Outdoors NearbyLightfeather Hot Spring
Rock pools beside the Middle Fork of the Gila River, a short wade-and-walk from the Gila Visitor Center. Bathers mix the very hot spring water with river water. Lightfeather Hot Spring is on public land and free to visit. The pools are a 0.75-mile hike from Middle Fork Trailhead.
| Access | Free, public land In the Gila Wilderness near the Gila Visitor Center. |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural spring |
| Location | Gila Hot Springs, NM Managed by USFS Gila NF (Gila Wilderness) Directions (approximate location; check the official map) |
| Water | source about 140 °F |
| Hike | 0.75 miles one way from Middle Fork Trailhead (Gila Visitor Center) Walk past the gate and up the Middle Fork canyon; several river crossings. |
Best time to soak: Lightfeather Hot Spring
From December to February average highs near Gila Hot Springs stay at 56 to 60 °F, with nights down to 17 °F. Expect frost from November to April. Check road and trail conditions with the land manager before driving up. From June to July highs reach 89 to 90 °F. Many people skip midday soaks in summer and come back after sunset.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57 °F | 17 °F | 3 |
| Feb | 60 °F | 22 °F | 3 |
| Mar | 67 °F | 26 °F | 2 |
| Apr | 73 °F | 30 °F | 1 |
| May | 81 °F | 36 °F | 1 |
| Jun | 90 °F | 44 °F | 2 |
| Jul | 89 °F | 53 °F | 7 |
| Aug | 87 °F | 53 °F | 8 |
| Sep | 83 °F | 45 °F | 4 |
| Oct | 75 °F | 33 °F | 3 |
| Nov | 65 °F | 24 °F | 2 |
| Dec | 56 °F | 18 °F | 3 |
Pack for the hot springs
- Cold-day pick SUN CUBE hooded changing robe poncho Change in and out of a wet suit at a trailhead with no changing room, and stay warm after a winter soak. View on Amazon
- Earth Pak roll-top waterproof dry bag Keeps your phone, keys and dry clothes safe on wet rocks next to the pool. View on Amazon
- Battery-free floating water thermometer Check a pool before you get in. Natural springs can run hotter than they look. View on Amazon
We haven't tested these ourselves; we chose them by size and specs. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Check the current price on Amazon.
More hot springs nearby
- Jordan Hot Springs Free
- Turkey Creek Hot Springs Free
- San Francisco Hot Springs Free
- Sierra Grande Lodge Day pass
- Blackstone Hotsprings Day pass
- Fire Water Lodge Guests only
- Hoosier Hot Springs & Inn Day pass
- Hot Springs Glamp Camp Guests only
Sources
Access, prices and rules come from these official pages, checked October 2026. Hot springs close for weather, repairs or high water, so confirm before you go.
Something changed? Tell us.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to pay at Lightfeather Hot Spring?
Yes. Lightfeather Hot Spring is on public land with no soaking fee.
How hot is Lightfeather Hot Spring?
Source about 140 °F.
How long is the hike to Lightfeather Hot Spring?
0.75 miles one way from Middle Fork Trailhead (Gila Visitor Center). Walk past the gate and up the Middle Fork canyon; several river crossings.