State guides
New Mexico Hot Springs: Truth or Consequences, Jemez and Taos
Last updated October 22, 2026 · 2 min read
New Mexico mixes historic bathhouse towns with wild riverside pools and forest springs in old volcanic country. Many springs sit along the Rio Grande Rift, where the crust is being pulled apart.
Truth or Consequences
Formerly called Hot Springs, the town took the name of a radio quiz show in 1950. Its downtown sits over a shallow geothermal aquifer, and a dozen or so small bathhouses and inns offer private tubs and riverside pools along the Rio Grande. It is an easy stop between Albuquerque and Las Cruces.
Ojo Caliente
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs, about an hour north of Santa Fe, is one of the oldest health resorts in the country. Its pools are fed by springs with different mineral content, including iron, soda and lithia waters.
The Jemez Mountains
The Valles Caldera and Jemez Mountains northwest of Santa Fe are rich in springs.
- Jemez Springs Bath House is a historic bathhouse in the village of Jemez Springs.
- Spence Hot Spring is a short, steep walk from NM 4 to warm pools on a hillside.
- San Antonio Hot Springs is reached by a longer forest road or hike, with pools above the San Antonio Creek valley.
Taos and the Rio Grande Gorge
Black Rock Hot Springs and Manby Hot Springs are primitive pools at the river’s edge in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument area. Spring runoff can flood them, and the walks in are short but steep.
The Gila
In the southwest, Gila Hot Springs and the hike-in springs of the Gila Wilderness pair well with a visit to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Faywood Hot Springs near Deming is a developed resort.
Tips
- High desert nights are cold even in summer. Bring layers.
- Summer monsoon storms can cause flash floods in canyons.
- Respect pueblo and tribal lands, which are not open for soaking without permission.
See hot springs near Albuquerque, near Santa Fe and the New Mexico map.
Springs in this guide
- Black Rock Hot Spring99°F
- Manby Hot Springs100°F
- Jemez Springs Bath House169°F
- Spence Hot Spring100°F
- Gila Hot Springs151°F
- Faywood Hot Springs129°F
Listed New Mexico hot springs
The 14 best-documented of 18 New Mexico springs in our directory. See all New Mexico hot springs on a map.
| Hot spring | Water temp | Type | Nearest town |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Rock Hot Spring | 99°F | Natural | Arroyo Seco, NM (8 mi) |
| Jemez Springs Bath House | 169°F | Developed | Jemez Pueblo, NM (11 mi) |
| Jordan Hot Springs Free | 95°F | Natural | Arenas Valley, NM (35 mi) |
| Gila / Lightfeather Hot Springs | 145°F | Natural | Arenas Valley, NM (31 mi) |
| McCauley Warm Springs Free | Not recorded | Natural | Los Alamos, NM (17 mi) |
| San Antonio Hot Spring | 129°F | Natural | Santa Teresa, NM (15 mi) |
| Spence Hot Spring | 100°F | Natural | Jemez Pueblo, NM (17 mi) |
| Faywood Hot Springs 1981 record | 129°F | Natural | Hurley, NM (13 mi) |
| Gila Hot Springs 1981 record | 151°F | Natural | Arenas Valley, NM (28 mi) |
| Manby Hot Springs 1981 record | 100°F | Natural | Arroyo Seco, NM (9 mi) |
| Mimbres Hot Springs 1981 record | 136°F | Natural | Bayard, NM (17 mi) |
| Soda Dam Hot Springs 1981 record | 117°F | Natural | Jemez Pueblo, NM (13 mi) |
| Turkey Creek Hot Spring 1981 record | 165°F | Natural | Silver City, NM (26 mi) |
| Montezuma Hot Springs | Not recorded | Natural | Las Vegas, NM (5 mi) |
Frequently asked questions
Why is the town called Truth or Consequences?
The town of Hot Springs, New Mexico, renamed itself in 1950 after a popular radio quiz show offered to broadcast from the first town that took its name. It still has a cluster of small bathhouses on its geothermal aquifer.
What are the best hot springs near Santa Fe?
Ojo Caliente, about an hour north, is the best-known resort. The Jemez Mountains northwest of Santa Fe have the Jemez Springs Bath House and natural springs such as Spence and San Antonio.
Are there natural hot springs near Taos?
Yes. Black Rock and Manby hot springs sit beside the Rio Grande northwest of Taos, reached by short walks. High river levels can flood them in spring.