New Mexico is known for many great things and being home to some of the most enjoyable ancient hot springs in the world is one of them. You can find these healing waters all over the state. Check out where to soak in New Mexico below.
Note: Some areas are clothing optional (nude), and some require bathing suits. Please check ahead.
For centuries, the healing mineral waters around Santa Fe have drawn visitors seeking restoration and renewal. From the ancient ceremonial baths of the Pueblo peoples to the modern spa resorts of today, New Mexico’s hot springs offer a sanctuary for both body and spirit.
If you find yourself falling in love with the high-desert magic that surrounds these waters, why not make it permanent? When you’re ready to settle into the lifestyle that Santa Fe’s natural wonders inspire, Corcoran Plaza Properties specializes in connecting discerning buyers with exceptional homes, from historic adobe estates to contemporary masterpieces with mountain views. Their team understands what draws people to Santa Fe and helps them build a life in the City Different.
Where to soak in New Mexico
SANTA FE
Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort
Ojo Santa Fe and its spring-fed waters have been attracting locals and travelers seeking rest and respite for centuries. In ancient times, early inhabitants were attracted to the waters for nourishment and ceremonial purposes.
During the Spanish era, Ojo Santa Fe was known as Los Ojos del Alamo, a paraje or stop along the Camino Real trail, providing a place for weary travelers to rest, bathe, and enjoy a meal.
Today, you can reconnect with nature at this globally acclaimed resort and spa that offers gently heated spring-fed hydrotherapy via an all-day public soaking pass, private pools, tubs for one, and even a saltwater swimming pool. Ojo also offers overnight lodging, farm-fresh cuisine, and an award-winning waterside spa.
877-977-8212
ojosparesorts.com/ojo-santa-fe
242 Los Pinos Road
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
The iconic Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs has re-opened after undergoing repairs and renovations featuring facility improvements and brand-new locker rooms and spa amenities. Guests can book all room types as well as enjoy spa services and yoga classes by appointment. Enjoy the Main Bath House with a eucalyptus steam room and dry sauna, the newly re-appointed Historic Bath House (dating back to 1868) with a private spa lounge, and Himalayan Salt Sauna.
Ojo Caliente’s day soaking is open to the public with no reservations required. After a long day of relaxation and healing, stop by Artesian Restaurant for farm-fresh cuisine, or book a signature treatment at the award-winning spa.
877-977-8212
ojosparesorts.com/ojo-caliente
50 Los Banos Drive
Ten Thousand Waves
Ten Thousand Waves started as a small bathhouse in 1981 with a few hot tubs and one massage room. Today you can enjoy newly converted bathing environments each with its own self-contained hot tub, sauna, and a private changing room and showers. The property’s design and philosophy are modeled after Japanese spa culture which creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
Soaking in the Grand Bath is complimentary for spa guests receiving treatments and overnight guests who also get priority for spa and private hot tub reservations. Reserved community soaking is now available Monday – Thursday. You can deepen your spa experience with transformation retreats such as guided ketamine journeys for individuals and groups.
505-982-9304
tenthousandwaves.com
21 Ten Thousand Waves Way
HOT SPRINGS OF NORTHERN NEW MEXICO
Montezuma Hot Springs
Also referred to as the Las Vegas Hot Springs, this healing location was considered sacred ground to Indigenous tribes of the area. It is said that Billy the Kid even soaked here. In the late 1800s, the springs were a big part of the Montezuma Hotel’s draw. Today the bubbling spring water is captured in outdoor cement pools that remain long after the closing of the hotel. United World College, the property in which the springs are located, allows free public access and maintains the pools.
505-454-4200
State Route 65, Montezuma
Jemez Hot Springs
Take a moment to pause and reset at Jemez Hot Springs. Bring a friend or come alone to savor the stunning blue water and breathtaking natural scenery. With four pools of varying temperatures, all featuring therapeutic, odorless mineral water maintained at a comfortable 101–105 degrees Fahrenheit, you’re sure to find your happy place.
The views of the surrounding mesa charm visitors in any season. Headed to the mountains for the weekend? Stay on site in one of their recently refreshed, cozy cabins just a few yards from the springs.
575-829-9175
jemezhotsprings.com
40 Abousleman Loop, Jemez Springs
Jemez Springs Bath House
The Jemez Springs Bath House, a state historic site, was one of the first structures to be built in what is now Jemez Springs between 1870 and 1878. Today, visitors can enjoy the healing waters for half or a full hour in eight private rooms with cement tubs. Swedish and deep tissue massages are available as well as body wraps.
575-829-3303
jemezspringsbathhouse.com
62 Jemez Springs Plaza, Jemez Springs
Hot Springs of Gila Wilderness Area
Faywood Hot Springs
Faywood Hot Springs Resort, located between Silver City and Deming, is described as a “geothermal high-desert oasis.” This location has been used for its healing waters for centuries. With 13 geothermal pools above 100 degrees, six cozy cabins available for overnight stays, and a campground with full hookups, it truly is an oasis. Soaking is available to guests with overnight reservations only.
575-536-9663
faywoodhotsprings.com
165 Highway 61, Faywood
Gila Hot Springs Ranch
This river campground, about 40 miles north of Silver City along the banks of the beautiful Gila River, has been privately owned and operated by the Campbell family since the 1940s. Gila Hot Springs is the original site of an old ranching community settled in the 1880s.
Today, you can bring your small self-contained RV or even a tent and enjoy the healing waters. Just here for the day? Day use of the hot springs is available. The property has three pools that bubble out naturally. Temperatures range between 147 and 154 degrees.
575-536-9944
gilahotspringscampground.com
3778 Highway, Mimbres
Truth or CONSEQUENCES
The city of Truth or Consequences, lovingly nicknamed “T or C,” has been a hot spring hot spot since the time Apache leader Geronimo and his people inhabited the land. And it still is with almost a dozen locations offering hourly soaking and overnight lodging. Before colonization, Indigenous people would soak here, and archaeological evidence suggests ancient Mimbres people called this area home. It is believed the land was considered a sacred neutral healing ground, and warring tribes would come to this area, where no weapons were allowed, to tend to their wounds or pains.
The hot springs that exist today are the result of a 50-million-year-old rift that appeared along the Rio Grande, causing a fault line that allowed groundwater from deep in the earth to flow to the surface without losing its minerals or heat. The hot spring water in T or C contains high concentrations of about 40 different beneficial minerals. The most important mineral found in this crystal clear and odorless water is chloride, a germ killer that naturally sterilizes the water and your skin.
Today, this sacred land is home to a small New Mexico city where visitors flock to experience these wondrous and healing hot springs.
Many discover that what began as a weekend retreat becomes a dream of relocating to this enchanting region. If you find yourself drawn to the healing lifestyle that New Mexico hot springs inspire, Corcoran Plaza Properties is your guide to discovering the perfect home. Their team specializes in matching buyers with properties that align with their vision of Southwestern living.
Artesian Bath House and Trailer Park
Artesian Bath House has been operating since 1930 and has been locally owned by the Martin family for more than 30 years. The location acquired its name from the artesian wells that supply the hot spring water. Artesian wells are pumpless wells that allow water to defy gravity by traveling to the surface through porous rock. There are private ceramic fill-and-drain tubs that are available by the hour. Sixty- and 90-minute massages can also be booked pre- or post-soak. RV spots with or without electricity hookups can be rented nightly, weekly, or monthly.
575-894-2684
sites.google.com/siteartesianbathhousenm
312 Marr St.
Blackstone Hotsprings
Blackstone was originally built in the 1920s and underwent a major remodel in 2006. The four baths on the south side of the property were rebuilt directly over the footprints of previously existing soakers from the property’s motor court days. Three outdoor baths are available to reserve by the hour for overnight and day guests.
The 11 restored lodging rooms each feature private in-room hot springs for guests to enjoy anytime during their stay. Each room is cleverly designed with inspiration from classic shows and films like Star Trek, The Jetsons, Wonder Woman, The Twilight Zone, and more.
575-894-0894
blackstonehotsprings.com
410 Austin St.
Charles Motel and Spa
The motto of this historic hot spring location is “rest and healing.” The mineral-rich spring water is pumped naturally through the wells as it has for decades. Seven rooms are available for lodging, all of which come with daily access to the mineral springs. The single art deco tubs are original to The Charles and perfect for solo healing.
The rooftop tubs are a must-try with your significant other or a group of friends. They boast gorgeous night views and some even have jets to elevate your experience. Soaking is included for all overnight guests and is available at an hourly rate for other guests.
575-894-7154
charleshotspringsresort.com
601 N. Broadway St.
Firewater Lodge
This rustic hideaway, located in the heart of the Historic Bathhouse District, features eight artisan rooms, each with a private geothermal tub that reaches 108 degrees. This quaint 1920s restored motor court lodge embodies the true charm of the Land of Enchantment. The guest rooms surround a garden courtyard with seating areas and a fire pit for the perfect post-soak cool down. Hot springs are only available to lodging guests.
575-740-0315
firewaterlodge.com
311 N. Broadway St.
Hot Springs Glamp Camp
Hot Springs Glamp Camp is T or C’s newest hot spring destination for the adventurous traveler. Choose from unique lodging options like a vintage Airstream, a yurt, or even a brand-new dome!
You can also reserve a space for your own camping setup, whether it be a tent, van, or RV.
Relax and soak in one of their steel hot spring tubs. Two of them are outdoor semi-private springs and are perfect for solo soaking or for couples. There is a larger outdoor spring to accommodate groups.
The jetted tub in one of the bathrooms is also hooked up to the mineral-rich water, creating an indoor soaking option. Enjoy the outdoor seating area and firepit under the starry New Mexico sky. Soaking is available to lodging guests 24/7 and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no time limits.
575-740-6775
hotspringsglampcamp.com
675 S. Foch St.
Indian Springs
One of T or C’s oldest bathhouses features two hot springs for guests to enjoy. These historic baths that you can still enjoy today were built in 1927 from mostly natural materials like wood, redwood, and lava rock. Lodging guests get two included half-hour soaks per day and walk-in guests are welcome on a first-come-first-served basis at an hourly rate. Rooms are available for nightly, weekly, and monthly stays.
575-894-2018
indian-houses.edan.io
218 Austin St.
Pelican Spa
This colorful escape offers included soaking to hotel and spa guests. There are 32 lodging options spread out over five buildings. Pelican Spa features private indoor Japanese-style cement tubs that are poured fresh for each bath and run a comfortable 105 degrees year-round. Day guests may reserve the hot springs for 30- or 60-minute intervals.
575-894-0055
pelican-spa.com
306 S. Pershing St.
Riverbend Hot Springs
Riverbend is a desert oasis like no other. Located right on a bend of the Rio Grande, guests can enjoy magnificent views wherever they choose to soak. Lodging is available on-site, and overnight guests get free and unlimited soaking in the public pools during hours of operation.
Riverbend has seven private springs that overlook the Rio Grande, two of which are above ground for those with mobility limitations. These are available to reserve for an hourly rate, seven days a week.
The newest additions to Riverbend are the casitas. Both casitas have their own private hot spring that can be enjoyed 24/7. RV spaces with soaking access are also available at Riverbend.
575-894-7625
riverbendhotsprings.com
100 Austin St.
Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa
Built in 1929, this historic hot springs locale offers 17 guest rooms and a two-bedroom standalone casita. Amenities include a full-service restaurant, tours of Ted Turner’s neighboring reserves, private indoor and outdoor soaking pools, and holistic wellness services at The Spa at Sierra Grande.
Services include curative massages, body treatments, European facials and skincare, and bodywork enhancements. It is the ideal retreat location for couples, friends, and even solo travelers. Soaking, spa services, and The Restaurant are available to hotel guests and the public, with reservations.
877-288-7637
tedturnerreserves.com/sierra-grande
501 McAdoo St.
Find A Lifetime of Restoration in New Mexico
What starts as a restorative weekend at New Mexico’s hot springs often transforms into something deeper, a realization that this is where you want to be. The healing waters, the high-desert light, the spirit of place that draws seekers from around the world, it calls to something within you that says: stay.
If you’re ready to answer that call and make Santa Fe your home, Corcoran Plaza Properties specializes in helping people transition from visitor to resident. Their curated listings feature everything from historic properties near Santa Fe’s celebrated spa destinations to contemporary Pueblo-style residences with mountain views. Whether you’re drawn to the artistic energy of Santa Fe, the world-class wellness culture, or the timeless adobe architecture, their team understands what brings people to the City Different and helps them find their place here.
Find your own sanctuary in the Land of Enchantment: Visit Corcoran Plaza Properties online to begin your search.
New Mexico Hot Springs FAQs
Why do some New Mexico hot springs smell like rotten eggs?
The distinct “rotten egg” odor found at many hot springs is caused by Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) gas. This gas is produced when anaerobic bacteria convert dissolved sulphur in the water into H2S. While the scent can be pungent, it is actually a significant geological indicator; the presence of this gas suggests that the mineral water has penetrated to great depths within the earth’s crust before rising to the surface. In many New Mexico locations like Truth or Consequences, however, the water is famously odorless despite its high mineral content.
Can bacteria and algae live in hot spring temperatures?
Yes, hot springs support an abundance of life that often begins long before the water reaches the surface. Once these geothermal waters surface, they offer unique ecological opportunities not found in the surrounding mountain environments. The warm, mineral-rich water allows specific species of algae and bacteria to thrive.
In fact, certain microscopic organisms survive only within the outflow of these springs. This heat also creates a “micro-climate” in the adjacent runoff channels, allowing certain plants, reptiles, and amphibians to survive in areas they otherwise could not inhabit. It truly creates a microscopic world unlike any other part of the high desert.
Is it safe to soak in hot springs with algae and bacteria?
Yes, it is generally safe, as hot springs are unique ecosystems that support various forms of thermophilic life. The warm, mineral-rich environments allow specific species of algae and bacteria to thrive long before the water reaches the surface. Some organisms exist exclusively in the runoff channels of these springs.
These microscopic communities often support a wider ecosystem of rare plants, reptiles, and amphibians that cannot survive in the colder surrounding mountains. In commercial bathhouses, the natural flow of water or minerals like chloride helps maintain a clean soaking environment.
How do artesian wells work in New Mexico bathhouses?
Artesian wells, such as those found at the Artesian Bath House in Truth or Consequences, are pumpless water systems. They function because the groundwater is confined under pressure between layers of impermeable rock. When a well is drilled into this pressurized aquifer, the water naturally defies gravity, traveling upward through porous rock to the surface without the need for mechanical assistance. This allows the mineral water to retain its natural heat and gas composition more effectively than traditional pumped systems, providing a pure geothermal experience for visitors.
What minerals are typically found in New Mexico hot springs?
New Mexico’s geothermal waters are packed with about 40 different beneficial minerals due to deep geological rifts along the Rio Grande. One of the most critical minerals present is chloride, which acts as a natural germicide to sterilize both the water and the bather’s skin. Other common minerals include sodium, magnesium, and calcium, which are often sought for their ability to soothe sore muscles and promote skin health. Each spring has a unique chemical “fingerprint” depending on the depth of the source and the types of rock the water passes through.
Are there clothing-optional hot springs in New Mexico?
Yes, New Mexico features a variety of soaking environments with different clothing policies. Some locations, such as Ten Thousand Waves or certain areas in Truth or Consequences, offer private tubs where clothing is entirely optional. Other natural or community-focused spots may also allow nudity in designated areas.
However, many family-oriented resorts and state historic sites, like the Jemez Springs Bath House, require traditional swimwear. Because policies can change based on the specific pool or time of day, it is always recommended to check the facility’s current rules before your arrival.
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This article was posted by Jesse Williams
