San Francisco Hot Springs
Spring
2.9 (28)
New Mexico 88039
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Hot SpringNM
San Francisco Hot Springs
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan San Francisco Hot Springs near Pleasanton with source-checked location context, ranger contact information and realistic access and soaking cautions.
Water type
Hot Spring
Access
Informal
Fee
Current spring fees not established by the reviewed sources; confirm before travel.
Best season
Base the visit on current access, weather and river information rather than an assumed safe season
Nearby towns
Pleasanton, Glenwood
Water body
Primitive Hot-Spring Pools Along The San Francisco River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Pleasanton, Glenwood
Approximate town location
GLENWOOD, NM
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Approximate town location
- The map represents a nearby town, not an entrance or swimming spot.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
San Francisco Hot Springs near Pleasanton
This is a primitive riverside soaking destination, not a developed swim beach. New Mexico Tourism places the pools along the San Francisco River about two miles southwest of Pleasanton, off US 180. That distance describes the location relative to town, not the hike.
Plan the approach before driving
Tourism describes signs, designated parking and an alternative trailhead. It does not give an exact parking point or measured route. Contact the Glenwood Ranger District at 575-539-2481 for current parking, access and restrictions. Calling ahead is sensible planning, not a verified mandatory check-in. The office is at 18 Ranger Station Road off US 180; it is not the spring entrance.
Use the map as orientation only
The retained historical map point is approximate. It does not identify lawful parking, a trailhead or a safe water entry. Obtain the current approach and follow the signs on site rather than treating a nearby map marker as permission to enter.
Set realistic expectations for a primitive soak
Water information still needs a current check
Tourism describes soaking here, but current pool temperature, depth and water quality were not established. Its hot-spring guidance advises keeping your head above water and avoiding scalding temperatures. A river beside the pools is not evidence of a safe swimming or cooling-off area. No therapeutic benefit or guaranteed comfortable temperature is claimed.
Bring supplies and confirm practical details
Do not rely on toilets, drinking water, changing facilities or step-free water access: those amenities were not confirmed. Ask about fees, route difficulty and current conditions before travel. The old fixed opening hours, free-entry claim and moderate-hike rating have been removed because the reviewed sources do not establish them.
Camping, clothing and photographs
Confirm overnight permission and clothing rules separately. Descriptions of other New Mexico springs do not establish rules here. Keep photography respectful of other bathers. The saved photo collection is mainly personal soaking portraits, so it has not been published as a destination gallery.
Getting There
New Mexico Tourism places the primitive pools along the San Francisco River about two miles southwest of Pleasanton, off US 180. It describes signs and designated parking plus an alternative trailhead, but does not publish an exact lot or measured hike. Contact Glenwood Ranger District at 575-539-2481 for the current approach. The retained map point is approximate, not a parking or water-entry pin.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Contacting the district is planning advice, not a verified mandatory check-in. No measured hike, step-free route or river-crossing requirement was confirmed for the current approach.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
San Francisco Hot Springs Trailhead
Hiking area
4.5 (4)
64HM+84, Glenwood, NM 88039
Gila Visitor Center
Visitor center
4.7 (207)
Gila National Forest, Silver City, NM 88061
Restroom
Cherry Creek Campground
Campground
4.7 (103)
NM-15, Silver City, NM 88061
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
Cheyenne Trailhead
Hiking area
4.7 (30)
Silver City, NM 88061
Silver City RV Park
Campground
4.3 (195)
1304 N Bennett St, Silver City, NM 88061
Silver City KOA Holiday
Campground
4.6 (405)
11824 US-180, Silver City, NM 88022
Free Wi-Fi
Frequently Asked Questions About San Francisco Hot Springs
Where are San Francisco Hot Springs?
New Mexico Tourism places primitive pools along the San Francisco River about two miles southwest of Pleasanton, off US 180. This is regional location context, not a hike distance.
Is a ranger check-in mandatory?
No mandatory check-in was established. Contact Glenwood Ranger District at 575-539-2481 for current parking, route and restrictions before travel.
How long is the hike?
Tourism mentions an alternative short hike but does not give a measured distance or current route difficulty. Ask the district about the approach you intend to use.
Does the map show parking?
No. The historical point is approximate and does not verify parking, a trailhead or safe water entry.
Is the water temperature known?
Current temperature and water quality were not established. Tourism advises avoiding scalding temperatures and head submersion. Nearby river water is not a verified safe swimming area.
Are entry and camping free?
Current fees and overnight permission were not established. Confirm them separately, along with facilities and clothing rules.
Highlights
Primitive pools along the San Francisco River
Pleasanton and US 180 location context
Current ranger district contact
Clear distinction between soaking and river swimming
Unique Features
Riverside hot-spring setting
Designated parking and alternative trailhead described by tourism
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- New Mexico Tourism advises avoiding head submersion and scalding water
- Current pool temperature and water quality were not established
- Do not treat nearby river water as a verified safe swimming or cooling-off area
- Confirm route conditions before committing to water crossings
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
A primitive riverside hot-spring destination described by New Mexico Tourism, not a developed spa or swimming beach.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Choose lawful stable viewpoints and avoid photographing other bathers without permission. Personal soaking portraits in the saved collection were held rather than published as destination gallery images.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Use lawful posted access, carry out litter and leave the natural pools and riverbanks undisturbed.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Base the visit on current access, weather and river information rather than an assumed safe season.
Difficulty Level
An alternative short hike is described by tourism, but no measured route or difficulty rating was verified. Ask about the approach suited to your visit.
Fee
Current spring fees not established by the reviewed sources; confirm before travel.
Facilities
Restrooms, drinking water, changing facilities and accessible water entry were not established. Bring your own water and supplies; district office facilities are not spring amenities.
Activities
Hot-spring soaking subject to current access and conditions; no separate river-swimming area verified
Phone
575-539-2481 (Glenwood Ranger District)
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Overnight permission and nearby campground status were not established. Confirm camping separately rather than treating spring access as permission to camp.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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