Ojo Caliente Hot Springs
Ojo Caliente Hot Springs is a group of geothermal springs at 6,220 feet in Rio Arriba County with roadside access just 30 meters from the road. USGS measurements record water at 40°C with a pH of 6.6 and elevated sodium (890 mg/L) and chloride (270 mg/L), indicating deep-circulation geothermal water.
The springs surface in the narrow valley of the Rio Ojo Caliente in northern New Mexico, where exposed Precambrian rock and Paleozoic sediments line the canyon walls. At 6,220 feet, the surrounding landscape is high-desert grassland and piñon-juniper woodland receiving only 9.6 inches of annual precipitation and about 21 inches of snow. The village of Ojo Caliente sits immediately adjacent, and the broader Española Basin stretches south toward Santa Fe.
Native New Mexicans used these thermal springs long before Spanish contact. The Spanish named the site Ojo Caliente, meaning "hot spring." A bathhouse resort was established in the 1860s and has operated in various forms since then. The springs produce water from multiple vents, each with distinct mineral compositions. The site is sometimes referenced under Taos County due to its proximity to the county line with Rio Arriba.
The springs are accessible roadside year-round. Summers bring temperatures into the 90s°F; winters average around 50°F with periodic snow. Confirm current access and fee structure with the operating resort, as the springs are commercially managed. Riana Campground at Abiquiu Lake is the nearest reservable campground, approximately 36 km west. The drive from Santa Fe takes about 75 minutes via US-285.
Is Ojo Caliente Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Ojo Caliente Hot Springs is slightly acidic (pH 6.6). It is notably rich in sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration) and chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).
Overview Riana Campground is located on a 150 ft. bluff overlooking the scenic Abiquiu Lake in northern New Mexico, just one hour northwest of charming Santa Fe. The lake sits at an elevation of 6,400 feet on the Rio Chama, a tributary of the legendary Rio Grande. Recreation Abiquiu Lake offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. The fishing here is some of the finest in northern New Mexico. Visitors enjoy boating, water skiing, and hiking. Lake shore access for boat launching is 1 m...