Spence Hot Springs
- Source temp
- 95°F
- Soakable
- Yes
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Allowed
The source runs about 95°F; the soaking pools run 95°F at Spence Hot Springs, a primitive hot spring in Sandoval County, New Mexico, managed by USDA Forest Service (Santa Fe National Forest, Jemez Ranger District).
Closures and warnings
Poison ivy along the trail. Nudity is a violation of state law and will be cited. As of September 28, 2026.
USFS: water quality is not monitored. Avoid getting water in the nose to reduce Naegleria fowleri risk common in warm springs. As of September 28, 2026.
Soaking
| Development | Primitive |
|---|---|
| Source temperature | 95°F |
| Soaking temperature | 95°F |
| Soakable | Yes USFS: small pool; water has cooled in recent years to about body temperature (~95F) |
| Clothing | Swimsuit required |
| Soaking allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Water type | Spring |
| Entry | Walk in |
| Current | None |
Access
| Road | Paved |
|---|---|
| Road note | Located about 5 miles north of the Jemez Ranger District Office; no location sign for the spring |
| Parking | Paved parking area accommodates 7 vehicles plus 1 trailer space |
| Hours | Day use only; open year-round; no overnight camping |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Managed by | USDA Forest Service (Santa Fe National Forest, Jemez Ranger District) |
| Restrooms | No |
|---|---|
| Drinking water | No |
| Note | No restrooms; potable water not available |
Rules
| Dogs | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Camping | Not allowed |
| Fires | Not allowed |
| Glass | Not allowed |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Spence Hot Springs open?
Poison ivy along the trail. Nudity is a violation of state law and will be cited. As of September 28, 2026. USFS: water quality is not monitored. Avoid getting water in the nose to reduce Naegleria fowleri risk common in warm springs. As of September 28, 2026. Hours: Day use only; open year-round; no overnight camping.
How hot is Spence Hot Springs?
The spring's source runs about 95°F. The soaking pools run 95°F.
Can you soak at Spence Hot Springs?
Yes, swimming is allowed at Spence Hot Springs. No current is reported here. USFS: water quality is not monitored. Avoid getting water in the nose to reduce Naegleria fowleri risk common in warm springs. As of September 28, 2026.
How do you get to Spence Hot Springs?
The road in is paved. Located about 5 miles north of the Jemez Ranger District Office; no location sign for the spring. Parking: Paved parking area accommodates 7 vehicles plus 1 trailer space.
Do you need a reservation for Spence Hot Springs?
No reservation or permit is required.
Is Spence Hot Springs clothing optional?
No. Swimsuits are required at Spence Hot Springs.
What facilities are at Spence Hot Springs?
No restrooms and drinking water. No restrooms; potable water not available.
Nearby
Camping nearby
Fishing nearby
Public land
Spence Hot Springs is inside Santa Fe National Forest .
Just outside: Valles Caldera National Preserve (0.4 mi) .
Sources
1
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/santafe/recreation/spence-hot-spring-trailhead (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager, access.roadNote / access.parking, access.hours / rules.camping, access.amenities, rules.dogs, rules.glass / rules.fires / rules.camping, rules.clothing, hotSpring.sourceTempF / soakingTempF / soakableReason, hotSpring.development / soakable / swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed, healthNote / hazardNote)
More: New Mexico hot springs · hot springs near Santa Fe · hot springs near Albuquerque