Overview
Classic Jemez backcountry pools, with real terrain
San Antonio Hot Springs is the “hot pools on a hillside” experience many people picture when they imagine New Mexico soaking. Multiple primitive, rock-lined pools sit on a steep slope above San Antonio Creek, with temperatures typically varying between pools depending on flow and mixing. It’s not a facility. There are no changing rooms, no faucets, no staffed rules board. You bring what you need, and you leave it cleaner than you found it.
Access is short, but not flat
The Forest Service describes access via a 0.7-mile out-and-back trail. That distance sounds easy until you remember the grade and the footing. The approach drops into the drainage, then climbs to the pools. If you are carrying a full cooler, you picked the wrong hot spring.
Why people still go
Because the setting is excellent: ponderosa forest, canyon walls, and the kind of quiet you only get when you’re a little ways off the road. It’s a good choice when you want a wild soak but do not want a full day of hiking.
Location & Access
Where it is
San Antonio Hot Springs sits in the Santa Fe National Forest north of the village of Jemez Springs. It’s accessed from the Jemez Mountains road network, not from town streets.
Driving approach
The Forest Service directs visitors to use Forest Road 376 North for about 5 miles to reach the trailhead area for non-motorized access. Forest roads are variable by nature. After storms or freeze-thaw cycles, expect ruts, mud, washboarding, or short rough stretches, and turn around if the road is clearly deteriorating.
The hike in
From the trailhead area, the Forest Service describes a 0.7-mile out-and-back hike. The key planning detail is steepness, not mileage. Wear shoes you can trust on loose dirt and rock, and assume you will be climbing out with tired legs after soaking.
What to bring
There is no potable water and no restroom at the site, per the Forest Service. Pack all water you plan to drink, plus a small bag for trash. A towel, warm layer, and traction sandals help. If you soak near dusk, a headlamp is not optional.
Suitability & Accessibility
San Antonio is best for confident hikers who want a wild soak without a long approach. It fits well into a Jemez Valley day, but it still asks for basic backcountry judgment.
Families
I treat this as not family friendly for most trips. The trail is short, but the grade, hot water, and cliffy hillside setting make it a poor match for small kids. Families with older teens who hike regularly can do it, but it’s not a casual “bring the toddlers” stop.
Mobility realities
This is not a place for wheels. The approach involves uneven trail, grade changes, and getting in and out of rock pools. If you need stable footing and step-free transitions, choose an in-town facility instead.
What it isn’t
It isn’t private, and it isn’t predictable. Pools can change with flow, weather, and maintenance by whoever last stacked rocks. Go for the experience, not perfection.
Safety & Etiquette
Start with the basics
No potable water and no restroom means you plan ahead. Bring drinking water, pack out trash, and do not leave wipes or toilet paper around the pools.
Hot water can burn, even when it looks calm
Test before you sit. Pools can have hotter pockets near inflow points. Ease in slowly and move if anything feels too hot. Keep your soak time conservative, especially at higher elevation where dehydration can sneak up.
Footing and pool edges
Rock-lined pools are slippery. Step carefully, and don’t jump between pools. After rain or snowmelt, the trail can be slick in places, and the climb out can feel longer than it should.
Etiquette
There’s no staff to manage behavior, so visitors set the tone. Keep noise low, share space, and avoid blocking the best pool by camping your gear on the edge. If you choose to soak nude, be ready for mixed company and keep it low-key.
Respect closures and conditions
If a road is washed out or signed closed, take it seriously. Getting your car stuck in the Jemez backroads is a preventable problem.
FAQs
How long is the hike to San Antonio Hot Springs?
The Forest Service describes access via a 0.7-mile out-and-back trail. The grade is the part most people notice.
Are there restrooms or drinking water?
No. The Forest Service states there are no restrooms and no potable water at the site. Pack everything you need.
How do you drive to the trailhead?
The Forest Service route uses Forest Road 376 North for about 5 miles to reach the non-motorized access parking area. Road conditions can vary with weather.
Is it a developed hot spring?
No. This is a wild, rock-pool hot spring with no facilities. Plan like you would for a backcountry day hike.
When is the best time to go?
Go in stable weather, start earlier in the day, and avoid trying to rush the hike out in the dark.