Natural hot spring · New Mexico
Gila / Lightfeather Hot Springs
Catron County, New Mexico · 31 miles north of Arenas Valley, NM
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 145°F (63°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Arenas Valley, NM (31 mi / 49 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
- Scalding: recorded at 50°C or above. Water at this temperature causes burns in seconds.
About Gila / Lightfeather Hot Springs
Gila / Lightfeather Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Catron County, New Mexico, about 31 miles north of Arenas Valley, NM. The nearest large city is Las Cruces, NM, roughly 106 miles away as the crow flies.
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 145°F (63°C). That puts it in the "too hot to enter at the source" range. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
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.
Water temperature
Too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Readings come from 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 Gila / Lightfeather Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 33.23342, -108.23538.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Arenas Valley, NM. The spring is about 31 miles (49 km) north of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Las Cruces, NM, about 106 miles (171 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Las Cruces, 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 Gila / Lightfeather Hot Springs
- Gila Hot Springs 151°F
- Jordan Hot Springs 95°F
- The Meadows Warm Spring 91°F
- Turkey Creek Hot Spring 165°F
- Mimbres Hot Springs 136°F
- Apache Tejo Warm Spring 97°F
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 Gila / Lightfeather Hot Springs?
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 145°F (63°C), which is too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Where is Gila / Lightfeather Hot Springs?
Gila / Lightfeather Hot Springs is in Catron County, New Mexico, about 31 miles north of Arenas Valley, NM. The GPS coordinates are 33.2334, -108.2354.
Can you soak at Gila / Lightfeather Hot Springs?
The source is too hot to enter safely. 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 Gila / Lightfeather Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is Gila Hot Springs, about 2.8 miles southeast. Jordan Hot Springs is about 4.5 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. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1 Source 2
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.