11 listings
Free Hot Springs in New Mexico
No-fee soaks on public land. Pack it in, pack it out, and check access rules before you go.
We list 11 in New Mexico, 2 of them near Arroyo Hondo: the hottest is McCauley Warm Springs (up to 99°F).
Black Rock Hot Springs
A small group of springs bubbling up along the Rio Grande in the gorge north of Taos, captured into one soaking pool whose depth changes with the river level. State tourism describes it as well known, easy to reach and often busy, and reached by a short walk downstream from parking across the John Dunn Bridge.
Jordan Hot Springs
A warm spring pool about 20 feet across and 3 feet deep at roughly 90-94°F, deep in the Gila Wilderness. It is about 7 miles one way from the TJ Corral trailhead via Little Bear Canyon, or 8.5 miles up the Middle Fork, with many river crossings either way. The NPS recommends it as an overnight trip and notes it is crowded at busy times such as spring break.
Lightfeather Hot Springs
A hot spring that pulses from the base of a hill into the Middle Fork of the Gila, about three-quarters of a mile up Trail 157 from the Gila Visitor Center. The source is scalding, about 130-140°F according to the NPS, so visitors soak in rock-lined pools in the river where the hot water mixes with river water. The short walk includes several river crossings.
Manby Hot Springs
Two hot pools beside the Rio Grande at the stone ruins of an old stagecoach stop, southwest of Arroyo Hondo near Taos. State tourism describes an easy hike from the John Dunn Bridge, following the river south to the rocks that mark the pools.
McCauley Warm Springs
Two large warm pools at about 99°F in a forest meadow between Battleship Rock and Jemez Falls, reached on East Fork Trail #137. State tourism puts the hike at about 2 miles from the Battleship Rock picnic area. The village tourism site says these public-land springs are day use only, with no camping, fires or facilities.
Montezuma Hot Springs
Natural springs that flow from a hillside into a row of rock and cement soaking tubs of varying temperatures beside NM 65, six miles northwest of Las Vegas. They were once part of the Montezuma Castle resort and sit near the United World College campus, which is otherwise closed to the public. State tourism calls them family-friendly since no hike is needed.
San Antonio Hot Springs
Hot water emerges from several sources on a steep hillside and flows into a series of primitive rock-lined pools of different temperatures. It is reached by a 0.7-mile out-and-back trail from a small parking area after 5 miles on Forest Road 376 (north). Check Santa Fe NF road alerts before going, as FR 376 had storm damage in late October 2026.
San Francisco Hot Springs
A few undeveloped pools beside the San Francisco River about 2 miles southwest of Pleasanton, reached by Trail #250 from a signed Forest Service trailhead off US 180. The trailhead is day use (dawn to dusk) with no fee. State tourism notes a second trailhead with a short, scenic hike to another soaking spot.
Spence Hot Spring
A popular warm spring on a hillside above the Jemez River, reached by a short trail from a small paved lot on NM 4 about 7 miles north of Jemez Springs. The Forest Service says the spring has cooled over the years to roughly body temperature (listed at 95°F), and its small pool holds only a few people. It is day use only, nudity is cited under state law, and glass, camping and fires are banned.
Turkey Creek Hot Springs
Springs deep in the Gila Wilderness that reach about 165°F at the source and are cooled by Turkey Creek. State tourism says rock-lined pools are built here but often wash out, and a larger swimming hole with warm seepage gives a more reliable soak. Getting there takes a tough drive and a hike, and it is well known, so expect company.
Upper Frisco Hot Springs
A spring on the upper San Francisco River in the Gila National Forest, reached from the Forest Service's Upper Frisco Hot Springs trailhead on Frisco Divide Trail #124. The trailhead is at the end of Forest Road 35, 12.3 miles off US 180 between Reserve and Luna. The Forest Service does not publish the hike distance or pool details.