Chinati Hot Springs – Ruidosa, Texas (near Presidio)

Located in the Chihuahua Desert near Presidio, Texas, the Chinati Hot Springs has long been a popular destination for those seeking calm, healing waters. It was formerly referred to as both Kingston Hot Springs and Ruidosa Hot Springs.

Since the 1930s, this private natural spring has been open to people from all walks all life, and the area offers more than just a soak. Here you can find a plethora of activities to engage your mind, body, and spirit, during all times of the year. Originally used by indigenous people for hundreds of years, the Chinati hot springs have long provided healing and relaxation.

They are only open to overnight guests:

By Reservation Only. We do not do day-passes. No Walk-Ins Allowed. Camping sites are no longer available.

Indoor and Outdoor Hot Springs Pools and Tubs

Chinati Hot Springs Outdoor Bath Texas — Chinati Hot Springs outdoor bath. Photo: Turner

Warmed up underground by geo-thermal heat, the source of spring contains an assortment of minerals that help alleviate many health conditions. Everything from arthritis and skin issues, to stomach ulcers and digestive disorders.

There are several soaking options at Chinati Hot Springs. A seasonal outdoor cool pool typically ranges from 70 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s also a shared outdoor hot springs tub for overnight guests, open year-round, with water temperatures usually somewhere around 105 degrees F. Indoor private soaking tubs can rented with higher temperatures, approximately 104 to 109 degrees Fahrenheit.

Activities

The region is broken up into 5 seasons, and depending on when you visit there will be different activities to partake in:

A dry, mild winter (November – February),
spring (March-April),
a dry very hot summer (May-early June),
a hot wet monsoon season (late June – early September),
and chilly fall (late September – early November).

Each with distinctly different activities, dangers and weather patterns.

Chinati Hot Springs Cool Pool Texas — Chinati Hot Springs cool pool. Photo: trixieskips

The surrounding area is vast and unspoiled, with 640 acres and a multitude of hiking and biking trails. There is a wash next to the springs for easy hiking, as well as a paved hilly road, making biking easy and enjoyable. With deep canyons, winding creeks, and a wide open sky, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better place that will appeal to all your senses.

Chinati Hot Springs are located a couple hours northwest of Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Cabin Rentals

Chinati Hot Springs El Patron Cabin — El Patron cabin at Chinati Hot Springs. Photo: Todd Dwyer

Over the years, the Chinati Hot Springs have changed hands many times and with each transfer different upgrades were added to improve upon the visitors experience. Currently, you will find an assortment of cabins that can be reserved, which include mini-fridges and other amenities. There is a communal kitchen for cooking up meals as well as outdoor hot and cold pools for relaxing.

Chinati Hot Springs El Patron Interior — El Patron interior. Photo: Todd Dwyer

Chinati Hot Springs Numero Uno Bath Texas — Numero Uno’s Bath. Photo: Todd Dwyer

Camping is no longer available at Chinati Hot Springs.

For shopping, Ruidosa has general stores and other shops where you will be able to stock up on food for your stay at the hot springs. It is hard to find phone service in this remote area, though the signs are clear and this disentanglement from technology will only help in centering your mind and healing your body.

Check prices, availability or book Chinati Hot Springs

Getting There

To reach the hot springs you will need to drive 2 hours south from Marfa, Texas, or ½ a mile from Ruidosa. There you will find signs for Hot Springs Road which is 7 miles long and leads right to the gate.