Capote Springs
Capote Springs flows at 99°F in the remote Chihuahuan Desert of Presidio County, approximately 29 degrees above ambient air temperature. Located 5,850 feet from the nearest road, this thermal feature requires a challenging hike of over a mile to reach, classifying it as backcountry access.
At 3,763 feet elevation in the high desert northwest of Marfa, Capote Springs sits within expansive creosote flats and limestone ridges characteristic of the Trans-Pecos region. The terrain features scattered desert scrub, rocky outcrops, and sparse vegetation adapted to the area's 9 inches of annual precipitation. Distant mountains punctuate the horizon across this sparsely populated rangeland, where pronghorn and mule deer traverse the same arid basins. The spring's isolation places it well beyond casual visitation, in country shaped by fault-line geology and seasonal flash floods.
The name Capote derives from Spanish, though specific origin details remain undocumented in available records. The spring likely served as a water source for Indigenous groups traversing these desert routes before Spanish colonial exploration. Later ranching operations may have utilized the water, though no commercial development occurred at this remote location. Current status remains undeveloped, with the spring functioning primarily as a natural hydrological feature in working ranch country.
Visit during cooler months from October through April; summer temperatures routinely exceed 100°F. High-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle recommended for approaching the area, followed by cross-country navigation with GPS and topographic maps. Carry ample water, sun protection, and satellite communication device. Confirm land access permissions before attempting the hike. Combine with visits to Marfa's art installations or Davis Mountains State Park if traveling the region.
Is Capote Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking