Jemez Springs - Taken at the bottom of a trail at the Valles Caldera National Preserve
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Jemez Springs

4.6
·835 reviews·Jemez Springs, United States

Discover the therapeutic mineral waters and stunning natural beauty of Jemez Springs, a peaceful mountain escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more tranquility

CrowdLow
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Jemez Springs - Taken at the bottom of a trail at the Valles Caldera National Preserve

Jemez Springs

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more tranquility

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the therapeutic mineral waters and stunning natural beauty of Jemez Springs, a peaceful mountain escape.

4.6
(835 reviews)

"The property was gorgeous - the pics dont do it justice. The peaceful feeling, sound of birds chirping, Mountain View, landscaping… all made for a such a romantic spot."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive Time from ABQ

About an hour's drive north of Albuquerque, making it a perfect day trip destination.

💰 Entry Fees Vary

Some springs like Giggling Springs have an entry fee ($25 mentioned), while others like San Antonio are free.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jemez Hot Springs Pools

Jemez Hot Springs Pools

Developed Hot Springs Facility

Multiple mineral water pools with varying temperatures, offering a relaxing and therapeutic soak.

McCauley Hot Springs

McCauley Hot Springs

Trailhead near Jemez Springs

A scenic hike leads to these natural, rustic hot springs nestled in the Jemez Mountains.

San Antonio Hot Spring

San Antonio Hot Spring

Trailhead near Jemez Springs

A family-friendly, free geothermal spring accessible via a moderate hike, perfect for a peaceful dip.

Soda Dam

Soda Dam

Roadside attraction

A unique natural formation created by mineral deposits from thermal springs, a quick and fascinating stop.

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Planning Your Visit

Choose Your Spring Wisely

Jemez Springs offers several hot spring options, each with a unique vibe. From the developed Jemez Hot Springs with multiple pools to more natural, hike-in spots like McCauley or San Antonio, research which best suits your desired experience and accessibility needs. Some require a hike, while others are easily accessible.

Timing is Key for Tranquility

To truly soak in the peace of Jemez Springs, aim for weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds. Weekends and holidays can get busy, diminishing the serene atmosphere. Booking in advance, especially for private baths or cabins, is recommended.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
Fall and Spring
Why
Pleasant temperatures for soaking
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Warm springs in New Mexico is a must visit. You have you hike around 1.5 hours to reach this point. Location: Mcauley warm springs in Jemez springs #newmexico #newmexicocheck #newmexicotrue #jemezsprings #mccauleysprings #hikenewmexico #thingstodoinnewmexico #thingstodoinalbuquerque #thingstodoinsantafe #hotspringsnm #jemeznm
@lifeofbarkha
37.9K likes • 517K views

🚗 Drive Time from ABQ

About an hour's drive north of Albuquerque, making it a perfect day trip destination. TikTok+2

💰 Entry Fees Vary

Some springs like Giggling Springs have an entry fee ($25 mentioned), while others like San Antonio are free. TikTokInstagram

This the type of place that makes you wanna gate keep. My favorite mini getaway ✨ #jemez #hotsprings #newmexico #mineralwater #landofenchantment #gigglingsprings Its a little over an hour drive from abq $25 entry.
@mimibxcvii
10.6K likes • 187.8K views
Save this for your road trip to Jemez!👇 11 must-see spots: 💦 Jemez Falls - short hike to an overlook and down to a beautiful little swimming hole along the river (FREE) 🏜️ Red Rock Trail - looks like Utah! ($7 hiking/photo permit required from Jemez Pueblo) 🥤 Soda Dam (FREE) cool roadside stop! 🍻 Jemez Mountain Brewing Co - beer n pizza to refuel after your adventure! 🪨 Gilman Tunnels - feel...
abqadventures
0 likes • 62.4K views

🥾 Hike to Natural Springs

McCauley and San Antonio hot springs require a hike, so wear comfortable shoes. TikTokInstagram

💧 Water Quality

Contrary to some older reviews, many visitors find the water clean and refreshing. Instagram

Albuquerque Getaway. Located north of the town of Jemez springs is this natural hot springs. It’s around an hour drive from Albuquerque. I have to admit it truly was a rejuvenating experience for me and I can’t wait to go back. Water was clean unlike the reviews I read on google, which said had plastic bottles and litter in it. I saw nothing as such. It gets crowded in the summers. However I wen...
lifeofbarkha
0 likes • 3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive Time from ABQ

About an hour's drive north of Albuquerque, making it a perfect day trip destination. TikTok+2

💰 Entry Fees Vary

Some springs like Giggling Springs have an entry fee ($25 mentioned), while others like San Antonio are free. TikTokInstagram

🥾 Hike to Natural Springs

McCauley and San Antonio hot springs require a hike, so wear comfortable shoes. TikTokInstagram

💧 Water Quality

Contrary to some older reviews, many visitors find the water clean and refreshing. Instagram

🧘‍♀️ Seek Serenity

Weekdays offer a more peaceful experience with fewer people. TikTokReddit

🧳 Pack Smart

Bring water, snacks, and a towel. Some places offer rentals, but it's good to be prepared. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(835 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Jemez Hot Springs for its beautiful scenery, relaxing atmosphere, and friendly staff. The varying water temperatures across the pools are a highlight, offering a customizable and therapeutic experience. While some mention potential crowds, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many planning return visits.

"My wife and I loved this place! The woman who checked us in was friendly, we paid and read the rules posted. The springs were incredible, some are hot and some warm. Lots of seating to lounge in the shade if you get too hot. Highly recommend going during the week when it's not crowded for a more relaxed experience."

