At 149°F, the source water at Spring is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking — always test the water temperature before entering.
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This unnamed spring in Grant County's Heart Bar Wildlife Management Area produces 149°F water — 92°F above the local annual average — making it one of the hottest thermal sources in New Mexico. USGS measurements confirm 60.6°C. Total dissolved solids reach 505 mg/L at pH 7.8 with virtually no iron detected. Public access is restricted on this state conservation land, and the spring lies 886 meters from the nearest road.
The spring emerges at 5,743 feet elevation in the rugged canyon country of the upper Gila River drainage, where the Mogollon Mountains transition into pinyon-juniper woodland and scattered Ponderosa pine. Annual precipitation reaches 15.3 inches with 18.1 inches of snow, supporting denser vegetation than the surrounding lowlands. Rocky outcrops and steep drainages characterize the terrain, carved by tributaries of the Gila River. The Heart Bar Wildlife Management Area encompasses the immediate surroundings, managed for habitat conservation.
History of Spring
The spring sits within the Heart Bar Wildlife Management Area, managed by New Mexico's State Fish and Wildlife agency with level-2 permanent protection status. The Gila region's geothermal activity stems from the same volcanic system that created the Gila Cliff Dwellings area to the north. The Mogollon and Apache peoples inhabited this region long before European contact. Specific historical documentation for this particular spring is limited beyond its inclusion in the 1980 NOAA compilation.
Access is restricted — contact New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for current entry requirements before visiting. The 886-meter walk from the road crosses rugged terrain requiring sturdy boots and route-finding ability. At 149°F, this water causes severe burns on contact; do not attempt to soak. Forks Campground on the West Fork of the Gila River is 6 km away and features riverside cliffs. The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is 15 miles to the north.
Is Spring worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Spring is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
37°Jan
42°Feb
50°Mar
57°Apr
64°May
76°Jun
75°Jul
73°Aug
68°Sep
59°Oct
47°Nov
38°Dec
Annual Precip: 15.3 inAnnual Snow: 18.1 in
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryAir 37°F · Water 149°F · +112° contrast
DecemberAir 38°F · Water 149°F · +111° contrast
FebruaryAir 42°F · Water 149°F · +107° contrast
January offers 39°F more contrast than June
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
141.1°F
(60.6°C)Measured Jul 24, 1962
Water ChemistrySampled 1962-07-24
The water at Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.8) with 505 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).
This campground features beautiful cliffs along the West Fork of the Gila River.This campground is a great place to stop on the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (15 miles north). Overnight camping is allowed in the upper portion of Forks; however, the lower portion of the Forks Recreation Site along the West Fork of the Gila River is day use only.
Spring has a water temperature of 149°F (65°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Spring located?
Spring is located in Grant County, New Mexico at 5,743 feet elevation, near Arenas Valley. Coordinates: 33.2330°N, 108.2350°W.
How do I get to Spring?
Spring has Short Walk road access (0.6 mi from the road).
Is Spring free to visit?
Spring has Restricted access. It is managed by SFW.
Can I camp near Spring?
Yes, Forks Campground is located nearby (3.8 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 7.8 (slightly alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 505 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at Spring?
The water at Spring reaches 149°F, which can cause severe burns. Do not enter the source pool directly — look for cooled side pools or downstream areas where the water has cooled to a safe temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Spring crowded?
Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Spring?
Essentials for Spring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.
Temperature
149°F
WarmHotBoiling
Water Temp149°F (65°C)
Avg Air Temp57°F
Above Ambient+92°F
Great soaking conditionsMarch
Access
Restricted
Road AccessShort Walk
Distance to Road0.6 mi
Land
OwnershipState
AgencySFW
DesignationState Conservation Area
UnitHeart Bar Wildlife Management Area
ManagerSFW
Protection2 - Permanent protection, some use allowed
