Aragon Springs
Aragon Springs flows at 70°F within the Gila National Forest in Catron County, New Mexico, with USGS-confirmed temperature of 20°C and a pH of 8.0. Total dissolved solids measure a low 160 mg/L, indicating lightly mineralized water. The spring sits 160 meters from NM Highway 12 and requires a short walk to reach.
At 6,800 feet elevation near the town of Reserve, the spring occupies montane terrain in the western Gila National Forest. Ponderosa pine and mixed conifer stands dominate the surrounding slopes, with understory grasses filling the clearings. The landscape is shaped by volcanic geology and deeply incised canyons draining toward the San Francisco River system. Annual precipitation of 14.7 inches and 20.7 inches of snow support a denser forest canopy than the lower desert valleys to the south.
Apache Creek Campground, an undeveloped first-come-first-served site among ponderosa pines, lies 14 km away. Fall offers the best conditions — warm days, cool nights, and minimal monsoon interference. NM 12 is paved and well-maintained. Bring layers for temperature swings at this elevation, where nights can drop below freezing even in September.
The spring takes its name from the nearby community of Aragon, a small settlement in Catron County with roots in Spanish colonial-era land use. The Forest Service manages the site under protected status that permits extractive activities. Aragon Springs appears in USGS water chemistry records and the 1980 NOAA thermal springs inventory. No commercial development has occurred at the site.
The water at Aragon Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 8.0) with 160 mg/L total dissolved solids.
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This is a nice quiet undeveloped campground amongst ponderosa pines and abundant wildlife.Apache Creek Campground is in the northwest region of the forest. There are plenty of trees to provide shade and this is a very clean campground.
Aragon Springs sits at 6,800 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 27% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Aragon Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
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