While Santa Fe is widely known for being an eclectic sanctuary for art and culture enthusiasts, it also offers guests a prime location an hour or two away from some of the most gorgeous and unwinding hot springs. So plan your base camp by New Mexico’s capital city for a nearby soak or two.
The hot springs near “The City Different” are ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of this exciting metropolis and enter a world of utter relaxation and tranquility. They make a perfect combination of a night under the stars at one of the campgrounds near Santa Fe.
Assembled with various minerals, including sulfur, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, these all-natural healing waters are more than your gateway to peace. They’re also the portal to diminished aches and pains, smooth and supple skin, and improved circulation. While your soaking time is limited, the benefits you receive come back home with you.
Whether you head to the east, west, or north of Santa Fe, New Mexico, you’ll find magnificent local hot springs just a short drive away. Here are the top options, in order of proximity:
Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort (14 miles)
If you don’t want to travel too far, you’ll be glad to know that the “globally acclaimed” Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort is just 14 miles from town. This isn’t any run-of-the-mill spa, though. With a plethora of fun activities, award-winning spa treatments, and hot spring and saltwater pools to enjoy, this is the ultimate destination for indulgence and serenity.
Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort houses several communal soaking areas, each one engulfed by majestic cottonwood trees to create an all-natural “of the earth” essence. The thermal pools are flooded with triple-filtered water from the resort’s personal aquifer, creating varying enjoyable temperatures.
If you’re looking for something a little more private, you can always book a trip to the secluded outdoor Oijotos pool – where here, clothing is 100% optional. You can also make a reservation to indulge in the “float tank,” a unique experience only found at Ogjo Santa Fe Spa.
For those that prefer to take laps around a junior Olympic-size pool, you will find refuge and good times in the 80F-degree saltwater swimming pool. When you’re done, crash on one of the nearby cozy Ojo hammocks and drift off to an uninterrupted siesta.
During your stay, you won’t want to miss the signature spa treatments. From deep tissue massages to hot oil therapy and the stimulating “Ojo Rejuvenator,” there is something for everyone at this high-end location. And when those hunger pangs hit, head over to the on-site Blue Heron Restaurant that offers delicious seasonal meals.
This resort is home to a slew of activities, some of which are highly unique and sought after. Here, you can start your day with a yoga class before visiting puppies and chickens. Test your skills at archery, or relax to the song and dance, including the “native hoop dance” by Lightning Boy Foundation.
Guests can also enjoy two great lodging accommodations (affiliate link). The Casitas are ideal for those that want a genuine Ojo experience, complete with New Mexican touches like Saltillo tile and a beautiful private courtyard. The Garden View rooms are a short jaunt from the spas and offer spaces with 360 square feet of light and views overlooking the lush heaven.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa (49 miles)
Consider the Ojo Caliente Minerals Springs Resort and Spa if you’re looking for the ultimate resort to soak your troubles away. This lovely resort is home to multiple thrilling activities, hot spring options, and spa treatments to enhance your visit. There is also satisfying on-site dining and a plethora of lodging accommodations, so you can easily extend your stay and get the most out of your trip.
As far as hot springs are concerned, you have seven attractive pools to choose from. Each comes with its own type of mineral water(s), offering a truly unique experience you won’t find elsewhere.
Take a dip in the Soda Pool to ease indigestion, or hop in the Lithia Pool to indulge in the depression-relieving waters. The Iron Pool is a must for improving circulation, while the Arsenic Pool is a combination of all three water types for an all-inclusive experience.
You also have the option of the mud pool, which is said to purify the pores for beautiful skin. The Upper and Lower Cliffside Pools are tucked into the cliffside, offering soakers a pristine view. Last but not least, the Large Pool offers cooler waters and is big enough to take a swim with your friends.
When you’re ready to take a break from your soak, check out one of the many “Signature Treatments” Ojo Caliente offers. Take advantage of the soothing Lavender Quench Hydrating Body Wrap or Rio Grande Hot Stone Massage. Then, head over to The Artesian restaurant to enjoy the sumptuous fare.
Looking to stay overnight? This resort offers a multitude of accommodations, from spectacular cliffside suites to charming cottages and retro vintage trailers. You can also bring your tent or RV and stay at the campground.
Montezuma Hot Springs (67 miles)
Located six miles out of Las Vegas, New Mexico, is the Montezuma Hot Springs. These springs have quite a detailed history, beginning with Native Americans using the pools as healing waters for their war injuries to outlaws such as Jesse James and Billy the Kid finding this spot a relaxing place to “get away.” The Montezuma Hotel was eventually created in the 1890s and drew large crowds seeking the rejuvenating waters.
Today, the Montezuma Hotel is reserved for the Armand Hammer United World College of the American West. However, the hot spring pools are open to the public at no charge.
There are nine pools in this location, separated into three soaking areas with temperatures to suit the whole family. The hottest location is known as the “The Lobster Pot” and reaches as high as 120F, but nearby pools offer a more inviting temperature of around 95F.
