A trip to West Texas isn’t complete without a bath in one of the hot springs near El Paso. The closest resorts actually reside over the border in Southeast New Mexico, in a town called Truth or Consequence (TOC); though there are a couple just over 5 hours in West Texas if you wish to stay in-state.
Many travelers might not be aware of these nature-made jacuzzis, but they do wonders for releasing tension and making you feel great after a dip. These springs are on the hotter side, and if you’re more into cooler pools, there are a few swimming holes at natural springs near Austin, TX, to check out.
These hot springs are special places for vacations and are within driving distance from El Paso. If you want to day trip it, your best bet is the following hot springs in New Mexico, with the closest ones being just under two hours.
If starting out from El Paso and wanting to discover more of The Lonestar State, you’ll have to overnight it; because they are 2.5 times the distance of the closest resorts in New Mexico. Spice up your next trip through the Southwest with a stop at one of them.
Here’s a look at the closest New Mexican and Texan hot springs to El Paso, TX, in order of proximity:
Charles Motel & Hotel Springs – TOC, NM (118 miles)
The historic Charles Motel and Hotel Springs in Truth or Consequences has been a mineral bath destination for decades, providing services to walk-ins and overnight stayers. Even with renovations, the vintage 1940s bathhouse and 1930s apartments have retained the charm they first opened in the early 20th century.
The Deco-tiled “meditation tubs” were part of the original foundation and are separated into men’s and women’s areas. Each tub is meant for one person, and clothing is required to use them despite the privacy. The water pumps in at 110℉, sometimes varying by a degree or two, and lower-temp water is offered for cooling off after a good soak.
Book their rooftop jacuzzi that fits up to six people if you’re visiting with friends. After each use in either tub, the water is drained, and all the equipment is cleaned.
Accommodations
A stay at The Charles is designed to be an all-around rejuvenating experience, featuring yoga classes, body treatments, and humble quarters for overnight stays. Each room comes with a complete kitchenette, and guests can even gather ingredients from the property’s garden to cook with. There is also a meat market and grocery store within walking distance. They also provide 21-day treatment programs to give your body a total, refreshing reset.
Pets are welcome to stay with you at the hotel for a small fee. Some other fun things to do here include browsing their galleries, spending time in the meditation room, or booking one of their other class offerings. Bring a friend or two to share your room for an extra fee per person. Gift certificates are offered for purchase to give someone a much-needed wellness break at The Charles.
601 N Broadway St, Truth or Consequences, NM | 575-894-7154 | charlesmotelandhotsprings.com
Check prices, availability or book Charles Motel and Hot Springs
Riverbend Hot Springs – TOC, NM (119 miles)
Set in the charming downtown area of Truth or Consequences, the Riverbend Hot Springs retreat is the perfect place to heal, unwind, recharge, and create the best version of yourself. Out of all of the city’s many hot springs hotels and destinations, Riverbend is the only one set right on the Rio Grande. This property is luxurious, scenic and open to both day-use and overnight guests.
Guests staying overnight have unlimited access to the eight community pools ranging in temperatures from 95-108℉. The pools are open to being privately rented, but if you rather just come for an hour or two, consider purchasing a property pass. There are also hammocks, extra-large seats, loungers, and a gas fire pit to create the ultimate relaxation space by the water.
Before, during, or after a soak, consider walking around this ambient property for some great bird-watching opportunities. Thanks to its gorgeous and unforgettable landscapes, this destination has also gained traction in the wedding venue world.
It’s essential to note that this facility is geared towards solo travelers or couples, and kids under age 12 are not allowed to be on the property. Overnighters can bring up to two small dogs for an extra fee. All visitors must make reservations ahead of time, no matter how long they stay.
Accommodations and Camping
There are 13 uniquely themed rooms at this resort, each with its own designs and unrivaled views of the river and Turtleback Mountain. The rooms are available online for booking overnight.
