Outdoors NearbySpence Hot Spring
A set of warm pools on a hillside above the Jemez River, reached by a short trail from NM 4. It is one of the busiest primitive springs in the Jemez Mountains. Spence Hot Spring is on public land and free to visit.
| Access | Free, public land Day use only, open year-round. No camping, campfires or glass on the trail or at the spring. |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural spring |
| Location | Jemez Springs, NM Managed by USFS Santa Fe NF (Jemez Ranger District) Directions |
| Water | about 95 °F, has cooled toward body temperature in recent years |
| Hours | Day use only |
| Season | year-round |
| Parking | Small lot (7 spaces); no restrooms or drinking water |
| Clothing | suits required |
| Dogs | Allowed (not in the pools) |
| Website | fs.usda.gov |
Best time to soak: Spence Hot Spring
From Albuquerque, NM it is roughly 53 miles north as the crow flies.
From November to March average highs near Jemez Springs stay at 47 to 60 °F, with nights down to 19 °F. From November to March lows average 19 to 28 °F, so paths and decks around the pools can ice over and dirt roads may close. In July highs reach 89 °F. Hot water on a hot day dehydrates you fast, so soak in short sessions and drink water.
| 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, 3 mi)
- Los Alamos Skating Rink (ice rink, 17 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.
More hot springs nearby
- McCauley Warm Spring Free
- Jemez Hot Springs Day pass
- San Antonio Hot Springs Free
- Jemez Springs Bath House Day pass
- 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 (3 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.
Something changed? Tell us.
Frequently asked questions
Is Spence Hot Spring free?
Yes. Spence Hot Spring is on public land with no soaking fee; small lot (7 spaces); no restrooms or drinking water.
How hot is Spence Hot Spring?
About 95 °F, has cooled toward body temperature in recent years.
Is Spence Hot Spring clothing optional?
No, suits required.
Can you bring dogs to Spence Hot Spring?
Dogs are allowed, but keep them out of the soaking pools and on a leash where required.
When is Spence Hot Spring open?
Day use only. year-round.
How far is Spence Hot Spring from Albuquerque?
About 53 miles from Albuquerque in a straight line; the drive is longer.