Taos Plaza
Business center
4.5 (1807)
N Plaza, Taos, NM 87571
Charming public plaza & community focal point known for its craft shops, cafes & laid back vibe.
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Two Distinct Primitive Riverside Hot SpringsNM
Taos Hot Springs And Swimming Spots
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Black Rock and Manby near the Rio Grande with legal John Dunn access, parking limits and current BLM notices. The old private-rim route is not public access.
Swimming restriction
Use only current legal access and obey site orders. Named sites prohibit occupancy 10 p.m.-6 a.m.; no jumping, diving, fixed pool-temperature claim or automatic Rio Grande plunge.
Water type
Two Distinct Primitive Riverside Hot Springs
Access
Informal
Fee
No verified common admission charge for both exact spring approaches; confirm current parking/access arrangements with BLM.
Best season
Check the named destination, current notices and weather before choosing a date
Nearby towns
Taos, Arroyo Hondo
Water body
Black Rock And Manby Hot Springs Beside The Rio Grande
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Taos, Arroyo Hondo
Access location not verified
Arroyo Hondo, 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
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- 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.
Plan around legal access to two distinct springs
This Taos record names Black Rock and Manby Hot Springs beside the Rio Grande. Neither is Montezuma Hot Springs near Las Vegas, New Mexico. Choose the specific spring and confirm today’s route rather than navigate to the unrelated saved place.
Do not use the old Manby rim shortcut
BLM’s archived 2021 access explanation says the scenic easement above Manby is private land for conservation, not public road access. It identifies legal approaches by river or trails from John Dunn Bridge. That access distinction does not mean the spring itself is permanently closed, and the old Tune Road directions are not a public-entry entitlement.
John Dunn access is not a casual parking promise
BLM’s 2025 advisory-council minutes confirm a fisherman’s trail from the bridge area but warn about erosion and request that the Black Rock switchback stay clear for emergency access. Ask the Taos Field Office for the current legal parking and trail arrangement. Do not block the road or assume an old pull-off remains available.
Primitive soaking is separate from a river swim
These are natural riverside springs, not staffed bathing facilities. Pool temperature, depth and availability can change; no current survey supports the archive’s fixed figures. Do not use the Rio Grande as an automatic cold-water plunge or attempt to swim across it. Keep a shore-based alternative if entry, conditions or parking are unsuitable.
Day use and current notices
BLM supplementary rules prohibit camping or occupying the named Black Rock, Manby and John Dunn sites between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Check the live New Mexico advisories before travel. The historical bridge-construction closure should not be presented as a current blanket closure without a current order.
Prepare for the actual outing
Bring drinking water, footwear and waste bags. Do not assume a restroom, lifeguard or accessible spring descent. Read current BLM advisories and contact the Taos Field Office for access details.
Getting There
Confirm the current BLM-approved John Dunn Bridge or river approach to the selected spring, including lawful parking. Do not follow the old Tune Road/private-rim shortcut or assume the Black Rock switchback is a visitor lot.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
BLM private scenic-easement distinction remains material; 2025 minutes flag erosion and emergency-access parking conflicts.
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
Use only current legal access and obey site orders. Named sites prohibit occupancy 10 p.m.-6 a.m.; no jumping, diving, fixed pool-temperature claim or automatic Rio Grande plunge. 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
Public Restrooms
Public bathroom
3.4 (8)
Scheurich Ln, Taos, NM 87571
Taos Plaza Parking
Parking lot
4 (4)
178 Kit Carson Rd, Taos, NM 87571
The Slide Trail - Lower Trailhead
Hiking area
4.8 (33)
Unnamed Road, Taos, NM 87571
LUXX LODGE: Glamping & Taos RV Park
Campground
4.4 (239)
1802 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Ranchos De Taos, NM 87557
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomPublic shower
Taos Valley RV Park
Campground
4.4 (485)
120 Este Es Rd, Taos, NM 87571
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomPublic shower
Devisadero Loop Trail 108 Trailhead
Hiking area
4.7 (177)
Carson National Forest, Taos, NM 87571
South Boundary Trail
Hiking area
4.6 (46)
Taos, NM 87571
Frequently Asked Questions About Taos Hot Springs And Swimming Spots
Where should I start for current Manby access?
Confirm the legal river or John Dunn Bridge trail arrangement with BLM. The archived agency explanation does not grant public access through the private rim scenic easement.
Can I drive the old Tune Road shortcut to the rim?
Do not use that historical route as a public-access entitlement. BLM identifies the scenic easement on private land as conservation access, not a public road.
Is parking at the Black Rock switchback guaranteed?
No. BLM’s 2025 minutes request keeping that pinch point clear for emergency access. Confirm current lawful parking before arriving.
Are these the hot springs near Las Vegas, New Mexico?
No. Manby and Black Rock are Taos-area Rio Grande destinations. Montezuma Hot Springs near Las Vegas is a different trip with its own access rules.
Can I camp overnight at the springs?
BLM supplementary rules prohibit camping or occupancy at the named Black Rock, Manby and John Dunn sites from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Arrange authorized lodging separately.
Does the old bridge construction notice mean everything is still closed?
Do not infer that. Use current BLM advisories and the field office for present restrictions; a dated construction notice is not an ongoing blanket closure.
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump, dive or use rope swings
- Water appearance does not establish depth, current, water quality, underwater hazards or an exit
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Respect protected sites and local rules; no invented cultural associations.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph only from permitted viewpoints and respect visitors' privacy. Scenery is not a current water-condition report.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect property boundaries, use authorized routes and carry out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check the named destination, current notices and weather before choosing a date.
Difficulty Level
Natural fisherman-trail and river approaches are not a verified easy or accessible descent; confirm current route with BLM.
Fee
No verified common admission charge for both exact spring approaches; confirm current parking/access arrangements with BLM.
Facilities
Do not transfer services from an unrelated commercial hot spring or nearby campground.
Activities
Legal spring-access planning and conditions-dependent primitive soaking; authorized shore recreation, not supervised Rio Grande swimming.
Phone
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
BLM supplementary rules prohibit camping/occupancy at Black Rock, Manby and John Dunn sites 10 p.m.-6 a.m.; authorized lodging elsewhere is separate.
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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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