Black Rock Hot Springs (82 miles)
Another popular location relatively close to Santa Fe is Black Rock Hot Springs. This all-natural hot spring is situated about 30 minutes from Taos, and there is a 0.3-mile hike downward to get to it. Although a short trek, it’s somewhat rugged, so be prepared with a good pair of shoes.
Once you reach the springs, you will be greeted with two pools (one pool if the river is not high). While one pool tends to be warmer than the other, each rock-walled hot spring offers temperatures anywhere from 97°F to 101°F.
There are no facilities at this location, so make sure to bring water, food, etc.
Manby (Stagecoach) Hot Springs (82 miles) – Private/Closed
Nestled just 3.2 miles from Black Rock Hot Springs lies the well-liked Manby Hot Springs, also referred to as the Stagecoach Hot Springs. That’s thanks to the distinctive location, residing in the ruins of a rundown stagecoach stop.
While the Manby Springs is currently not open to the public, the area boasts pools that can accommodate up to six bathers with soothing 97°F mineral waters. Clothing was optional at this destination. Paired with difficulty reaching these hot springs, Manby was noticeably the less popular choice than Black Rock.
Jemez (Giggling) Hot Springs (86 miles)
Although the Jemez Hot Springs (originally called “Giggling Hot Springs”) was founded in the 1800s, it remains a popular hot spot for those seeking the healing and rejuvenating mineral hot spring waters. This location offers four different pools, including The Inner Peace Pool, The Meditation Pool, The Fountain of Youth Pool, and, The Reflecting Pool.
Regardless of which pool you decide to enjoy, you will experience steamy temperatures ranging from 98°F to 105°F. The pools are filled with ancient seawater, offering a mineral-rich venture for guests.
The Jemez Hot Springs is proud to offer visitors clean pools that do not rely on chemicals for sanitation. Instead, their pools are disinfected with the use of UV lights, ionizers, and oxygen inversion systems.
If you want to stay overnight, you don’t have to look far. This area offers three newly renovated lodging accommodations that can equip four or five people. You have three options, the Turquoise Trail Cottage, Red Mesa Cabin, and Adobe Cabin. Each room comes with the intricate architecture that is so notorious in New Mexico, so you’re sure to enjoy your stay,
Jemez Springs Bath House (86 miles)
The Jemez Spring Bath House has been around since 1876 and is owned and operated by the Village of Jemez Springs. This is a non-profit bathhouse, and all proceeds go back to the village.
This delightful location is said to “reflect the tranquility of the Jemez Valley,” offering eight oversized cement tubs to their visitors. The tubs are filled with 100% mineral water that can be as hot or cold as the guest prefers.
Jemez Springs Bath House also offers luxurious spa treatments, such as blanket and herbal wraps (complete with a 25-minute bath soak) and massages available in 30, 60, and 90-minute increments.
Upfront, guests will find a charming gift shop where they can find a range of products. Here, you can find a souvenir to take home and remember your trip or enjoy one of the many beauty products or jewelry options.
Reservations are not required, but they are recommended – especially during peak days and hours.
McCauley Warm Springs (96 miles)
The McCauley Warm Springs is one of the most popular primitive hot springs in the area and can draw large crowds, especially on the weekends. A 3.4-mile roundtrip hike with majestic views of Battleship Rock is required to visit these hot springs, making it the ideal spot for nature and hiking enthusiasts seeking adventure.
The location offers two impressively large all-natural pools that can accommodate up to 20 people and hover between 90 and 95°F. With that in mind, these springs are often referred to as “warm springs” rather than “hot springs.”
While McCauley Warm Springs is not a clothing-optional hot spring, many naturists soak here, noting that Forest Services aren’t too strict. You should also be prepared for minnow inhabitants to possibly nibble on your toes as you soak.
Spence Hot Springs (93 miles)
Seven miles out of Jemez Springs is the notorious Spence Hot Springs. This gorgeous hot spot is found inside the Valles Caldera National Preserve, ensuring stunning views of the surrounding mountain landscape and breathtaking Jemez River while you bathe.
The Spence Hot Springs are just a short 0.7-mile walk from the parking area. Once you’ve reached your destination, you will enjoy three-tiered hot springs with temperatures hovering around 95°F.
One of the more unique options at these hot springs is the cave soak. Daring soakers can squeeze their way through a small opening to find themselves in a tight, three-person cave that offers steamier temperatures up to 100°F.
San Antonio Hot Springs (104 miles)
The San Antonio Hot Springs cascade down a steep hillside within the beautiful northern mountains of New Mexico. You will need to enjoy a half-mile hike in order to reach them.
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, guests can choose between many pools, each with a striking rock-wall structure and varying temperatures. These picturesque and rugged hot springs are engulfed by nature, so bathers can sit back, relax, and enjoy impeccable views.
While no camping is allowed on the premises, the notorious San Antonio Campground is just a few short miles away and can accommodate tents and RVs.
There are so many enchanting hot springs at the southern end of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico. Whether you’re looking for an all-natural destination or prefer a resort-style stay, you can find it all within a two-hour drive from Santa Fe.
If you’ll be basing yourself in the largest city in New Mexico, consider one of the hot springs close to Albuquerque to add to your local itinerary.