Spring
This unnamed spring in Valencia County delivers 71°F water at 5,801 feet elevation near Belen — roughly 14°F above the local annual average. Its water chemistry is extreme: 7,750 mg/L chloride, 5,580 mg/L sodium, 3,200 mg/L sulfate, and 890 mg/L calcium, making it among the most heavily mineralized thermal springs documented in New Mexico. The slightly acidic pH of 6.8 reflects high dissolved gas content. A short walk of about 193 meters reaches the source.
The spring surfaces in the semi-arid Rio Grande rift zone west of Belen, where low mesa country gives way to broad valleys of desert grassland and scattered juniper. Annual rainfall averages 9.6 inches with 10.3 inches of snow. The Rio Grande lies to the east, flowing through the irrigated Belen-Los Lunas agricultural corridor. To the west, the terrain rises toward the Ladron Mountains and the Acoma-Laguna region. Exposed sedimentary formations and evaporite deposits in the surrounding geology likely contribute to the spring's extraordinary mineral load.
Visit during spring or fall for moderate temperatures. The walk to the spring crosses open, shadeless terrain at 5,800 feet. Bring ample water and sun protection. The extremely high mineral content means the water leaves heavy salt crusts on surrounding rock and soil — avoid skin contact if you have sensitivities. No developed campgrounds or facilities are in the immediate area. Belen, about 10 miles east, has basic services and fuel.
No historical name has been recorded for this spring beyond its generic designation. The extreme mineral content — particularly the chloride and sodium levels — suggests the water passes through deep evaporite beds associated with the Rio Grande rift. Geochemical data appears in the 1980 NOAA thermal springs compilation. The Belen area has a long history of Puebloan and later Spanish settlement along the Rio Grande, but specific use of this particular spring is undocumented.
The water at Spring is neutral (pH 6.8). It is notably rich in calcium (may support bone density and joint health), magnesium (known for muscle relaxation and stress relief), and sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration).
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Spring sits at 5,801 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 23% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
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