Overview
Riverside soaking with complicated access
Manby Hot Springs is a set of primitive pools on the Rio Grande below the Taos area. The appeal is obvious: hot water near a big river, canyon walls, and the feeling of being “down in the gorge.” The complication is also obvious once you research it: access has been heavily impacted by private property and easement issues, and the Bureau of Land Management has been explicit about what is and is not legal.
What the BLM has stated
The BLM has said the scenic easement off Tune Road is not open to the public, and that access to Manby Hot Springs is only by river float or by hiking from the John Dunn Bridge trail. That single statement should set your entire plan. If your route depends on driving a private road, don’t do it.
What the experience is like when it’s possible
Conditions change with river level, storms, and traffic. Pools can be partly flooded or altered, and the approach can involve scrambling on uneven ground. Go in expecting variability, and be ready to turn around if the river corridor is unsafe or if you can’t confirm a legal route.
Location & Access
Where it is
Manby Hot Springs is on the Rio Grande below the Taos area, in the gorge corridor near John Dunn Bridge. It is not a roadside hot spring, and the “best looking” driving routes on map apps have a history of sending people toward private access.
Legal access, per BLM
The BLM has stated the scenic easement off Tune Road is not open to the public. The same statement says access is only by river float or by hiking from the John Dunn Bridge trail. Plan around that, even if you see other people doing something different.
Hike approach realities
Hiking in from John Dunn Bridge means desert-gorge terrain: uneven tread, loose rock, and hot sun in warmer months. Start earlier than you think you need to, and carry more water than you’d bring for a forest hike of similar length.
What to bring
Pack drinking water, sun protection, a small first-aid kit, and shoes you trust on rock. Bring a trash bag and pack everything out. There are no built facilities at the springs, and conditions at the river’s edge can change quickly with flow.
Suitability & Accessibility
Manby is best for experienced visitors who can handle route-finding, uneven terrain, and a plan that changes on the fly. It is not a good “first wild hot spring” unless you’re comfortable researching access and walking away if the route is not clearly legal.
Families
I treat this as not family friendly. The gorge terrain, scrambling potential, and river edge are not a relaxed setup for kids.
Mobility realities
This is not wheelchair accessible. The approach and the pools require stepping over rocks, navigating uneven ground, and getting in and out of primitive pools at the river’s edge.
Expectation management
Even if you do everything right, pools can be flooded, cooler than expected, or crowded. The win here is the river corridor experience, not a guaranteed perfect soak.
Safety & Etiquette
Respect access rules, fully
The BLM statement about Tune Road and access routes is not a suggestion. Do not trespass, do not hop gates, and do not treat private roads as optional. This is the fastest way to get places closed for everyone.
River hazards
The Rio Grande in the gorge is not a kiddie pool. Currents, cold water shock, and changing levels are real. Keep your soak well away from unstable edges, and do not attempt crossings unless you have appropriate experience and conditions are clearly safe.
Footing and scrambling
Expect loose rock and slick spots near the waterline. Move slowly and keep your hands free for balance. A small slip here can mean a long, painful exit.
Heat and dehydration
The gorge can feel brutally hot even when Taos is mild. Carry more water than you think you need, take shade breaks, and leave before you get overheated.
Etiquette
Keep noise down, share space, and avoid filming strangers. Clothing norms can be mixed at river springs. If you soak nude, keep it discreet and assume families and mixed groups may arrive at any time.
FAQs
Is Manby Hot Springs legally accessible?
The BLM has stated the scenic easement off Tune Road is not open to the public, and that access to Manby Hot Springs is only by river float or by hiking from the John Dunn Bridge trail. Plan around that guidance.
Can I drive to the hot springs?
Do not plan on driving in via private roads. Base your plan on hiking from John Dunn Bridge or a river trip, consistent with the BLM statement.
Are there facilities at the springs?
No. Treat this as a primitive, pack-in pack-out site with no toilets, no potable water, and no managed safety features.
What’s the biggest risk?
Access mistakes and river hazards. Confirm you are on a legal route, and treat the Rio Grande gorge environment with real caution.
When is the best time to go?
Stable weather, lower heat, and safer river conditions help. Start early, and be willing to turn back if conditions or access are unclear.