Spence Hot Spring Trailhead

Facility · New Mexico ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Jemez National Recreation Area (National Recreation Area) · Open Access

7,245 ft
Elevation

Spence Hot Spring is reached from a short hike from the parking area. Located five (5) miles north of Jemez Ranger District Office. There is no location sign for the spring. The paved parking area accomodates seven vehicles.

The popular Spence Hot Spring includes a small pool that accomodate a relativel low number of people. Although the spring maintains a 95 degree temperature the water has been cooling for the last several years and is considered to be a warm spring at approximately body temperature.

The area has suffered considerable resource damage due to overuse. No glass containers, camping or campfires are permitted along the trail and at the spring.

Uses: Soaking, fishing and hiking.

Facilities: Paved parking, hot spring.

Special Instructions: Please be considerate of the hot spring and surrounding area. The water quality is not monitored so there are possible health hazards. Visitors should avoid getting water in their noses to minimize the risk of contracting a potentially fatal parasitic amoeba called Naegleria Fowleri, common in warm springs. Also, watch for Poisen Ivy along the trail.

Nudity is a violation of State Law and violators will be sited,

Please pack out all trash and leave the area enjoyable for others to use.

Getting there

35.84898, -106.63141 · 35°50'56.3"N 106°37'53.1"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 89°F in Jul, down to 47°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F485260687687898680705647
Low °F192228334150555447362619
Precip in1.00.81.00.90.80.72.62.61.61.40.90.9

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Spence Hot Spring Trailhead

Can you reserve a site at Spence Hot Spring Trailhead?
No. Spence Hot Spring Trailhead is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Spence Hot Spring Trailhead

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.