Langford (Boquillas) Hot Springs – Big Bend National Park, Texas

There are numerous small hot springs located in Big Bend National Park that offer a wonderful soak alongside the Rio Grande River. The most famous one is the Langford Hot Springs, located at the junction of the Tornillo Creek and the Rio Grande River; it’s also known as Boquillas Hot Springs or Big Bend Hot Springs.

While visiting you will be able to study the remnants of past visitors through the rock art left in the limestone cliffs, as well as the artifacts shared by the Hot Springs Historic District. The hot spring here was enclosed within a brick wall, early in the 20th century, and this created the bathing pool so many have come to love and enjoy.

Langford Hot Springs Big Bend Texas — Langford Hot Springs, Big Bend, TX. Photo: NPS

This was made for the guests of the Hot Springs Village, a small but purposeful settlement which included a post office and a general store. It was a popular location in the early 1900s, offering the healing properties of the hot spring to many, including those stricken with tuberculosis, but been abandoned since the 1940s.

Soaking at Big Bend (Langford/Boquillas) Hot Springs

The Langford hot spring is heated geo-thermally and stays near 105° Fahrenheit, though this temperature will fluctuate depending on the time of year. Containing many different minerals, the healing properties of soaking here cannot be understated.

Langford Hot Springs Pool Crowd Texas — Crowd at Langford Hot Springs. Photo: NPS

Attracting thousands of visitors every year, the trek to this isolated hot bath has become an annual trip for many due to its soothing, relaxing atmosphere. The water within the Langford hot spring is thought of as old, fossil water, and believed by many to have healing powers.

Camping

Camping is not permitted on-site at the hot springs, although the greater Big Bend National Park area has some option. The national Park Service recommends these popular spots for those looking to pitch a tent or park an RV:

As always, clean up after yourself and leave no trace when camping and visiting the springs.

Getting There

Langford Hot Springs Trail Texas — Near Langford’s Hot Springs on the Rio Grande, Big Bend NP. Photo: Brian Ralphs

The Hot Spring Trail goes along the Rio Grande and offers a wonderful desert hike with stunning views. During the summer times this can be an exhausting adventure, but well worth it once you come to the healing waters of the Big Bend hot springs. 3 miles long, you will pass a diverse array of desert plant life and traverse several ravines, before making it to the hot spring.

You can also take a short, more relaxing route, by driving rather than hiking. You can park at the trailhead and then hike a quick 1/2 mile round-trip loop.