HeyTaos · Hot Springs
Hot Springs Near Taos
Free primitive hot springs in the Rio Grande Gorge and one of the oldest mineral-springs resorts in North America create two very different soaking experiences within reach of Taos.
Hot springs near Taos divide naturally into two kinds of experience. Manby Hot Springs and Black Rock Hot Springs are undeveloped riverside pools in the Rio Grande Gorge. They have no resort infrastructure and require visitors to pay attention to roads, trails, weather and current access conditions.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa offers the opposite experience: developed mineral pools, lodging, dining and spa services in a historic resort setting southwest of Taos.
Manby Hot Springs
Manby Hot Springs, also known as Stagecoach Hot Springs, is a group of rock-walled pools beside the Rio Grande north of Taos. The setting is entirely undeveloped, with the river and canyon forming the experience rather than facilities or resort infrastructure.
The springs sit below the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge, so access requires more planning than the distance from Taos might suggest. Roads and trails can be affected by weather, erosion and land management changes.
A visit should be treated as a gorge outing rather than a roadside stop. Bring water, wear appropriate footwear and pack out everything you bring in.
Practical information
Setting Undeveloped hot springs beside the Rio Grande in the gorge.
Hike The original HeyTaos guide describes the approach as roughly one mile each way with a steep descent to the river.
Admission Free.
Facilities No developed visitor facilities at the springs.
Water temperature The existing HeyTaos guide reports approximately 97°F.
Black Rock Hot Springs
Black Rock Hot Springs is another primitive soaking site beside the Rio Grande, reached from the John Dunn Bridge area north of Taos toward Arroyo Hondo.
The approach is shorter than the hike to Manby, but the location remains an undeveloped riverside site. Visitors should expect natural terrain rather than managed walkways, changing rooms or other spa-style facilities.
River conditions influence the pools, and road or trail conditions can change after rain or other weather events.
Practical information
Setting Primitive riverside soaking pools along the Rio Grande.
Area John Dunn Bridge area north of Taos.
Hike The existing HeyTaos guide describes a short walk from the river road, less than half a mile.
Admission Free.
Facilities No developed visitor facilities at the springs.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa
Ojo Caliente offers an entirely different kind of hot-springs visit. Instead of hiking into the gorge, guests arrive at a developed mineral-springs resort southwest of Taos.
The resort combines geothermal mineral pools with lodging, dining and spa services. Day access is available without requiring an overnight stay, although availability and pricing should be checked directly with the resort before visiting.
For travelers who want mineral soaking without the road and trail uncertainty associated with the gorge springs, Ojo Caliente provides the more controlled experience.
Practical information
Address 50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente, NM 87549.
Distance from Taos The existing HeyTaos guide places Ojo Caliente about 40 miles southwest of Taos.
Experience Mineral soaking pools, spa treatments, lodging and dining.
Admission Day-use rates vary. Check the official resort website for current pricing and availability.
Official website ojocaliente.com
Before You Go
Manby and Black Rock require navigating rural roads and natural terrain north of Taos. Roads can become rough or muddy after rain, and weather can change trail conditions quickly.
The gorge hikes are short compared with major backcountry routes, but the descent and return climb still require appropriate footwear and enough water. There are no developed facilities at either primitive spring.
For the primitive springs, verify current access and conditions with the Bureau of Land Management before departure. For Ojo Caliente, confirm current hours, rates and reservation availability directly with the resort.
Official information
Bureau of Land Management Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
Ojo Caliente Official resort website
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