Jemez Hot Springs
4.6(909)google
4.4(109)yelp
CanyonHealingHot SpringSecluded & Uncrowded
Overview
McCauley Hot Springs, also known as McCauley Warm Springs and Battleship Rock Hot Springs is a thermal spring in the Santa Fe National Forest, near the Jemez Springs area of Northern New Mexico.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeThe freezing winter months from November to March create a magnificent, steamy contrast as the surrounding red rock canyons are frosted with snow. Booking a weekday morning slot right at the 10:00 AM opening is highly advised; it ensures you can soak in the therapeutic 104°F mineral pools in peaceful, near-solitude as mountain mist rises.
Getting ThereNestled beautifully within the red rock valleys at 040 Abousleman Loop in Jemez Springs, NM. Driving is essential: ride I-25 N out of Albuquerque to exit 242 for US-550 N, turn right at San Ysidro onto the scenic NM-4 N (Jemez Mountain Trail), and cruise uphill for 20 minutes. The historic spa property features a dedicated, free paved lot.
Travel Tips
- Enforcing strict capacity bouncers, soak sessions are capped at 60 minutes; weekend slots fill by noon, making weekday morning check-ins optimal.
- The high-temperature mineral water contains heavy sulfur compounds; remove all sterling silver jewelry before soaking to prevent instant black oxidation.
- Located in a steep mountain canyon along SR-4, shadow zones develop severe black ice; 4WD or snow tires are highly required after winter storms.
Reviews
Positive
- Natural mineral hot springs nestled inside red rock canyons; soaking in healing waters while staring at red cliffs provides premium visual and physical bliss.
- The spring water is elite, pure, and natural, rich in trace minerals with zero chemical sulfur smell, leaving skin incredibly smooth and melts fatigue away.
- The resort property is meticulously manicured, complete with clean changing rooms, fresh showers, and comfy loungers in a quiet, high-value sanctuary.
- Excellent location along a perfect weekend scenic road trip from Santa Fe or ABQ, wrapped by mountain air for a true soul-refreshing getaway.
Heads up
- Due to strict capacity caps and compact pools, weekend passes are notoriously hard to secure; without pre-booking weeks ahead, walk-ins are turned away.
- Soaking sessions face strict time limits (~1 to 1.5 hours), which feels rushed and restrictive for vacationers hoping to lounge lazily for half a day.
- On-site dining is virtually non-existent, leaving starving bathers to hunt for scattered local bites in town; plus, outside alcohol is strictly banned.
- Prices have bumped significantly lately; and during freezing winter days, some open-air pools lose heat to the cold wind, disappointing those seeking hot steams.