Soothing Waters of Spence Hot Springs
Adventure Destination

Soothing Waters of Spence Hot Springs

Explore the soothing waters of Spence Hot Springs in New Mexico's Jemez Mountains. Enjoy a serene soaking experience amidst stunning pine forests. Access is hike-in, making it perfect for adventure seekers. Visit in spring or fall for the best experience.

Soaking7.8/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Soaking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

Spence Hot Springs, located in the scenic region of Jemez Mountains in New Mexico, offers visitors a tranquil retreat in the midst of nature’s beauty. Tucked away in the lush, forested landscape, these natural hot springs are a hidden gem for those seeking relaxation. The springs are fed by thermal waters that emerge from volcanic activity beneath the Earth’s surface, providing a soothing soak amidst serene surroundings. The area is characterized by its picturesque views, with tall pine trees framing the landscape and a crystal-clear stream meandering nearby. The springs are naturally formed, offering both a sense of adventure and peace to visitors. Historically, the Jemez Mountains have been inhabited by Native American tribes for centuries, with the hot springs serving as a place of healing and social gathering. This cultural richness adds an extra layer of intrigue to the area, making it not just a destination for relaxation, but a place of cultural significance. Whether you're seeking a quiet retreat or an exploratory adventure, Spence Hot Springs offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical depth.

Editorial Assessment

Spence Hot Springs is a delightful escape, notable for its natural beauty and cultural history. Though not among the most iconic global destinations, its unique charm and soothing environment make it a memorable visit for those in the region.

Soothing Waters of Spence Hot Springs

Adventure Guide to Soothing Waters of Spence Hot Springs

1

Experience Soothing Waters of Spence Hot Springs

  • Special Features: Explore the soothing waters of Spence Hot Springs in New Mexico's Jemez Mountains. Enjoy a serene soaking experience amidst stunning pine forests. Access is hike-in, making it perfect for adventure seekers. Visit in spring or fall for the best experience.
  • Visitor Tips: Best time to visit is during Spring and Fall. Bring adequate water, appropriate outdoor gear, and camera.
  • Directions: Spence Hot Springs, New Mexico 87025, USA
2

Exploring Near Jemez Springs, New Mexico

  • Local Insights: Offers direct access to top trails, protected natural reserves, and picturesque viewpoints across Jemez Springs, New Mexico.
  • Visitor Tips: Check local regulations, trail conditions, and weather before heading out.
3

Photography and Wildlife

  • Special Highlights: Capture panoramic sunrise and sunset views across the surrounding mountain terrain.
  • Visitor Tips: Arrive in early morning or late afternoon for the softest lighting and quieter trails.

Reviews

K
Kip Aubrey7 months ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

L
Lisseth Garciaa year ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

S
Selena Y2 years ago

First hike to a natural hot springs. Hike is not too bad (had 4 y/o and 9 y/o with that did just fine). There are two small body of water on top of another - tier like water fountain. People left dirty baby diapers, socks, a bath towel and water bottles. Bottom springs is covered in moss. Top springs only fit the 4 of us -we only went in to take a couple photos and headed back. Will not be returning.

K
kaze ame3 years ago

The walk to the parking lot is easy, feeling like you're in the mountains, but from the free parking lot to the hot springs, it's a bit of a trek. You'll go downhill, cross a river, and then climb another steep slope. It should take about 10 minutes of trekking. It's quite a steep slope, so you can change into your swimsuit at the parking lot, but it's best to wear sneakers. The hot springs are truly natural. Moss grows on them. The water is lukewarm. Because it's located at the top of a steep slope, it can be dangerous depending on where you enter, so please be careful. If you find it difficult to enter, you can climb further up the hot springs and then descend to find an easier spot. The hot springs also have a small cave, making it a rather interesting natural hot spring. In the summer, it might be nice to walk down the slope after the hot springs, take a break by the river, and then climb back up to the parking lot.

D
diedre diamond4 years ago

Beautiful site but the water is barely body temperature.

