These 7 Hot Springs Near Santa Fe Are a Must-Visit in 2024 (2024)

Looking for the best hot springs near Santa Fe?

New Mexico is home to some of the oldest hot springs in North America, with a history of human use that dates back over a thousand years. Native American tribes have considered these springs sacred and healing places for generations.

So the concept of self-care was celebrated in New Mexico LONG before the term “self-care” term gained the popularity it has today. Good news: You don’t need to travel far from Santa Fe to enjoy these magical hot springs.

The hot springs range from natural hot springs that require a certain amount of hiking to public pools to private, secluded tubs that make you feel like you’re at the spa, allowing you to select the experience that’s best for you.

Note: This list only covers hot springs that are within a two-hour drive of Santa Fe. Other hot springs outside this area are also worth visiting, especially in Truth or Consequences, but would not be feasible for a day trip from Santa Fe.

7 Best Hot Springs Near Santa Fe

The order goes from the most luxurious hot springs (i.e., resort spas) to those that are a little bit more rugged and can be reached via hiking.

1. Ojo Caliente

DISTANCE FROM SANTA FE: About 50 miles away, or a 56-minute drive
ADDRESS: 50 Los Banos Dr, Ojo Caliente, NM 87549
COST: Communal soaking: $45 Monday–Thursday // $65 Friday–Sunday; Private soaking: 50 minutes for 2 guests: $75; Dos Ojo Soaking Package: $175 for 2 guests
DRESS CODE: Swimwear is optional for private soaks and required for communal soaks

Ojo Caliente is the oldest continuously operating spa in the United States, with a history dating back to 1868. This resort spa provides the perfect blend of luxury and natural benefits. You can enjoy a pampered experience with comfy robes and relaxation on chaise lounge chairs while reaping the advantages of pure mineral water.

The water in the pools is sourced directly from nearby hot springs, naturally enriched with iron, lithia, arsenic, and soda.

This spa resort offers visitors 9 public mineral soaking pools, including a mud pool. You can either opt for the communal soaking pools or there’s also a private pool that you book for up to 4 guests. You can expect temperatures to be between 98 and 105°F.

If you select the all-day access, I recommend “pool hopping” and trying out the different pools as each one offers unique mental and physical health benefits:

• Soda Pool — aid in digestion
• Lithia Pool — depression-relieving
• Iron Pool — aid your immune system
• Arsenic Pool — relieves stomach ulcers, arthritic pain, and heals skin conditions
• Mud Pool (seasonal) — purifies your pores

Guests under age 13 are not permitted in the soaking, pool, or spa areas.

No reservations are required for Day Soaking. Passes are sold at the entrance and are first-come, first-served. To make a reservation for Private Soaking, call 877-977-8212.

All appointments include a towel and locker. If you would like to rent a robe, the cost is an additional $18, or you are welcome to bring your own.

2. Ten Thousand Waves

DISTANCE FROM SANTA FE: About 4 miles away, or a quick 10-minute drive
ADDRESS: 21 Ten Thousand Waves Way, Santa Fe, NM 87501
COST: $59-$79 + tax (hot tub suite)
DRESS CODE: Clothing is optional in all private spa suites

Ten Thousand Wavesis a globally acclaimed resort and spa inspired by Japanese mountainhot springresorts. As soon as you step inside, you’ll sense the zen vibes that radiate throughout the property.

Trust me: this place is truly magical!

There are no natural hot springs at this spot, but you can book a private hot tub suite that uses highly mineralized water from a 900-foot-deep well. The suites can accommodate up to 10 people. Each suite is self-contained and contains a hot tub, sauna, and your own private changing room and showers.

Note: Reservations for hot tubs are required. I would recommend booking in advance because spots do fill up! Children under 4 feet have free access to private tubs.

There is also aGrand Bathwhich features both a hot pool (set at 105-107°F) and a small cold plunge55-60°F. The Grand Bath is only available to guests of the hotel and/or if you sign up for a massage treatment.

All reservations include a towel, robe, sandals, and locker.

P.S. Ten Thousand Waves is one of the only spas in the US to offer shiatsu massages like in Japan. Consider booking the Body & Sole, Shiatsu, or Therapeutic massage options. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our massages and left feeling like completely new people!

3. Jemez Hot Springs

DISTANCE FROM SANTA FE: About 72 miles away, or a 1.5-hour drive
ADDRESS: 040 Abousleman Loop, Jemez Springs, NM 87025
COST: 1 Hour Property Pass/Soak: $25 per person ($50 for 2 hours)
DRESS CODE: Swimsuits are required in all pools at all times

Jemez Hot Springs, formerly known as Giggling Hot Springs, is located in the quirky town of Jemez Springs. It was voted one of the top 10 hot springs in the U.S.

This day spa spring provides you with more of a “lounging by the pool” type feel. With an incredible view, I might add! You can watch the Jemez River roll by with a view of the colorful Virgin Mesa while you soak.

There are four therapeutic mineral water pools with temperatures between 98-105°F. As you enter, the first two pools on the right are the “coolest” of the bunch, although they’re still plenty warm!

The maximum capacity is set at 30 people, which means there might sometimes be a small wait to enter. I visited just before sunset, during the last hour and a half before closing, and there was no wait — in fact, I had a whole pool all to myself!

Guests under the age of 13 are not permitted in the hot springs. Also, note that they only take walk-ins and do not accept reservations.

P.S. You can use the showers and changing rooms on-site…The bathrooms are super clean…They offer smoothies and snacks for purchase, and your skin feels great afterward. I mean, what could be better?

