Top 6 of Santa Fe’s Hot Springs
United World College - USA
About an hour from Santa Fe, UWC-USA is an international boarding school that serves nearly 240 students ages 16-19 from more than 90 different countries. But that’s not all that’s there.
The castle onsite is famous. The Jesuits made a little money in 1978 by renting the Castle out as the set for the low-budget horror flick The Evil. In the years that follow, several other films also feature campus grounds, including Fanboys and Georgia O’Keeffe.
The hot springs are actually part of the foundation of the old hotel that used to be there. Temperatures reach 122F and clothing is required.
10,000 Waves
Only 10 minutes from Santa Fe, Ten Thousand Waves is inspired by the great Japanese mountain hot spring resorts.
Thy offer private hot tub suites, bodywork, dining at the izakaya restaurant, and serene lodging at the inn. Each of our bathing environments is totally self-contained with a hot tub, sauna, and your own private changing room and shower. Some suites have cooling berths with mattresses.
Children under four feet tall may use spa suites at no charge when accompanied by an adult (2 kids maximum per adult).
All private spa suites are clothing optional. Swim suits are required in the Grand Bath and for Reserved Community Soaking.
Temperature of the hot tub water is maintained at 104-106 degrees F., cold plunges are around 55 degrees F., saunas average 180 degrees F
Reservations for hot tubs are required. We presently schedule private tubs up to 45 days in advance for the general public, 60 days in advance for lodging guests.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort
Ojo Caliente is one of the country’s oldest health spas and only an hour from Santa Fe. Tucked between rugged desert cliffs and a cottonwood-lined bosque, our hot springs await soakers seeking healing and respite. Ojo Caliente is one of the only hot springs spas and resorts on Earth featuring four healing minerals: Arsenic, Lithia, Soda and Iron in naturally sulfur-free waters.
There are a range of accommodations from cozy hotel rooms, upscale suites, casitas, vintage trailers, and private homes. Available features include private soaking pools, exclusive soaking access, traditional Kiva fireplaces, private courtyards and full kitchens.
Massage therapists use amazing natural, locally–crafted skincare products and Southwest botanicals including blue corn, prickly pear, and sage. Signature treatments include Cactus Flower Massage and Scrub, or opt for a long-loved service like the Rio Grande Hot Stone Massage.
Note: Ojo Spa Resort properties are 13 and older resorts. Guests under age 13 may join for lodging and dining only and are not permitted in the soaking, pool, or spa areas.
Water Quality (4/5): Minor sediment and slight sulfur odor, but still clean and enjoyable.
Ease of Access (5/5): Easily accessible paved road leads to ample parking and clear signage.
Ability to Be Alone (4/5): Larger pools with designated quiet zones, smaller pools offer privacy.
Water Temperature (5/5): Multiple pools with varying temperatures, extensive options.
Health Benefits (4/5): Noticeable mineral presence with potential health advantages.
Nearby Amenities (5/5): Full-service resort with lodging, restaurants, spa treatments, and recreational activities.
Jemez Springs Bath House
About 90 minutes from Santa Fe, the Jemez Springs Bath House is a non-profit, owned and operated by the Village of Jemez Springs, where proceeds go back into the Village. You can stay in the nearby Jemez Springs Cabin for views of the Rio Grande River. Stay nearby at one of the beautiful cabins.
The naturally occurring minerals in the Bath House’s water are acid carbonate, aluminum, calcium, chloride, iron, magnesium, potassium, silicate, sodium and sulphate.
The mineral water issues from the natural hot springs at 159-189 degrees. As the water flows into the Bath House, some is diverted into holding tanks where it cools overnight.
They offer cool or hot mineral soaks and healing massages by licensed therapists in private treatment rooms.
The Jemez Springs Bath House offers hot spring mineral baths, wraps and massage. Blanket or Herbal Wraps are available; both include a 25 minute bath. Customers can choose between a 30 minute, 60 minute & 90 minute massage. Chair massage is also available with a 10 minute min, 30 min max.
Water Quality (4/5): Clean water with minimal sediment, faint sulfur odor present.
