I am pretty sure Jemez Springs is why New Mexico is called the ‘Land of Enchantment!’ This beautiful, mountainous land will make you second guess yourself that you are really even actually in New Mexico! Desert Indian ruins, giant waterfalls, thick pine forests, fishing ponds, breathtaking creeks, and so much more in just one New Mexican town! One of those many wonders that they have available is the Spence Hot Springs!
Location:
Parking:
Keep an eye out or you might miss it! This parking lot is not very big and really it is practically your only option for parking! The parking lot has maybe 8 parking spots and they get filled up pretty quick in a day.
Luckily there is a small patch of gravel on the south side past the parking lot where you can fit a couple more vehicles. If it is raining then you may not want to park there though as it not technically a parking area so there are drainage holes and large rocks where you could easily get stuck or scrape the underside of your vehicle.
Things You Will Need For This Hike:
Things You Might Want To Know Before You Go:
- Potential Amoeba In Water- Just like all natural hot springs there is a risk of a brain eating amoeba in the water called naegleria fowleri. It enters your body through your nose, so that is why it is advised that you keep your head out of the water at Spence Hot Springs. They are not saying you will get this, but there are signs warning you of the possibilities. Choose wisely!
- Naked People- Just a heads up that not everyone who goes to the hot springs is actually clothed!
- 0.7 mile hike- It is a very short hike there and back, not even a whole mile. It isn’t easy because you are either going up or down, but it is not a hard hike at all.
- Parking Sucks- There are not a lot of parking spots, just so you know. The parking lot is at the trailhead, and if you don’t park there, there aren’t really any other options. There is a very small gravel-like section just south of the parking lot that you can park at, but depending on your type of vehicle, you might not want to park here. There are quite a few pot holes.
- Best Time of year To Go: May-October
- No Cell Phone Service: There is practically no cell phone service throughout most of Jemez Springs, New Mexico. Make sure you download the map of how to get there and back before you leave so that you know how to get there.
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The Hike To The Hot Springs:
So you know how a roller coaster goes up and down and up and down, yeah that is pretty much this trail. You start by going down, then you go up and up and up, then turn around and go down, down, down, then end going up. The path is very well marked and easy to follow. There aren’t any benches along the trail, but there is a bridge.
The bridge helps you cross a small creek, but throughout the hike there are several small creek areas that you walk over. So potential wet feet alert!
The hike was easy enough that my 4 year old and 3 year old were able to hike the whole thing by themselves and I was able to hike it while pregnant. The reason AllTrails.com has it set as a moderate is due to the incline going to the springs and the decline coming back.
Spence Hot Springs
Once you reach the hot springs you will then have to do a little bit of climbing depending on the pool you want to be in. There are 2 separate pools. There is the lower one and the upper one. The lower one is very easy to access, whereas the upper one takes a little climbing to get to.
Having Water Hiking Shoes will really help while you are at the hot springs. On the hike you will pass several small creek areas, and then when you get to the springs it is nice to not have to change your shoes. You will want something nonslip though due to the mud and slippery rocks. Like I said, these water hiking shoes will keep you from slipping and having to haul up separate shoes to have a dry and wet pair.
The water is warm, definitely not hot, but still a comfortable temperature. After the hike up to the springs the water will feel really good on your legs. Such a relaxing thing to do on a hike is soak in a hot springs.
Best part of Spence Hot Springs is the view! The hot springs are located on the mountainside and so you have a gorgeous view of the valley.
FAQs
Is the water hot?
It is warm, not hot.
How long is the hike?
0.7 miles there and back.
Is the hike hard?
No the hike is pretty easy it is just either uphill or downhill.
Is this hike for kids?
Yes! My 4 year old and 3 year old hiked the whole thing all by themselves, while I carried my 18 month old on my back! If you are hiking with kids, then check out these 2 articles about how to hike with toddlers and fun hiking games to play on the trail.
The hot springs does have a warning for a brain eating amoeba, so use caution while letting your kids play in the water that they do not put there head underwater.
Is there any sort of admission charge?
No, accessing the trail is completely free!
Is there parking?
Yes, but it is very limited.
Why is there a warning sign, telling me not to put my head under water?
All natural hot springs are at risk of a brain eating amoeba in the water. Spence Hot Springs is at risk of this amoeba.
Are there bathrooms?
No.
Other Fun Things To Do Nearby:
Kayak at Fenton Lake State Park
Take your kids fishing at the Seven Springs Fish Hatchery
Walk through the ruins at Jemez Historic Site
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