Stephen McGee

"I spent the day here enjoying the hot springs—my second visit, and just as wonderful as the first! The staff is incredibly friendly, and the entire place is beautifully maintained. It’s absolutely worth every penny. There are five pools, each with slightly different water temperatures, which makes for a really relaxing experience. They also offer refreshing juices and beverages on-site. I’ll definitely be coming back on my next trip!"

Sashin Aluwihare

"The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. The changing and shower areas were very clean, which I really appreciate. It was a nice, quiet, and relaxing environment, perfect for unwinding. I would highly recommend it!"

Paul Brennan

What People Like

Beautiful natural scenery
Relaxing hot springs
Friendly and helpful staff

What People Dislike

Can get crowded on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Jemez Springs is approximately an hour's drive north of Albuquerque via NM-4 W. The drive itself is scenic, winding through the Jemez Mountains. TikTok+2

Absolutely! Jemez Springs is a popular day trip destination from Albuquerque, offering a relaxing escape into nature. TikTok+2

For developed springs like Jemez Hot Springs, driving directly is easy. For more natural springs like McCauley or San Antonio, you'll need to drive to the trailhead and then hike. TikTokInstagram

NM-4 is the main route. Be aware that road conditions can change, especially in winter. Some trails to natural springs might have seasonal closures or require specific access points. Instagram

Parking is generally available at the developed hot springs facilities. For trailheads to natural springs, parking can be limited, especially on busy days. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry fees vary. Giggling Springs is mentioned at $25, while San Antonio Hot Spring is free. Developed facilities like Jemez Hot Springs have their own pricing. TikTokInstagram

For developed facilities, especially during peak times or for private baths, booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot. TikTok

Yes, San Antonio Hot Spring is a free geothermal spring accessible via a hike. Instagram

Operating hours can vary by facility. It's best to check the specific website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information, especially for developed springs. TikTok

Some facilities may have restrictions on outside food and drinks. Developed springs often have on-site cafes or shops. It's advisable to check their policies. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Jemez Springs offers a range of experiences, from developed facilities with multiple pools (Jemez Hot Springs, Giggling Springs) to more natural, rustic springs accessible via hikes (McCauley, San Antonio). TikTokInstagram+1

Temperatures vary between pools, with some being hot and others warm, allowing you to choose your preferred level of heat. TikTokReddit

Developed facilities typically offer clean changing rooms and shower areas for visitor convenience. Reddit

Swimsuits are essential. Consider bringing water shoes for slippery surfaces and a towel for drying off. TikTok

Yes, San Antonio Hot Spring is noted as being kid-friendly. Developed springs with multiple pools can also be enjoyable for families, but always supervise children closely. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The natural beauty of the hot springs, the surrounding mountains, and unique formations like Soda Dam offer great photo opportunities. The Red Rock Trail also provides Utah-like scenery. Instagram+1

A hiking/photo permit is required for the Red Rock Trail, costing $7 from Jemez Pueblo. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene atmosphere. TikTok

Generally, yes, but be respectful of other visitors' privacy. Some areas might have restrictions, so it's good to check. TikTok

A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing landscapes, while a waterproof phone case is a good idea if you plan to get close to the water. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Jemez Springs can be a fantastic family outing. San Antonio Hot Spring is noted as being kid-friendly, offering a free and accessible geothermal experience after a moderate hike. Instagram Developed facilities like Jemez Hot Springs also cater to families with multiple pools and amenities. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and always supervise children closely around the hot water. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Jemez Springs offers excellent value. San Antonio Hot Spring is a free natural spring, making it an ideal choice for those looking to save on admission fees. Instagram While developed springs like Jemez Hot Springs have entry fees, they are often considered affordable for the experience. Reddit Packing your own food and drinks can also help keep costs down, especially if you're visiting a natural spring where amenities are limited.

💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways

Jemez Springs provides a serene and romantic escape. The natural hot springs, with their peaceful settings and mountain views, are perfect for a tranquil retreat. TikTokInstagram+2 Many visitors describe the atmosphere as peaceful and romantic, with no sulfur smell and perfectly tempered waters. Reddit Consider booking a private bath or a cabin for an even more intimate experience. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Natural Hot Springs

Jemez Springs is renowned for its natural hot springs, offering a more rustic and immersive experience compared to developed spas. McCauley Hot Springs requires a moderate hike, rewarding visitors with secluded pools amidst the Jemez Mountains. TikTok San Antonio Hot Spring is another popular free option, known for being family-friendly and accessible via a hike, though road closures can sometimes extend the trek. Instagram These natural springs often have varying temperatures and can be a truly peaceful escape, but it's important to be prepared for the hike and to practice Leave No Trace principles. TikTok

Developed Hot Springs Facilities

For those seeking more amenities and a curated experience, Jemez Springs offers developed hot springs facilities. Jemez Hot Springs (formerly Giggling Springs) provides multiple pools with different temperatures, a gift shop, and cabanas, making it a comfortable and accessible option. TikTokInstagram Visitors often praise the friendly staff and well-maintained grounds. Reddit These facilities are ideal for a relaxing day trip where you can easily switch between soaking and lounging. TikTok

Beyond the Springs: Other Attractions

While hot springs are the main draw, Jemez Springs and its surroundings offer more to explore. The Jemez Historic Site provides a glimpse into the area's rich cultural past. Instagram For a unique geological wonder, don't miss the Soda Dam, a roadside attraction formed by mineral deposits. Instagram+1 Hikers will also appreciate spots like Jemez Falls, which features a short trail to a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole. Instagram The scenic drive along NM-4 itself is a highlight, with stunning mountain vistas and red rock formations reminiscent of Utah. Instagram+1

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