Socorro Spring, Sedillo Spring
Socorro Spring, also known as Sedillo Spring, surfaces at 93°F in Socorro County — 32°F above the local annual average of 60.8°F. At 5,018 feet elevation, USGS readings confirm 32°C water temperature. The water is notably clean, with low sodium (54 mg/L), low chloride (12 mg/L), and a mildly alkaline pH of 7.9. A short walk of about 155 meters provides access.
The spring emerges near the town of Socorro at the eastern base of the Magdalena Mountains, where the Rio Grande rift valley meets rugged fault-block terrain. The surrounding landscape is Chihuahuan Desert grassland with scattered creosote, yucca, and mesquite giving way to juniper at higher elevations to the west. Annual precipitation averages 9.4 inches with only 8.6 inches of snow. The Rio Grande flows through the valley floor several miles east, and the broad basin stretches toward the San Mateo Mountains on the western horizon.
The spring shares its name with the city of Socorro, which derives from the Spanish word for "help" or "aid," reportedly given by Juan de Oñate's 1598 expedition when Piro Pueblo inhabitants provided food and water. The alternate name, Sedillo Spring, references a local family. Geochemical data appears in NOAA's 1980 thermal springs compilation. Development history for this specific spring is sparsely documented.
Visit in spring or fall; summer highs in Socorro regularly exceed 95°F. The short walk to the spring crosses open desert terrain with no shade. Water Canyon Campground sits about 18 km west in the Magdalena Mountains at 6,800 feet — a cooler alternative for overnight stays. Pack sun protection, sturdy shoes, and drinking water. The nearby New Mexico Tech campus and its mineral museum make a worthwhile side trip.
Is Socorro Spring, Sedillo Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Socorro Spring, Sedillo Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.9).
This campground is located at an elevation of 6,800 feet in the Magdalena Mountains.