Outdoors NearbyMcCauley Warm Spring
Two warm pools in a meadow along the East Fork Trail, about two miles above Battleship Rock. The water is lukewarm rather than hot. McCauley Warm Spring is on public land and free to visit. Plan on hiking 2 miles each way to reach the water.
| Access | Free, public land The springs are free; the Battleship Rock Trailhead charges a day-use fee per vehicle. |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural spring, 2 pools |
| Location | Jemez Springs, NM Managed by USFS Santa Fe NF (Jemez Ranger District) Directions |
| Water | large pools around 99 °F |
| Hours | Day use only at the trailhead |
| Season | year-round |
| Hike | 2 miles one way from Battleship Rock Trailhead (East Fork Trail 137) Uphill on Trail 137 from the Battleship Rock picnic area. Dogs must be leashed. |
| Parking | $5 per vehicle per day at Battleship Rock Trailhead (Recreation.gov app); America the Beautiful passes honored |
| Clothing | suits required |
| Dogs | Allowed (not in the pools) |
| Facilities | restrooms |
| Camping | Backpack camping allowed more than 400 ft from the spring |
| Website | fs.usda.gov |
Best time to soak: McCauley Warm Spring
McCauley Warm Spring sits about 51 miles north of Albuquerque, NM; driving distance is a bit longer.
From November to March average highs around Jemez Springs stay at 47 to 60 °F, with nights down to 19 °F. Freezing nights from November to March mean icy steps and possible road closures; traction for your shoes helps. In July highs reach 89 °F. Many people skip midday soaks in summer and come back after sunset.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 48 °F | 19 °F | 3 |
| Feb | 52 °F | 22 °F | 2 |
| Mar | 60 °F | 28 °F | 3 |
| Apr | 68 °F | 33 °F | 2 |
| May | 76 °F | 41 °F | 2 |
| Jun | 87 °F | 50 °F | 2 |
| Jul | 89 °F | 55 °F | 7 |
| Aug | 86 °F | 54 °F | 6 |
| Sep | 80 °F | 47 °F | 4 |
| Oct | 70 °F | 36 °F | 3 |
| Nov | 56 °F | 26 °F | 2 |
| Dec | 47 °F | 19 °F | 3 |
More to do nearby
- Jemez Falls (waterfall, 2 mi)
- Los Alamos Skating Rink (ice rink, 18 mi)
Pack for the hot springs
- 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
- Top pick 4Monster quick-dry microfiber towel with case Packs small for the hike to the pools and dries in the car on the way home. 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.
Other hot springs near Jemez Springs
- Spence Hot Spring Free
- Jemez Hot Springs Day pass
- Jemez Springs Bath House Day pass
- San Antonio Hot Springs Free
- Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Day pass
- Manby Hot Springs Free
- Black Rock Hot Springs Free
- Montezuma Hot Springs Free
All hot springs near Albuquerque · All hot springs in New Mexico
Waterfalls nearby
- Jemez Falls (2 mi)
- Upper Frijoles Falls (22 mi)
- Lower Frijoles Falls (22 mi)
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you have to pay at McCauley Warm Spring?
Yes. McCauley Warm Spring is on public land with no soaking fee; $5 per vehicle per day at Battleship Rock Trailhead (Recreation.gov app); America the Beautiful passes honored.
How hot is McCauley Warm Spring?
Large pools around 99 °F.
Is McCauley Warm Spring clothing optional?
No, suits required.
How long is the hike to McCauley Warm Spring?
2 miles one way from Battleship Rock Trailhead (East Fork Trail 137). Uphill on Trail 137 from the Battleship Rock picnic area. Dogs must be leashed.
Can you bring dogs to McCauley Warm Spring?
Dogs are allowed, but keep them out of the soaking pools and on a leash where required.
When is McCauley Warm Spring open?
Day use only at the trailhead. year-round.
Can you camp near McCauley Warm Spring?
Backpack camping allowed more than 400 ft from the spring.
How far is McCauley Warm Spring from Albuquerque?
About 51 miles from Albuquerque in a straight line; the drive is longer.