At 149°F, the source water at This 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.
An unnamed hot spring in the Gila National Forest reaching 149°F — dangerously hot and 92 degrees above ambient air temperature. Located at 5,737 feet in Grant County, it sits just 460 meters from the nearest road, classified as a short walk. Water chemistry shows elevated sodium at 150 mg/L, sulfate at 84 mg/L, and chloride at 110 mg/L with a pH of 7.9.
The spring surfaces in the volcanic terrain of the Gila National Forest near the Middle Fork of the Gila River at 5,737 feet. Steep canyon walls of welded tuff and rhyolite frame the drainage. Ponderosa pine, Gambel oak, and Arizona sycamore line the riparian zones, while drier slopes carry juniper and pinyon. Annual precipitation averages 15.3 inches with 18.1 inches of snow, supporting perennial stream flow through the surrounding canyons.
History of This Spring
The Gila hot springs area sits within ancestral Mogollon territory, with evidence of habitation spanning centuries. The region's geothermal activity attracted early Anglo settlers in the 1870s and 1880s. No specific development history is documented for this individual spring vent. The broader Gila thermal system remains one of the most geothermally active zones in southwestern New Mexico.
Extreme caution: water temperature reaches 149°F and direct contact will cause severe burns. This spring is accessible via a short walk from the road. Forks Campground is 3.8 km away with free, first-come sites along the West Fork of the Gila River. Best visited spring through fall; winter snow can make access difficult. Bring plenty of water and sun protection in summer months.
Is this spring worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
This spring is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
37°Jan
41°Feb
49°Mar
57°Apr
64°May
76°Jun
74°Jul
73°Aug
67°Sep
58°Oct
47°Nov
37°Dec
Annual Precip: 15.3 inAnnual Snow: 18.1 in
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryAir 37°F · Water 149°F · +113° contrast
DecemberAir 37°F · Water 149°F · +112° contrast
FebruaryAir 41°F · Water 149°F · +108° contrast
January offers 40°F more contrast than June
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
43.7°F
(6.5°C)Measured Jul 21, 1967
Water ChemistrySampled 1967-07-21
The water at This spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.9). 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.
has a water temperature of 149°F (65°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is located?
is located in Grant County, New Mexico at 5,737 feet elevation, near Arenas Valley. Coordinates: 33.2120°N, 108.2280°W.
How do I get to ?
has Short Walk road access (0.3 mi from the road).
Is free to visit?
has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near ?
Yes, Forks Campground is located nearby (2.4 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at ?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 7.9 (slightly alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at ?
The water at 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 crowded?
sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to ?
Essentials for : 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
Open
Road AccessShort Walk
Distance to Road0.3 mi
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyUS Forest Service
DesignationNational Forest
UnitGila National Forest
ManagerUS Forest Service
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use