Ease of Access (4/5): Short walk on a paved path from parking.
Ability to Be Alone (3/5): Moderate crowds, shared pools, some privacy in smaller tubs.
Water Temperature (4/5): Comfortable soaking temperature with slight variation.
Health Benefits (4/5): Rich mineral content with documented therapeutic benefits.
Nearby Amenities (4/5): Restaurants, shops, and lodging options within walking distance.
Black Rock Hot Springs
Black Rock Hot Springs is located north of Taos, almost 2 hours from Santa Fe, west of the quaint village of Arroyo Hondo, across from the John Dunn Bridge on the west bank of the Rio Grande. Pool temperatures are usually about 97 F depending on how high the river is. Black Rock is well known and easy to reach, so don’t expect to be alone. Locals consider it to be a nude hot springs and 90% of locals go nude.
Stay nearby in restored historic log cabins at the Taos Goji Farm & Eco-Lodge Retreat to enjoy more than one hundred species of birds, hot tubs, or say hello to the mini goats, sheep, alpacas, and mini donkey. Or for a retro stay try the Hotel Luna Mystica where you’ll relax in a restored camper van.
Black Rock Hot Springs is accessible via narrow one-lane bridge that takes you across the Hondo River, then cross the John Dunn Bridge over the Rio Grande. Go up the hill and park at the first switchback. It is an easy walk on the trail downstream to the hot springs along the Rio Grande.
Nearby, enjoy rafting on the Rio Grande, a walking tour of Taos, or a short trip to Santa Fe to visit Meow Wolf.
Water Quality (3/5): Noticeable sediment and strong sulfur odor, but generally safe.
Ease of Access (3/5): Moderate hike through the canyon, limited parking.
Ability to Be Alone (5/5): Secluded location with a single pool, high chance of solitude.
Water Temperature (4/5): Comfortable soaking temperature with slight variation.
Health Benefits (5/5): Rich in sulfur and silica, potentially beneficial for skin and joint issues.
Nearby Amenities (2/5): Limited amenities, camping and basic supplies available nearby.
Montezuma Hot Springs
Montezuma Hot Springs, also known as Las Vegas Hot Springs, are a grouping of 20-to-30 thermal springs a little over an hour from Santa Fe.
The hottest pool, known as The Lobster Pot, has been landscaped and sculpted into a hillside. Another pool, known as The Cube, sits near the ruins of the old bathhouse, while the third grouping consists of two concrete pools, known as The Toaster. There are also several seeps nearby where the mud can be dug out to create primitive soaking pools.
The hot spring water emerges from the ground at 138°F (59°C). The water temperatures of the soaking pools varies from 94°F to 120°F. The source of the spring water issues from fractured rocks at the intersection where the Gallinas River crosses the Montezuma Fault.
The water contains relatively dilute solutions of sodium-chloride-bicarbonate-sulfate, with moderate silica levels and very high fluoride levels (≤ 23 ppm). Compared to nearby hot springs, Montezuma mineral water contains less natural chloride and higher levels of bicarbonate and sulfate.
Located northwest of the town of Las Vegas on the grounds of the United World College. Three clusters of concrete soaking pools of various sizes and temperatures. Bathing suits required.
Stay nearby in Las Vegas at the Historic Plaza Hotel, originally known in 1882 as “The Belle of the Southwest”, the fanciest hotel in all of New Mexico Territory. The Plaza Hotel has starred in movies and TV from Tom Mix silent pictures to Longmire, Easy Rider and No Country for Old Men.
Water Quality (4/5): Clean water with minimal sediment, faint sulfur odor present.
Ease of Access (5/5): Easily accessible paved road leads to ample parking and clear signage.
Ability to Be Alone (2/5): Large communal pool, limited privacy except in changing rooms.
Water Temperature (4/5): Comfortable soaking temperature with slight variation.
Health Benefits (3/5): Moderate mineral content, may offer general relaxation benefits.
Nearby Amenities (3/5): Restaurant and shops on-site, additional amenities nearby.
