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Spence Hot Spring Trailhead
Spence Hot Spring is reached from a short hike from the parking area. Located five (5) miles north of Jemez Ranger District Office. There is no location sign for the spring. The paved parking area accommodates seven vehicles.
The popular Spence Hot Spring includes a small pool that accommodates a relatively low number of people. Although the spring maintains a 95-degree temperature the water has been cooling for the last several years and is a warm spring at approximately body temperature.
No glass containers, camping or campfires are permitted along the trail and at the spring.
Special Instructions: Please be considerate of the hot spring and surrounding area. The water quality is not monitored so there are possible health hazards. Visitors should avoid getting water in their noses to minimize the risk of contracting a potentially fatal parasitic amoeba called Naegleria Fowleri, common in warm springs. Also, watch for Poison Ivy along the trail.
Nudity is a violation of State Law and violators will be cited.
Please pack out all trash and leave the area enjoyable for others to use.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Day use area only; no overnight camping. Open year round. |
|---|---|
| Area Amenities: | Parking: 7 parking spaces, 1 trailer parking |
| Usage: | Medium |
| Best Season: | Fall and winter |
| Busiest Season: | Summer |
| Restrictions: | Dogs must be leashed at all times while in the parking and hot spring areas. |
| Closest Towns: | Jemez Springs |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | No |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | The hot spring is located one-quarter mile off NM State Highway 4. To get to the spring use Highway 4 about seven miles north of the Village of Jemez Springs. Since the pool is relatively small, the paved parking area is sized for the springs capacity and allows for seven vehicles. On weekends and holidays overflow parking is located at the Dark Canyon Fishing Access which is about one-quarter mile north of the hot spring parking area. No vehicle parking is permitted on the shoulders of NM Highway 4. |
Activities
Day Hiking
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Hours of Operation: | Sun up to Sunset |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |