Ojo Caliente (Arsenic Spring)
Ojo Caliente's Arsenic Spring discharges at 111°F (40°C confirmed by USGS) through water unusually high in sodium (890 mg/L) and chloride (270 mg/L) at a slightly acidic pH of 6.6. Located at 6,220 feet in Rio Arriba County, the spring sits about 100 meters from the road, requiring a short walk to reach.
The spring emerges in the semi-arid Rio Grande rift valley of northern New Mexico, surrounded by dry piñon-juniper terrain at 6,220 feet. Annual rainfall averages just 9.6 inches with 21 inches of snow. The town of Ohkay Owingeh lies nearby to the east, and the Rio Ojo Caliente cuts through the valley floor. Sparse desert scrub and exposed sedimentary bluffs define the landscape, with the Sangre de Cristo foothills visible to the northeast.
Ojo Caliente's thermal springs have been used by Indigenous peoples of the region for centuries. The name translates from Spanish as "hot eye" or "hot spring." The Arsenic Spring is one of several distinct mineral sources in the Ojo Caliente group, each named for its dominant chemistry. A commercial spa has operated at the site since the late 1800s, making it one of the oldest health resorts in the United States.
Visit fall through spring when desert temperatures are moderate; summer highs above 90°F can make the short walk uncomfortable. The area receives minimal precipitation, but winter snow is possible at 6,220 feet. Check current access policies with the resort operating at the springs, as the thermal features fall within managed property. Riana Campground at Abiquiu Lake, 35 km away, provides the nearest reservable camping.
Is Ojo Caliente (Arsenic Spring) worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Ojo Caliente (Arsenic Spring) is slightly acidic (pH 6.6). It is notably rich in sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration) and chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).
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Overview Riana Campground is located on a 150 ft. bluff overlooking the scenic Abiquiu Lake in northern New Mexico, just one hour northwest of charming Santa Fe. The lake sits at an elevation of 6,400 feet on the Rio Chama, a tributary of the legendary Rio Grande. Recreation Abiquiu Lake offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. The fishing here is some of the finest in northern New Mexico. Visitors enjoy boating, water skiing, and hiking. Lake shore access for boat launching is 1 m...