Jemez Springs
Jemez Springs reaches 169 degrees Fahrenheit, one of New Mexico's hottest thermal discharges, with USGS measurements confirming 72 degrees Celsius. The spring flows at 6,207 feet elevation in the village of Jemez Springs, Sandoval County, with roadside access just 24 meters from the road. Water chemistry shows a neutral pH of 7.3.
The spring emerges in the narrow canyon of the Jemez River, carved through layers of volcanic tuff deposited by the Valles Caldera eruptions. At 6,207 feet, ponderosa pine and Douglas fir line the canyon walls while cottonwoods shade the river corridor. The Jemez Mountains receive 15.8 inches of rain and 34.2 inches of snow annually. The Valles Caldera National Preserve lies to the north, and the Jemez National Recreation Area surrounds the village.
Jemez Springs village is accessible via NM Highway 4, which also leads to the Valles Caldera and the Jemez National Recreation Area. Vista Linda Campground sits 6.9 km away with 13 reservable sites. Winter road conditions in the canyon can be icy. The spring water is dangerously hot at 169 degrees Fahrenheit; use only developed bathhouse facilities where water is cooled for safe soaking.
The village of Jemez Springs developed around these thermal waters, with bathhouse use dating back well over a century. The Jemez State Monument preserves the ruins of Giusewa Pueblo and a seventeenth-century Spanish mission church adjacent to the springs. Today the village hosts the Jemez Springs Bath House, a municipally operated facility, along with several private spas drawing from the geothermal resource.
The water at Jemez Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3). It is notably rich in chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Overview Vista Linda Campground is a first come, first serve campground in the San Diego Canyon on the Jemez National Recreation Area. There are thirteen sites throughout the campground. Potable water and vault toilets are provided amenities. Each campsite has picnic tables, a fire ring, and a charcoal pedestal. Sites with shad features are available; not all sites provide shade features. Recreation Vista Linda Campground is one of five developed campgrounds in the Jemez National Recreation...
Jemez Springs sits at 6,207 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 25% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Jemez Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water is dangerously hot — bring water shoes and test pools carefully.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Springs Near Jemez Springs
More Springs Around 169°F
Slightly Alkaline Springs (pH ~7.3)
Hike 5 waterfalls near Jemez Springs
Looking for more outdoor adventures? Explore waterfall hikes near Jemez Springs, New Mexico.