Spence Hot Springs Trail is a 0.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico that features hot springs and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is best used from May until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
To access the trailhead look for the Rancor sign and then take the next right turn into the parking lot.
February 27, 2021The trail was moderate. There was some snow/ice on the incline which made it more fun! Will definitely come back again!
February 15, 2021Excellent adventure in Jemez Springs! It’s less than a mile from the parking lot but pretty easy to find. The climb was a uphill near the end and a bit icy in February, but I think it’s worth the climb for the view and the dip.
February 14, 2021The trail itself isn’t that great. It’s the destination with this one, not the journey. The poor trail is so overused that it’s widened, muddy, and the bridges and improvements are marked with graffiti. There are places where barbed wire is installed to keep people off the grasses and rocks to the side of the trail. It’s really sad to see how disrespectful people are to our beautiful public lands. Anyways, once you get to the spring at the top, the view is absolutely amazing and totally worth the trek. Watching the sunset while relaxing in the spring was the perfect end to a long day of hiking. The water is perfectly clear and has a very pleasant smell. There are two small pools at the top. The water was around 98F or so- somewhere between a warm bath and nowhere near hot tub temps. There is a small cavelike structure where the spring seems to originate from; the water coming out of here is warmest. Unlike McCauley, there are no fish- just a few snails hanging out underwater.
February 4, 2021muddy but worth it
January 24, 2021It's a short hike up to the springs from the parking lot. Last stretch is a bit steep. Right now the trail is pretty muddy, and icy in a few spots. It was disappointing to see the amount of trash left behind at the springs. The views are great and the water was warm. This can be a very relaxing spot if you have the springs all to yourself. Gotta get there early though as it does tend to get busy.
January 17, 2021Great trail, not too long and beautiful views from the hot springs! Icy conditions in winter, recommend crampons if you have em.
January 15, 2021Loved this short hike to the springs! Top spring has a cave that can fit about 3 comfortably. Stayed for a little over an hour. Hardly any wind and I didn’t get cold being out of the water! There’s also currently an ice river you can slide down on your way back to the parking lot, just be sure to already be sitting down ;)
January 2, 2021I went yesterday, 12/31/2020. My Apple Watch fell out of my backpack and I didn’t realize it until this morning. Please reach out to me via social media (Facebook or Instagram-@_kerrrro). There will be a reward for its safe return. Otherwise, the trail was very icy. Recommend micro spikes or other traction. Upper pool was warmer than the lower pool.
December 26, 2020November 27, 2020Went around the end of November and I was the only person there. Short and easy hike to the springs & fantastic view. It was cold outside and the springs could have been warmer but definitely worth it.
October 12, 2020October 9, 2020Decent. Can be muddy. Very icy in the winter. Hot springs are lukewarm at best. Definitely worth a short hike
October 7, 2020Not the warmest hot springs I've been in but still really fun to visit. The springs have a really pretty mountain view!
October 5, 2020September 15, 2020Trail is well maintained and it’s beautiful, but people have trashed it. Clothes, towels, TRASH and HUMAN FECES every where. It’s so sad....
June 6, 2020Trail was open as of 6/6/20. Trail is maintained was muddy and slightly steep but not horrible once you get closer to the springs. The area was dirty, there was litter and even a diaper at the springs. Springs themselves are nice, the lower spring is not as warm as the higher one. The higher one has a small cave where the water is clear and very warm.
May 14, 2020Did this hike a month or two ago before it was closed due to Covid. We got up early and went for sunrise. It was beautiful
May 7, 2020closed due to covid as of 5/5/20.
January 24, 2020Quick down to the river and up to the spring.
December 30, 2019We hiked the gorgeous trail on Dec 28, under snowing skies. It got a little slippery at one point but over all it's an easy trail.
October 6, 2019Went to Spence hot springs trail in early october and the leaves along the road up from Abq were just begining to turn yellow. They will probably look amazing in another week or two. The trail itself is not well marked from the road. It is about 10 minutes north of Battleship rock and has a clear parking lot from the street. The trail is steep in some places with a moderate descent to a stream, followed by a bridge and a steep and wet ascent to the hot springs. My 5 year old had no problem with it, and my 2 year old was slow going, but enjoyed it. The trail did not have too many steep drop offs (where little kids might fall), but there was maybe a spot or two near the beginning. This trail is not long, but will be challenging for people who are out of shape. Overall, very nice hike!
September 18, 2019Trail was steep but moderate Had a great time
September 7, 2019Be prepared for underage teen drinking if you go on a weekend. Little muddy but if you live in the area it’s a nice hangout spot
June 30, 2019Beautiful view but springs were kind of gross. Socks, litter, etc. around. More barely warm than hot too or at least the lower spring.