There are also a few RV Spaces with complete water and sewer hookups that are given the same access to the soaking pools as hotel guests. The RV area also has WiFi, and guests staying here are often omitted from pet fees as long as their animals are small and quiet.
100 Austin St, Truth or Consequences, NM | 575-894-7625 | riverbendhotsprings.com
Pelican Spa – Truth or Consequences, NM (119 miles)
Set right in the heart of downtown Truth or Consequences, the Pelican Spa is a comfortable boutique-style hotel and resort. The property’s highlighted feature is its Japanese-style private cement baths filled with hot mineral water in the range of 102 to 112℉, which guests can control with a hot and cold faucet. During the summer, bathers can even turn on the air conditioning in the rooms to have the utmost relaxing experience.
The crystal hot water that flows at this spa is odorless and some of the most sought-after in the world, as they are thought to have healing powers. Each bath is drained, cleaned, and refilled between guests. Walk-ins are allowed (but call ahead of time) to use the soaking tubs in 30 or 60-minute intervals. Punch cards are available for multiple soak sessions if you stay in town for a while or don’t live too far away.
The Studio de La Luz operated right in the courtyard of the spa and hotel, offering a different lineup of classes each month. For a small cost, guests and locals can take one of these classes varying from Yoga, Reiki, or a visit to the Walk-In-Wellness Clinic. The front office also has a list of local healers that can accommodate appointments for guests at the property.
Accommodations
Guests to Pelican Spa are welcome to reserve a room for overnight stays and have unlimited use of the soaking tubs on a first-come, first-serve basis. While the general public can book a session in the hot spring water during limited hours, those who stay on-site will have after-hour access. Those spending a night or a few at Pelican Spa can also use the House of Pain gym down the road for no extra cost.
306 S Pershing St, Truth or Consequences, NM | 575-894-0055 | pelican-spa.com
Check prices, availability or book Pelican Spa
Fire Water Lodge Hot Springs Spa – NM (119 miles)
Located within the Historic Bathhouse District of Truth or Consequences, the Fire Water Lodge Hot Springs Spa is a quaint, charming motor court lodge from the 1920s. The property has been restored to accommodate modern amenities and is a popular destination for people looking for a place to unwind. There are ten rooms at the lodge, each with its own theme, and while most only accommodate two, a couple of them are fit for four guests.
Every room is decked out in an artisan, Southwestern design and set up to embody the peacefulness of the desert. All rooms except for one have a private indoor or outdoor tub with natural mineral water that flows between 104 and 108℉. Tubs are drained, cleaned, and refilled fresh for each visitor.
Fire Water Lodge also has an on-site spa with many professional massage therapists ready to enhance your experience. To get the most out of a stay here, book an appointment during the dates of a reservation.
Accommodations
Most people who visit this lodge stay in one of the ten rooms overnight. They are all uniquely decorated and set up as a home away from home, as described above. Aside from the in-room hot springs tub, there is also a bedroom and a kitchenette where guests can bring in food to cook and cater to themselves.
Rooms come with free WiFi access, bathrobes, linens, A/C and heater, mini-fridge, cable TV, toiletries, and a coffee maker. Up to two dogs can stay with their owners for a fee, and pet supplies need to be brought by the guest.
If cooking at the lodge isn’t your thing, numerous local restaurants are located very close to the heart of Truth or Consequences.
311 N Broadway St, Truth or Consequences, NM | 575-740-0315 | firewaterlodge.com
Check prices, availability or book Fire Water Lodge Hot Springs Spa
Jordan Hot Springs – Magdalena, NM (198 miles)
Venture out to Jordan Hot Springs, located in the Gila National Forest near Magdalena, New Mexico, for a beautiful hiking trip with an unforgettable goal. The trek is about 15 miles out and back and on a primitive trail, rewarding those who take the journey with a stunning pool of hot mineral water to soak in. It’s a good idea to wear waterproof shoes as there are several rivers that have to be crossed to reach the springs, including the Gila River.
