Spence Hot Springs Soakable

Spence Hot Springs reads 100°F at the source (NCEI, historical reading); the pools people soak in usually run cooler than the source. Managed by the Santa Fe National Forest (checked 2026-08-19).

Cool Warm Hot Boiling-class 100°F

100°F / 38°C

Warm range at the source — bath-warm

Reading from the NCEI Thermal Springs List (historical reading, 1981 compilation). Source temperature — lower pools usually run cooler.

Water temperatures change with flow and season — test before entering, and never submerge your head in warm natural water. CDC guidance on Naegleria fowleri.

Access

Reached by a short hike from the Spence Hot Spring Trailhead on NM 4, about five miles north of the Jemez Ranger District office; the Forest notes there is no location sign at the spring. The paved lot holds seven vehicles plus one trailer space. The Forest describes a small pool that accommodates a relatively low number of people, and says the water has been cooling for several years and now runs at roughly body temperature. No glass containers, camping or campfires along the trail or at the spring; dogs leashed at all times; pack out all trash. The Forest also warns that water quality is not monitored, that nudity violates State law and draws citations, and to watch for poison ivy along the trail.

Trailhead: Spence Hot Spring Trailhead, NM 4 north of Jemez Springs

Winter: The Forest lists the site as day use only, open year-round; there are no restrooms and no potable water.

Access notes read from the manager's own page, checked 2026-08-19.

Worth knowing: The Jemez National Recreation Area management plan directs the Forest to prohibit overnight use at Spence Springs and to control traffic and public use as needed to protect visitor safety and resource values.

Check current conditions with the Santa Fe National Forest

Nearby springs

Identity, coordinates, and temperature quoted from the NCEI Thermal Springs List (historical reading, 1981 compilation).