Springs (Las Cienegas)
Springs at Las Cienegas flow at 86°F in the remote borderlands near Manuel Ojinaga, running 14 degrees above ambient temperature. Located approximately 1,400 feet from the nearest road, these warm springs require a short walk across Chihuahuan Desert terrain in Ojinaga County.
The springs sit in low-elevation desert basins where the Rio Grande defines the international boundary between Texas and Mexico. The landscape features creosote flats, rocky soils, and sparse desert vegetation adapted to extreme aridity with just 7.1 inches of annual precipitation. Distant mountains rise on both sides of the border, while the immediate terrain remains relatively flat with seasonal arroyos cutting through caliche layers. The springs create a modest wetland area that supports increased vegetation and wildlife use in an otherwise harsh environment. At 71°F average annual temperature, the area experiences mild winters and scorching summers.
The name Las Cienegas translates from Spanish as "the marshes" or "the wetlands," referencing the springs' creation of marshy ground in the desert. Indigenous groups likely utilized these water sources before Spanish colonial settlement. Later Mexican and Anglo ranching operations may have depended on the springs for livestock watering. Specific development history remains undocumented in available records. The springs' location near the international boundary places them in sparsely settled country with minimal infrastructure.
Visit during cooler months from October through April for tolerable temperatures. Confirm land access permissions before attempting to visit, as borderlands areas may have restricted entry or require crossing private property. The international border proximity may present additional access complications. Bring navigation aids, ample water, and sun protection. High-clearance vehicle recommended. The springs' modest temperature differential makes them less compelling as a soaking destination compared to hotter Texas springs, but they provide ecological interest as desert wetlands.
Is Springs (Las Cienegas) worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking