Spence Hot Springs, widely known as Jemez Hot Springs, is a series of natural geothermal pools nestled in the Jemez Mountains within the Santa Fe National Forest in northern New Mexico. The springs are reached via a short, moderately steep hiking trail descending from a pullout on NM-4 near mile marker 24.5, roughly halfway between the villages of Jemez Springs and La Cueva. The hike takes approximately fifteen to twenty minutes each way through a mixed ponderosa pine and cottonwood canyon, emerging at a cluster of natural rock pools positioned above the Jemez River. The pools consist of multiple tiered basins formed from travertine mineral deposits, with water temperatures varying by pool and season—typically ranging from 95°F to 106°F. The hottest pools sit highest on the cliff face, while cooler overflow cascades into lower basins before meeting the cold Jemez River below. The combination of hot mineral water and cool mountain air creates a classic high-country hot-spring atmosphere, amplified by the surrounding ponderosa pine forest and volcanic tuff canyon walls characteristic of the Jemez caldera region. The springs are administered by the Santa Fe National Forest, and access is free with no permits required for day use. There are no facilities of any kind—no restrooms, no changing rooms, no attendant services—and visitors are expected to observe Leave No Trace principles strictly. Historically, the Jemez Pueblo people, whose reservation adjoins the national forest to the south, regarded these thermal waters as sacred, and the broader Jemez Mountains landscape contains numerous sites of cultural and spiritual significance. The area is popular with visitors from Albuquerque and Santa Fe as well as with those exploring the Jemez Mountain corridor, which also includes the Valles Caldera National Preserve, Jemez State Monument, and the Soda Dam natural arch. Weekend and holiday visits can involve significant crowds and limited parking; midweek mornings in autumn offer the most solitary experience. The springs are accessible year-round, though icy trails in winter and flash flood risk in the canyon during monsoon season (July through September) warrant planning ahead.
Treatments
- Natural hot spring soaking (free)
- Bring your own towel and water
Good to know
- Hours
- Sunrise to sunset (free public area)
Location
NM-4, near mile marker 24.5, Jemez Springs, NM 87025
35.8956, -106.6497 View on map
Highlights
- Natural geothermal travertine pools in a ponderosa pine canyon within the Santa Fe National Forest
- Free public access via a 15-20 minute hike from the NM-4 trailhead near mile marker 24.5
- Water temperatures from 95°F to 106°F depending on pool position and season
- Situated in the volcanic Jemez caldera landscape adjacent to the Valles Caldera National Preserve
- Year-round access with dramatically different seasonal atmospheres—snow-framed in winter, monsoon-lush in summer
Tips for visiting
- Arrive early on weekday mornings to avoid crowds; the NM-4 pullout parking fills quickly on summer and holiday weekends
- No facilities are present—bring water, a towel, and pack out all waste in compliance with Leave No Trace standards
- Water shoes or sandals are useful for navigating rocky pool edges and the sometimes-slippery trail section near the springs
- Flash flooding can affect the canyon below the pools during monsoon season (July–September); check weather forecasts before making the descent
- The trail involves a moderately steep descent over loose gravel and rock; trekking poles are helpful for visitors with mobility considerations
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to visit Spence Hot Springs?
Access to Spence Hot Springs is free of charge. There are no day-use fees, no permits required, and no on-site services or staffing. Visitors are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles throughout their visit.
How difficult is the hike to the springs?
The trail from the NM-4 pullout is approximately 0.5 miles each way, with a moderately steep descent over loose gravel and rock. Most fit visitors complete the hike in fifteen to twenty minutes; the return climb is more demanding.
Are there changing facilities or restrooms at the springs?
There are no facilities of any kind at Spence Hot Springs. Visitors must come fully prepared with everything they need, including water, towels, and a means of packing out all waste.
Are dogs permitted at the springs?
Dogs are permitted on the trail and in the Santa Fe National Forest area around the springs but must be kept on a leash. Visitors should be considerate of other soakers when bringing dogs to the pool area.
What is the best time of year to visit Jemez Hot Springs?
Late September through November offers the most solitary visits, pairing fall foliage and cool air with naturally heated pools. Summer weekends are the busiest period. Winter visits are possible but require caution on icy trails and attention to weather conditions.