Turkey Creek Hot Springs
- Free
- 6 hr 21 min from Albuquerque
- Roadside
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.
Gila NF reported high flows and flood closures in Oct 2026; check river levels before river crossings.
- Price
- Free
- Nearest town
- Gila
- From Albuquerque
- 6 hr 21 min
- Hike (one way)
- Roadside
Plan your visit
Hours & season
| Season | Open year-round |
|---|
Tickets & booking
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Access | Free public access |
On site
| Lodging | No |
|---|---|
| Land manager | USFS |
Not stated by the land manager: swimwear, ages, dogs.
Soak responsibly
- Pack out everything, including food scraps and toilet paper. Use WAG bags where required.
- No soap, shampoo or sunscreen in the pools; rinse away from the water.
- Check permits and closures with USFS before you go.
- Keep groups small and give others space. Respect posted dog and camping rules.
Water temperature
This venue doesn't publish pool temperatures.
What's here
- Gila Wilderness
- source up to 165°F cooled by Turkey Creek
- rock pools that often wash out
- warm swimming hole
- rough drive and hike
Getting there
- From Albuquerque6 hr 21 min276 mi
- From Silver City1 hr 22 min41 mi
- From El Paso (ELP)4 hr 46 min204 mi
Typical driving time without traffic or snow.
| Elevation | 5,163 ft |
|---|---|
| Road |
|
| Trail |
|
Things to do near Gila
Mogollon Box Day Use Area
Gila River day-use area near Cliff; vehicle gate closed since Oct 23, 2026 due to high flows.
Campgrounds
- Upper Scorpion Campground15.4 mi
- Lower Scorpion Campground15.5 mi
- Alum Camp15.8 mi
- Forks Campground16.9 mi
Straight-line distances. Campground and trailhead data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Nearby springs
Gila Hot Springs Ranch
A family-run ranch in the hamlet of Gila Hot Springs, 4 miles south of Gila Cliff Dwellings, with apartments, a historic cabin, an RV park and tent sites. The ranch has a natural hot springs jacuzzi, and its lodgings and RV hookups are piped with hot spring water. NM 15 from Silver City is about 2 hours of winding road; rigs over 20 ft should use NM 35.
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.
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.
Gila Hot Springs Ranch: 17 mi · Lightfeather Hot Springs: 17 mi · Jordan Hot Springs: 18 mi
Sources (4)
· checked November 2026
Prices, hours and rules are checked against the official site and land-agency pages. Spot something out of date? Let us know.