature is 102-104.

Bodhi Manda Zen Center Motel and Hot Springs, situated along the Jemez River in Jemez Springs, 505-829-3854 A four-unit motel. Three sand-bottom rock pools with the river next to the pools for a cold plunge. Call first –– no drop-ins. Bathing suits required.