Jemez Springs Natural Swimming Spots

Directions to Jemez Springs Natural Swimming Spots

McCauley Warm Springs

McCauley Warm Springs is located deep in the Santa Fe National Forest and features several clear pools in a scenic glade. The water temperature is approximately 85°F, and the hike to the springs is about 1.5 miles each way. - Option 1 (Easier Route):

1. From Santa Fe, take Route 285 north to Route 4 west toward White Rock and Los Alamos.
2. Continue on Route 4 past White Rock and Los Alamos until you see signs for the Jemez Falls Recreation Area and Campground.
3. Park in the Jemez Falls Recreation Area parking lot.
4. From the parking lot, hike a short distance toward Jemez Falls until you see a trail marker for Trail #137 (McCauley Warm Springs Trail).
5. Follow Trail #137 for approximately 1.5 miles to reach the warm springs. - Option 2 (Alternative Route):
6. From Route 4 west of Los Alamos, continue past Route 126 and the parking area for Spence Hot Springs.
7. Look for the Battleship Rock Picnic Area. Park in the small lot just north of the picnic area to avoid paying the picnic area fee.
8. Locate Trail #137 and follow it uphill for about 1.5 miles to reach the warm springs.

Note: If you have two vehicles, you can park one at Battleship Rock and the other at Jemez Falls, allowing you to hike approximately 3.5 miles one way, visiting the springs along the route.

San Antonio Hot Springs

San Antonio Hot Springs features several rock pools on a mountainside with scenic valley views. The springs are accessible via a rough road or a hike.

1. From Route 4 west of Jemez Falls, turn left onto Route 126.
2. Continue on Route 126 for a few miles until you see Forest Road 376 on the left (there is no sign on the right side where FR 376 crosses Route 126).
3. Turn right onto Forest Road 376 and proceed past a gate. Note that the road is very rough and requires a high-clearance vehicle. If the road is open, drive approximately 5 miles to a clearing with two cabins on the right.
4. Park near the cabins, cross the wooden bridge, and take a short but steep climb up to the springs.

If the road is closed or your vehicle cannot handle the terrain: Park at the gate and hike the 5 miles along Forest Road 376. The hike is relatively level but may take several hours. Be sure to plan your visit to exit the area before sunset.

Spence Hot Springs

Spence Hot Springs is a popular and easily accessible hot spring with a short hike from the road.

1. From Route 4 west of Route 126, continue approximately 1.5 miles.
2. Look for the "Dark Canyon Fishing Area" sign. Just past this, you’ll see a large parking area on the left. There is no large sign, but a small sign indicates "Parking sunrise to sunset - No nudity."
3. Park in this lot and follow the well-used trail a short distance across the creek to the hot springs.

Soda Dam

Soda Dam is a natural dam formed by mineral deposits, creating a waterfall and a swimming hole below.

1. From Route 4 west of Jemez Springs, continue south toward the town of Jemez Springs.
2. Look for a sign indicating "Jemez State Monument 2 miles." About 1 mile past this sign, you’ll see a large white rock formation crossing Route 4. This is Soda Dam.
3. Park in the designated parking area just past the dam on the left. The waterfall and swimming hole are visible from the parking area.

Gilman Tunnels

The Gilman Tunnels are scenic roadway tunnels carved into solid rock cliffs above the Guadalupe River. The area also features swimming spots along the river.

1. From Route 4 west of Jemez Springs, continue south past the Linda Vista Campground.
2. Turn right onto Route 485 and follow it along the Guadalupe River.
3. Drive through the two tunnels. Just after the second tunnel, there is a parking area on the right.
4. From the parking area, you can climb down to the river, where you’ll find a deep pool for swimming.
5. Alternatively, continue on Route 485 to the gate where the road becomes unpaved. Just past the gate, there is a rock ledge on the right that provides access to another swimming area.

Enjoy your visit to the Jemez Springs