Ruidosa Hot Springs

Texas · Near Ojinaga
30.0380°N, 104.5980°W · 3,549 ft
113°F 85°F air 3,549 ft Roadside

Ruidosa Hot Springs goes by more than one name. Wikipedia files it as Chinati Hot Springs, and Kingston Hot Springs turns up as well. The water is hot, comfortably above bath temperature, and the site sits in the Big Bend country of far West Texas, with Ojinaga, six and a half miles distant, as the closest town the record names. Ownership and public access are blank on file, which matters for a place with this many names.

Location
69 miles from Sierra Blanca, TX

Two hundred and some feet separate the spring from a road, no hiking required. This is Chihuahuan Desert at middling elevation, nine inches of rain in a normal year and snow that melts the day it lands if it lands at all. Who holds the land is not recorded, and that alone is reason to be careful about wandering in.

Cold season, December into February, is the time the record points to. At this temperature you ease in slowly. Confirm if the springs are run as a private operation before driving out; the record gives no access status. Roadside parking makes arrival easy once you know you are allowed in.

History of Ruidosa Hot Springs

Wikipedia describes the site as Chinati Hot Springs, with Ruidosa Hot Springs and Kingston Hot Springs as other names for it, a set of volcanic thermal springs north of Ruidosa in the Big Bend region of the Chihuahuan Desert, near Presidio. The same article calls it a historic watering place in the desert.

Monthly Climate
51°
Jan
57°
Feb
65°
Mar
72°
Apr
79°
May
86°
Jun
85°
Jul
84°
Aug
78°
Sep
71°
Oct
60°
Nov
52°
Dec
Annual Precip: 8.6 in Annual Snow: 1.3 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 51°F · Water 113°F · +62° contrast
December Air 52°F · Water 113°F · +61° contrast
February Air 57°F · Water 113°F · +56° contrast
January offers 35°F more contrast than June
Current Conditions
85°F
Clear NE 37.0 mph 43%
Labor Day 94° Low 72° Sunny 3% precip
Spring is +19° warmer
Tuesday 95° Low 73° Sunny 8% precip
Spring is +18° warmer
Wednesday 95° Low 73° Sunny 5% precip
Spring is +18° warmer
Thursday 95° Low 73° Sunny 13% precip
Spring is +18° warmer
Friday 97° Low 74° Sunny 7% precip
Spring is +16° warmer
Where to Stay

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Temperature
113°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 113°F (45°C)
Avg Air Temp 70°F
Above Ambient +43°F
Good soaking conditions September
Access
Road Access Roadside
Distance to Road 233 ft
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Ruidosa Hot Springs?
Ruidosa Hot Springs has a water temperature of 113°F (45°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Ruidosa Hot Springs located?
Ruidosa Hot Springs is located in Texas at 3,549 feet elevation, near Ojinaga. Coordinates: 30.0380°N, 104.5980°W.
How do I get to Ruidosa Hot Springs?
Ruidosa Hot Springs has Roadside road access (233 ft from the road).
Is it safe to soak at Ruidosa Hot Springs?
With care. At 113°F Ruidosa Hot Springs is hot enough to need short sessions, fifteen to twenty minutes, and plenty of water. Enter slowly and get out if you feel light-headed.
Sources: USGS NWIS, Wikipedia