Hot Springs Near Taos
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. Two very different experiences within an hour of Taos.
Verify access before you go. Both Black Rock and Manby require hiking into the Rio Grande Gorge on dirt roads and trails that can be affected by weather, erosion, and land management changes. Conditions change. The BLM Taos Field Office is the authoritative source: 575-758-0940.
Manby Hot Springs (Stagecoach)
Three rock-walled pools along the Rio Grande at roughly 97 degrees. Named for Arthur Manby, a British speculator who acquired large tracts of northern New Mexico land through fraud and was found decapitated in his Taos home in 1929. The ruins of his bathhouse surround the main pool. The springs are about one mile from the parking area, reached by a steep descent into the gorge.
Clothing optional. BLM land. Free. Quieter than Black Rock most days. The history alone is worth knowing before you go.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Access | County Road B007 off NM-522, approximately 10 miles north of Taos Plaza. High-clearance vehicle recommended. |
| Hike in | About 1 mile each way, steep descent to the river. |
| Admission | Free. No facilities. |
| Clothing policy | Clothing optional. |
| Temperature | Approximately 97 degrees Fahrenheit. |
Black Rock Hot Springs
Two rock-bottomed pools along the river, accessible via a shorter hike than Manby. More popular and more likely to have other visitors. Also clothing optional, also free, also BLM land. Access is from the John Dunn Bridge area on the river road north of Taos toward Arroyo Hondo.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Access | Via the John Dunn Bridge road off NM-522. Reach the bridge and look for the trail south along the river. |
| Hike in | Short walk from the river road, less than half a mile. |
| Admission | Free. No facilities. |
| Clothing policy | Clothing optional. |
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa
An entirely different experience from the primitive gorge springs. Ojo Caliente is one of the oldest health resorts in North America, on the National Register of Historic Places, about 40 miles southwest of Taos on US-285. Multiple geothermal mineral pools at different temperatures, spa treatments, pools with varying mineral compositions, lodging, and restaurant. Tewa tradition holds that the pools provided access to the underworld.
Day access is available without lodging. Book in advance, especially on summer weekends. This is not a hidden gem , it is known and visited , but it earns its reputation.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente, NM 87549 |
| Phone | 505-583-2233 |
| Website | ojocaliente.com |
| Distance from Taos | About 40 miles southwest on US-285. Approximately 45 minutes. |
| Admission | Day use rates vary. Check website for current pricing. Reservations recommended. |
Access Notes for Gorge Hot Springs
Both Black Rock and Manby require navigating rural roads north of Taos. The roads can be rough, muddy after rain, and impassable in bad weather. High-clearance vehicles are helpful. Do not attempt these roads in a low-clearance sedan after significant rain.
The gorge hikes are short but steep. The trail back up after a soak is harder than the way down. Bring water. There are no facilities at either location. Pack out everything you pack in.
Both springs are on BLM land. The BLM Taos Field Office can confirm current road and trail conditions: 575-758-0940.
Sources: BLM Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort. Access conditions change. Verify current status before visiting.