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Adventure Destinations

View All Destinations →
Discover Jemez Falls Trailhead8.52.65 miEasy
Jemez Falls Trailhead

Discover Jemez Falls Trailhead

Explore Jemez Falls Trailhead near Jemez Springs, NM. This easy trail offers beautiful views of Jemez Falls, perfect for hiking with family. Enjoy picnicking and wildlife watching year-round with fewer crowds, especially in spring and fall.

View Details →
Jemez Falls: A Hidden Gem in the Jemez Mountains8.52.86 miModerate
Jemez Falls

Jemez Falls: A Hidden Gem in the Jemez Mountains

Enjoy a 1.5-mile trail to Jemez Falls in the serene Santa Fe National Forest, offering a moderate hike with beautiful waterfall views and a peaceful atmosphere. Best visited in spring and fall, perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts looking for tranquility.

View Details →
Nature's Masterpiece: Jemez Soda Dam8.25.10 mi
Jemez Soda Dam

Nature's Masterpiece: Jemez Soda Dam

Visit the Jemez Soda Dam in Jemez Springs, New Mexico for a unique geological experience. This historic landmark offers sightseeing and picnicking opportunities with tranquil views of travertine structures. Best visited in spring and fall, it remains quiet year-round.

View Details →
Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

Deluxe Sampler: Five Hours Sampling Northern New Mexico’s Pueblo and Spanish Heritage15.4 mi
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Deluxe Sampler: Five Hours Sampling Northern New Mexico’s Pueblo and Spanish Heritage

A 5-hour sightseeing tour around Santa Fe that pairs Spanish and Pueblo history, dramatic northern New Mexico landscapes, and authentic local flavors—this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.

15.4 miView Trips & Details →
Tracing Oppenheimer’s Footsteps: A Half-Day Passage from Santa Fe to Los Alamos40.3 mi
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Tracing Oppenheimer’s Footsteps: A Half-Day Passage from Santa Fe to Los Alamos

A 4-hour guided outing from Santa Fe to key Manhattan Project sites and Oppenheimer’s home led by a Los Alamos native — a concise field primer for travelers.

40.3 miView Trips & Details →
Tracing Fire and Memory: The Jemez Super Volcano in the Santa Fe Foothills43.7 mi
Santa Fe Foothills, New Mexico

Tracing Fire and Memory: The Jemez Super Volcano in the Santa Fe Foothills

A seven-hour sightseeing tour that threads volcanic caldera, ancient Pueblo ruins and the Manhattan Project footprint—this guide helps you read the layers of a landscape forged by a million-year-old eruption.

43.7 miView Trips & Details →
All-Day Ride Above Taos: A High-Alpine Loop with Rio Grande Stables46.6 mi
Questa, New Mexico

All-Day Ride Above Taos: A High-Alpine Loop with Rio Grande Stables

A guided, 6–7 hour horseback journey from Rio Grande Stables into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains; this guide lays out logistics, fitness limits, and what to pack.

46.6 miView Trips & Details →
High‑Desert Sips: A Luxurious High Road Drive from Santa Fe to Chimayó and Northern Vineyards40.4 mi
Santa Fe, New Mexico

High‑Desert Sips: A Luxurious High Road Drive from Santa Fe to Chimayó and Northern Vineyards

An all‑inclusive, guided wine tour from Santa Fe that pairs a cultural visit to the Santuario de Chimayó with curated tastings at three high‑elevation northern New Mexico wineries.

40.4 miView Trips & Details →
Into the Cliffs: A Day Driving from Santa Fe to Puye and Bandelier18.9 mi
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Into the Cliffs: A Day Driving from Santa Fe to Puye and Bandelier

A full-day, all-inclusive driving tour from Santa Fe that pairs guided visits to Puye Cliff Dwellings with hikes through Bandelier National Monument, useful for planning the logistics, pace, and what to bring.

18.9 miView Trips & Details →