Black Rock Hot Springs
- Soakable
- Yes
- Hike
- 0.25 mi each way
- Road
- Gravel
- Permit
- Not required
Black Rock Hot Springs is a primitive hot spring in Taos County, New Mexico, managed by BLM Taos Field Office (Rio Grande del Norte National Monument). Reaching it is a 0.25 mi hike each way. Soak temps are not on file yet. See every spot on Rio Grande.
Closures and warnings
BLM: Taos Box hot-spring pools can flood at high river levels. Keep the Black Rock parking switchback clear for emergency access. As of September 29, 2026.
Soaking
| Development | Primitive |
|---|---|
| Pools | 2 |
| Soakable | Yes Primitive riverside pools on BLM land near John Dunn Bridge; popular day soak when river levels leave pools open. |
| Clothing | Clothing optional |
| Soaking allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Water type | Spring |
| Entry | Walk in |
Access
| Hike | 0.25 mi each way |
|---|---|
| Road | Gravel |
| Road note | Access from the John Dunn Bridge area (Taos County Rd B-007); west bank of the Rio Grande. Do not park blocking the switchback used by emergency services. |
| Parking | Day-use parking near John Dunn Bridge; BLM notes the Black Rock switchback is a traffic pinch point. |
| Fee | Free; no day-use fee listed for undeveloped BLM recreation at John Dunn Bridge / Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Managed by | BLM Taos Field Office (Rio Grande del Norte National Monument) |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Black Rock Hot Springs open?
BLM: Taos Box hot-spring pools can flood at high river levels. Keep the Black Rock parking switchback clear for emergency access. As of September 29, 2026.
How hot is Black Rock Hot Springs?
There are 2 pools.
Can you soak at Black Rock Hot Springs?
Yes, swimming is allowed at Black Rock Hot Springs.
How long is the hike to Black Rock Hot Springs?
It's a 0.25 mi hike each way. The road in is gravel. Access from the John Dunn Bridge area (Taos County Rd B-007); west bank of the Rio Grande. Do not park blocking the switchback used by emergency services. Parking: Day-use parking near John Dunn Bridge; BLM notes the Black Rock switchback is a traffic pinch point.
Do you need a reservation for Black Rock Hot Springs?
No reservation or permit is required.
Is Black Rock Hot Springs free?
Yes. Free; no day-use fee listed for undeveloped BLM recreation at John Dunn Bridge / Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
Is Black Rock Hot Springs clothing optional?
Yes, Black Rock Hot Springs is clothing optional.
Nearby
Camping nearby
Fishing nearby
Public land
Black Rock Hot Springs is inside Río Grande Del Norte National Monument .
Sources
4
- https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2023-03/john-dunn-bridge-temporary-closure-order-nmfdo0000-23-06.pdf (accessed September 29, 2026; backs manager)
- https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/NM_Rio_Grande_and_Rio_Chama_River_Segments.pdf (accessed September 30, 2026; backs waterbodyName / hotSpring soak context, hazardNote, hotSpring.development / swimmerNotes.waterType / entryType, access.permitRequired, access.fee)
- https://www-26.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2025-02/rac-minutes-northern-new-mexico-011725.pdf (accessed September 29, 2026; backs access.parking / roadNote)
- https://www.taosnews.com/opinion/columns/choose-your-own-adventure/article_2440f109-c652-5cac-b1d5-fec0f0dc3b0a.html (accessed September 30, 2026; backs access.hikeDistanceMi / poolCount / soakableReason, rules.clothing)
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