Quick FactsOverview
About the Spring
Spence Hot Spring, New Mexico is a free, undeveloped geothermal spring in the Santa Fe National Forest, approximately 7 miles north of Jemez Springs on Highway 4 in Sandoval County. The spring has cooled significantly over recent years; the US Forest Service now describes it as approximately body temperature at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The main spring flows into a small cave opening before cascading into tiered rock-lined pools on a hillside above the Jemez River. The cave pool, which fits approximately three people, is the warmest at around 95 degrees and the clearest. The exterior pools below are progressively cooler. All pools have sandy bottoms and hold a maximum of around 10 to 12 people combined.
The spring sits at the edge of the Valles Caldera volcanic system, near Soda Dam, and is one of several geothermal features in the Jemez Mountains accessible from Highway 4. It is one of the most heavily visited primitive springs in the Santa Fe National Forest due to its short trail and roadside parking.
For visitors looking for hot springs near Jemez Springs New Mexico, this is the most conveniently located free primitive spring directly accessible from Highway 4, though its temperature has cooled substantially and visitors should expect warm rather than hot soaking conditions.
Location & Access
Getting There
The spring is reached from a small paved parking lot on the east side of Highway 4, approximately 7 miles north of Jemez Springs and 5 miles north of the Jemez Ranger District Office. The lot accommodates seven vehicles and has no signage; it is identifiable as a paved pullout on the east side of the road. GPS coordinates 35.849392, -106.6292074 mark the spring location. From Jemez Springs, drive north on Highway 4 for approximately 7 miles; the lot appears on the right. From Albuquerque, take I-25 North to Highway 550, turn onto Highway 4 east near San Ysidro; total drive is approximately 75 miles and one hour 50 minutes.
From the parking lot, follow the trail east, descending into a small canyon and crossing a wooden bridge over the San Antonio River, then climbing the opposite hillside to the spring. The trail is 0.7 miles round trip with 144 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate by AllTrails. The trail can be steep, muddy, and slippery, particularly in wet weather or winter. No glass containers, camping, or campfires are permitted at the spring or along the trail.
For visitors exploring hot springs near Jemez Springs New Mexico, McCauley Warm Springs and San Antonio Hot Springs are also accessible from Highway 4 and nearby roads, making a multi-spring day trip practical.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit
The spring suits casual hikers, families, and visitors who want a short accessible primitive soaking experience in the Jemez Mountains. The 0.7-mile trail is manageable for most fitness levels, including families with older children. However, the spring's temperature has cooled substantially to approximately body temperature; visitors expecting a hot soak may find the experience closer to a warm pool than the typical hot springs experience.
Clothing is optional at the spring and is the dominant local practice. Forest Service rangers do occasionally patrol and have issued citations for nudity; visitors who prefer a clothed environment should be aware that nudity is common here. Dogs are allowed on the trail on a leash. The spring can accommodate only about 10 to 12 people; during peak summer weekends it is often at capacity. Weekday visits offer significantly more solitude.
For those seeking family hot springs near Jemez Springs, the short trail, free access, and relatively low water temperature make this one of the most accessible entry-level primitive spring experiences in the area. The small cave pool offers a memorable feature for children who can safely navigate the low entrance, though care is required. The spring is open year-round; winter visits via a snowy trail are possible for prepared hikers.
Safety & Etiquette
Spence Hot Spring Safety Tips
The most important safety advisory here is the Naegleria Fowleri warning issued by the US Forest Service. Naegleria Fowleri is a potentially fatal parasitic amoeba that occurs naturally in warm freshwater springs and is common in warm springs. To minimize the risk, visitors must keep water out of their noses at all times. Do not submerge your head, do not jump or dive into the pools, and do not allow water to splash forcefully into your nasal passages. This applies to adults and children equally. There is no way to visually identify whether the amoeba is present, and the Forest Service explicitly warns of this risk at this site.
Water quality at the spring is not monitored by the Forest Service. The spring should not be used as a drinking water source. Do not get pool water in your mouth, eyes, or open wounds. The spring temperature has cooled to approximately body temperature, reducing overheating risk, but visitors should still hydrate appropriately and be aware of changing weather conditions, particularly summer afternoon thunderstorms in the Jemez Mountains.
The trail can be steep, muddy, and slippery. Wear sturdy footwear with grip, particularly after rain or in winter. No glass containers are permitted. Camping and campfires are prohibited at the spring and along the trail. The parking lot accommodates only seven vehicles; arrive early on summer weekends to secure a space. No cell service is available at the spring. Confirm current Forest Service guidelines with the Jemez Ranger District at (575) 829-3535 before your visit.
