Unnamed Thermal Spring

Socorro County, New Mexico · Near Socorro
33.8130°N, 106.9710°W · 5,411 ft
70°F 5,411 ft Closed Hike PVT Camping nearby (17.3 mi)

An unnamed 70°F warm spring on the Armendaris Ranch in Socorro County, New Mexico. The water runs 11 degrees above ambient air temperature. Located on private land with closed public access, it requires a 1.4-mile hike from the nearest road at 5,411 feet elevation.

Location

The spring sits in the northern Chihuahuan Desert at 5,411 feet within the Armendaris Ranch, a large conservation property south of Socorro. Annual rainfall averages just 8.4 inches with 6.5 inches of snow, producing sparse desert scrub and open grassland. The Rio Grande corridor lies to the east, while the surrounding terrain consists of dry mesas and arroyos characteristic of the Jornada del Muerto basin.

This spring is on private land with no public access. The Armendaris Ranch does not permit visitors without prior arrangement. The nearest public campground is Water Canyon Campground, 28 km away at 6,800 feet in the Magdalena Mountains. Summers are intensely hot in this low-desert setting; carry ample water if traveling the surrounding area.

History of This Spring

The Armendaris Ranch takes its name from a Spanish colonial land grant. Ted Turner acquired the property in the 1990s for conservation purposes, and it now operates as a private wildlife reserve. No specific historical documentation of this spring's use has been identified. The ranch remains closed to the public, and the spring has no developed infrastructure.

Monthly Climate
37°
Jan
43°
Feb
52°
Mar
60°
Apr
67°
May
79°
Jun
79°
Jul
77°
Aug
70°
Sep
60°
Oct
47°
Nov
37°
Dec
Annual Precip: 8.4 in Annual Snow: 6.5 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 37°F · Water 70°F · +33° contrast
December Air 37°F · Water 70°F · +33° contrast
February Air 43°F · Water 70°F · +27° contrast
January offers 42°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
49°F
Clear NNW 33.0 mph 39% Good soaking weather
Thursday 75° Low 47° Sunny
Friday 82° Low 50° Sunny
Saturday 87° Low 55° Sunny
Sunday 84° Low 60° Sunny 2% precip
Monday 87° Low 57° Sunny
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Water Canyon Campground 17.3 mi away

This campground is located at an elevation of 6,800 feet in the Magdalena Mountains.

Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Mile-High Advisory 5,411 ft

this spring sits at 5,411 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 22% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.

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Temperature
70°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 70°F (21°C)
Avg Air Temp 59°F
Above Ambient +11°F
Mild soaking conditions May
Access
Closed
Road Access Hike
Distance to Road 1.4 mi
Land
Ownership Private
Agency PVT
Designation PCON
Unit Armendaris Ranch
Manager PVT
Protection 4 - No known protection
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at ?
has a water temperature of 70°F (21°C). This is a warm thermal spring.
Where is located?
is located in Socorro County, New Mexico at 5,411 feet elevation, near Socorro. Coordinates: 33.8130°N, 106.9710°W.
How do I get to ?
has Hike road access (1.4 mi from the road).
Is free to visit?
has Closed access. It is managed by PVT.
Can I camp near ?
Yes, Water Canyon Campground is located nearby (17.3 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at ?
is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is crowded?
sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to ?
Essentials for : swimsuit, towel, water bottle, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.