4. Ojo Santa Fe

Ojo Santa Fe, formerly Sunrise Springs Spa Resort, is part of the Ojo Spa Resort properties, which also includes its sister property, Ojo Caliente.

The therapeutic mineral-rich waters, the serene surroundings, and the wide range of soaking options make Ojo Santa Fe a must-visit for anyone looking to unwind and recharge. The spa resort sits at 6,000 feet in Northern New Mexico’s high desert.

You can choose between a one-person private tub, secluded soaking pools that feature Kiva fireplaces, a junior Olympic-size saltwater pool, heated spring-fed thermal pools, or evena float tank that is filled with pure salt water — and, yes, you will float.

There’s truly something for everyone!

Guests under age 13 are not permitted in the soaking, pool, or spa areas.

All appointments include a towel and locker. If you would like to rent a robe, the cost is an additional $18, or you are welcome to bring your own.

5. San Antonio Hot Springs

Full disclosure: San Antonio Hot Springs is a bit difficult to reach. Are the views worth it? 100%. But, if you are looking for an easy in-and-out experience, this isn’t it.

If you want a truly authentic natural hot spring experience though, keep reading. This isn’t like the commercial hot springs listed above. Nestled in the mountainside, the hot springs put you right in the heart of nature.

To reach the trailhead, you must use Forest Service Road #376 (North). This is a 5-mile stretch where a four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicle is HIGHLY recommended. Go slow! Of course, you can walk the 5 miles to the hot springs instead, but it will end up taking a good chunk of your day.

Once you reach the parking lot, you will need to walk about 0.7 miles to reach the hot springs. The trail is considered moderate but somewhat rocky.

Note: The gate leading up to the trailhead (5-mile drive) is closed during the winter season. So, you’ll need to hike the full 10 miles to reach the springs.

Before visiting, always check the latest updates from the USDA Forest Service. Unfortunately, when I tried to visit (in September), San Antonio Hot Springs was closed due to heavy rainstorms from a few days prior. So it’s always good to double-check!

Traveler’s Tip: These hot springs are highly popular! If you prefer some solitude, plan to go early in the morning to beat the crowds. Note: Please ensure you practice Leave No Trace principles: i.e, Collect all your trash before leaving!

6. Spence Hot Springs

Another natural hot spring near Santa Fe, Spence Hot Springs is a popular spot with locals and visitors alike. And it’s not hard to see why—the views are amazing!

I do need to mention two not-so-positive aspects of these hot springs to make sure you are well-informed before visiting. (1) Over the last few years, the temperature of the water has been cooling. So, to call it a “hot” spring is a bit of a stretch. It’s lukewarm at best. (2) Because of that, there is now algae growing in the water.

Hopefully, this will change in the future. For now, keep your expectations low and enjoy the short scenic hike and views at the top. If you want a nice and toasty spot, there is a cave you can go inside, located within the upper hot spring, that will warm you up in minutes!

To reach Spence Hot Springs, it’s a short .7 out-and-back walk from the parking lot.

It’s not a well-marked trail, per se. We got lost but thankfully a local helped us find our way ha! Be sure to cross the river via the bridge and make an immediate right. If you don’t start climbing a steep hill, you’ve made a wrong turn.

Traveler’s Tip: Speaking of getting lost…Use Google Maps to download an offline map before you go as you may lose service on the way. Unfortunately, there’s not a big sign that states “Spence Hot Springs” to point you in the right direction.

7. Black Rock Hot Springs

Located along the Rio Grande, Black Rock Hot Springs offers a natural and rustic experience. There are two soaking pools (only one if the water level of the nearby Rio Grande River is low) that offer temperatures ranging from 97°F to 101°F.

Keep in mind that the water level of the nearby Rio Grande can also affect the temperatures of the hot springs, particularly in the early summer months (May to early June). In other words, the water may be COLD. Check AllTrails for the latest updates.

It’s a quick 0.3-mile out-and-back trail to reach the hot springs. The trail is considered moderately challenging because of the rocky terrain towards the end.

Park in the lot near the John Dunn Bridge. There are bathrooms near the bridge, so take this time to get in one final restroom break (if needed).

When in Taos, New Mexico, make sure to explore all that this mountain town has to offer. It’s a special place brimming with culture, arts, and stunning scenic vistas.

FAQs

What are some free hot springs near Santa Fe?

The best free hot springs within a two-hour drive from Santa Fe are San Antonio Hot Springs (80 miles), Spence Hot Springs (64 miles), Black Rock Hot Springs (84 miles), and Montezuma Hot Springs (67 miles). All are located in remote destinations and may require a certain amount of hiking to reach.

Is it safe to swim in natural hot springs?

All the hot springs on this list are safe for swimming. Soaking in natural hot springs can offer various benefits, including reducing blood pressure, alleviating depression, and relieving muscle tension.

Though, still be cautious! Natural hot springs are heavily influenced by their surroundings, and they lack the advanced purification systems found in commercial counterparts that ensure top-notch water quality. I would strongly advise against drinking the water and extended stays in the hot springs. They are HOT after all and can raise your body temperature to unsafe levels after a while.

Final Thoughts

Hot springs near Santa Fe draw visitors from near and far to experience their therapeutic benefits and the natural beauty of New Mexico. Many hot springs are set against the backdrop of the state’s beautiful landscapes, from the deserts to the mountains, providing not only relaxation but also incredible views.

As someone who loves a nice warm bubble bath, soaking in the various hot springs was an absolute DELIGHT. I hope you enjoy your experience just as much!