Since this pool is in a very rural area, clothing is optional when going for a soak. The water is surrounded by natural rocks and small stones on the bottom, and the temperatures of the springs range from 94-100℉. When taking a dip at Jordan Hot Springs, avoid going underwater to prevent getting an infection from an amoeba that potentially can cause meningitis.
After several miles of hiking the Little Bear Canyon Trail, the springs are a rewarding sight and a spectacular place to take photos. An old fallen tree is set across the water and has created a nice setup for those social media-worth poses. Keep in mind that this area is in the wilderness, and it’s essential to keep an eye out for animals, especially snakes.
Camping
Jordan Hot Springs is entirely rural, but there are backcountry campsites along the way for hikers who want to break up the journey into multiple days. These sites do not have amenities, so be prepared and pack accordingly.
The best time of year to use these facilities is May through November, but be sure to check the weather for any predicted storms or rain that could delay your travels. Since there are no bathrooms on the trail or at the springs, use proper disposal methods for bodily waste.
Gila Wilderness in Magdalena, NM
Chianti Hot Springs – Rudioso, TX (301 miles)
Situated in West Texas, the Chiani Hot Springs is a resort retreat, providing cute accommodations, a community hot tub, and a cool pool filled with natural spring water. The hot tub stays at about 105℉, and the colder pool hovers around 70℉. Reservations to stay on the property are required to have access to the water, and tent camping on the grounds is no longer permitted.
Chianti Hot Springs is a charming destination that has gained international attention for being a relaxing place to decompress. Driving time from El Paso is over five hours, and their website has specific directions to help you find them.
Accommodations
There are eight unique cabins at Chianti, accommodating anywhere from two to twenty people. No WiFi or cable is on the property, as it’s designed to be a place that allows people to disconnect from technology.
Guests need to bring their own food, drinks, and charcoal with them, but there is a community kitchen and grills available for anyone to use. Dishes and silverware are provided on-site, and the nearest grocery store is an hour away in the town of Presidio.
Langford Hot Springs – Big Bend NP, TX (337 miles)
Now more commonly known as “Big Bend Hot Springs,” Langford Hot Springs in Big Bend National Park is an interesting place to take a dip. There was once a large structure, Langford’s Bathhouse, which is now just an open-air foundation that people can soak in.
Bathing suits must be worn to go in the water, which is consistently 105℉. The water flowing out of the springs is considered ancient fossil water and is loaded with minerals, which some speculate to have healing powers and medicinal value.
Visitors to the springs can bring their own food as long as glass containers and alcohol are left at home. There is a fee to enter the national park, but no additional charge to get in the water. The area is only used for the day, and no overnight camping is permitted. It’s also illegal to purchase anything from sellers on the other side of the Rio Grande River.
In order to reach the bathing area, travelers have to hike a short 0.5-mile path from the trailhead.
Bathhouse History
J.O. Langford built the first bathhouse at this spot in the early 20th century. Due to conflict on the border, the building was destroyed. Years later, Langford reconstructed a smaller bathhouse on its original foundation and managed to turn the property into a nifty tourist attraction, accompanied by a nearby motel owned by Charles Livingston.
When the National Park Service took over the land in the 1940s, the bathhouse was no longer a “resort” destination, and the building was taken down. However, visitors can enjoy bathing in what’s left of it.
Camping
While there are no accommodations right by the springs and neither is camping permitted on-site, Big Bend National Park has several campgrounds within its area. Some of the most popular ones include
- Rio Grande Village Campground & RV Campground,
- Twisted Shoe Campground, and
- Croton Spring Primitive Roadside Campsites.
Big Bend National Park, Texas | 432-477-2251 (Big Bend NP)
Even though these hot springs take some effort to coordinate and reach, they are worth it in the end. Being able to soak in one of New Mexico’s and Texas’ natural hot springs should be done at least once in everyone’s lifetime.