Hot Springs Finder Guide

Natural hot spring · New Mexico

Black Rock Hot Spring

Taos County, New Mexico · 8 miles west of Arroyo Seco, NM

Last updated

Directions (Google Maps) Apple Maps Map
Type
Natural Natural hot spring
Water temperature
99°F (37°C) at the source
Cost
Not recorded
Hours or season
Not recorded
Clothing
Not recorded
Nearest town
Arroyo Seco, NM (8 mi / 13 km)
Coordinates
Pools or sources
2
Safety notes

    About Black Rock Hot Spring

    Editor's note. Black Rock Hot Springs is a primitive riverside pool on the Rio Grande near Taos, reached by a short walk from the John Dunn Bridge area. High water in spring can flood the pool.

    Black Rock Hot Spring is a natural hot spring in Taos County, New Mexico, about 8 miles west of Arroyo Seco, NM. The nearest large city is Santa Fe, NM, roughly 60 miles away as the crow flies.

    The temperature at the source has been recorded at 99°F (37°C), and readings across the site range from 99°F to 106°F. That puts it in the "classic hot-tub range" range. The range most soakers aim for. 104°F is the upper limit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends for hot tubs.

    It is a natural spring with little or no development. Some natural springs have rock pools you can sit in, while others are too hot, too shallow or on land where soaking is not allowed.

    The site has 2 mapped pools or sources within about 500 meters of each other.

    Water temperature

    99°F37°C temperature at the source
    60°F98°F104°F140°F180°F

    Classic hot-tub range. The range most soakers aim for. 104°F is the upper limit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends for hot tubs.

    Readings come from the NOAA thermal springs list, OpenStreetMap mappers, USGS water quality samples, and other public sources. Temperatures change with season, flow and pool design. See our soak temperature guide for safe soaking times.

    Map and directions

    Red marks Black Rock Hot Spring. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 36.53072, -105.71211.

    Location of Black Rock Hot Spring in New Mexico

    Getting there

    • Nearest town: Arroyo Seco, NM. The spring is about 8 miles (13 km) west of town in a straight line.
    • Nearest large city: Santa Fe, NM, about 60 miles (97 km) in a straight line.
    • Planning from a city? See hot springs near Santa Fe, NM.
    • Use the directions buttons above for a driving route. Final roads to many springs are unpaved, seasonal or closed in winter, so check road conditions before you go.

    Weather forecast

    Live forecast for this exact spot from the US National Weather Service.

    Hot springs near Black Rock Hot Spring

    Before you go

    • Check the operator, land manager or park website for current hours, fees and closures. Details in any directory can go out of date.
    • Pack out everything you bring, including food scraps. Do not use soap in natural pools.
    • Keep your head above water. Warm fresh water can carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that enters through the nose.
    • Drink water, limit soaks to 10 to 20 minutes at a time in very hot water, and skip alcohol.
    • Read our hot spring etiquette guide and safety guide.

    Frequently asked questions

    How hot is Black Rock Hot Spring?

    The temperature at the source has been recorded at 99°F (37°C), which is classic hot-tub range. The range most soakers aim for. 104°F is the upper limit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends for hot tubs.

    Where is Black Rock Hot Spring?

    Black Rock Hot Spring is in Taos County, New Mexico, about 8 miles west of Arroyo Seco, NM. The GPS coordinates are 36.5307, -105.7121.

    Can you soak at Black Rock Hot Spring?

    Natural springs vary. Some have pools built by visitors, others are too hot or shallow, and some are on private land or in areas where bathing is banned. Check local rules and test the water before you get in.

    What hot springs are near Black Rock Hot Spring?

    The closest listed spring is Manby Hot Springs, about 1.7 miles south. Dexter Spring is about 53 miles away.

    What should I bring to a hot spring?

    Water to drink, a towel, sandals with grip, a bag to pack out trash, and warm layers for after your soak. At primitive springs bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going.

    Sources and corrections

    This listing combines OpenStreetMap, the USGS/EPA Water Quality Portal, the NOAA NCEI Thermal Springs List. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3

    Visited recently? Send a correction, such as a temperature reading, fee, closure or photo. If you look after this spring and want it removed, see removal requests.