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Unnamed Thermal Spring

Sandoval County, New Mexico · Near Placitas

35.3080°N, 106.4710°W · 5,644 ft

68°F 88°F air 5,644 ft Roadside Camping nearby (6.1 mi)

Researched & maintained by Armen Suny · Updated August 2026

An unnamed thermal point in Sandoval County, about two miles from Placitas. Barely warm, upper sixties, the kind of reading that gets a spring into a thermal database without making it worth a drive. Access and owner are unrecorded. USGS sampled it in 1962 and found near neutral water with sodium and chloride and some sulfate.

Location

13 miles from Rio Rancho, NM

Get Directions → All springs near Rio Rancho →

Under 300 feet from a road the record leaves unnamed, so roadside. Mid elevation near 5,600 feet, some snow, a dry year. Las Huertas Picnic Site is six miles away and is the only camping-adjacent place listed. the record is empty. Mild on average. No photo and no description, which tells you how much attention it has had.

Las Huertas Picnic Site is six miles off. Check land status; two miles from a village usually means private ground nearby. Cold season, per the climate chart. The sample is from 1962. At this temperature there is nothing to soak in, so the visit, if any, is for curiosity.

Monthly Climate

33°

Jan

39°

Feb

49°

Mar

56°

Apr

64°

May

77°

Jun

78°

Jul

76°

Aug

69°

Sep

57°

Oct

44°

Nov

34°

Dec

Annual Precip: 11.0 in Annual Snow: 13.2 in

Best Time to Visit

January Air 33°F · Water 68°F · +35° contrast

December Air 34°F · Water 68°F · +34° contrast

February Air 39°F · Water 68°F · +30° contrast

January offers 45°F more contrast than July

Current Conditions

88°F

Clear N 0.0 mph 12%

This Afternoon 93° Low 65° Sunny

Saturday 92° Low 66° Sunny 1% precip

Sunday 92° Low 67° Sunny 7% precip

Monday 89° Low 64° Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 48% precip

Tuesday 86° Low 64° Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 20% precip

Data from National Weather Service

Water Chemistry Sampled 1962-08-09

The water at This spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.4).

pH 7.4 Slightly Alkaline

pH influences mineral absorption through skin

Sodium 10 mg/L

Supports circulation and skin hydration

Sulfate 57 mg/L

Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation

Chloride 6 mg/L

Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits

Compare with other slightly alkaline springs →

Nearby Camping

Las Huertas Picnic Site 6.1 mi away

Overview Las Huertas was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is located at the northeast end of the Sandia Ranger District. It is, understandably, a favorite place for many. Las Huertas Creek meanders year round through this recreation site. Pathways and foot bridges lead over the water and through the trees to dispersed picnic tables and grills that are tucked away in the woods. The group site pavilion is a replica of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps design. Las Huertas was a s...

Fee Contact recreation.gov or 877-444-6777

Reservable Yes

Reserve on Recreation.gov →

Mile-High Advisory 5,644 ft

this spring sits at 5,644 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.