These are ruins of a part of the hotel that had been operated by Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway.
The hotel closed the business, while hot springs water continues gushing.
Notice
Just as you had the right to know, others have the right to know too. When visiting this "secret" place, please bring your own trash bag and take home twice as much trash as you bring in. And remember to be respectful and kind to others.
Abandoned construction in the mountains
It is not the popular Las Vegas in Nevada.
The less popular Las Vegas in the State of New Mexico used to be one of the most flourished cities in the southwestern U.S. in the 19th century.
The opening of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway was the key factor.
The Santa Fe Railways established a Las Vegas Hot Springs hotel, which appealed to tourists.
Guests included even Theodore Roosevelt and Emperor Hirohito of Japan.
After the closure of business, the famous building called Montezuma Castle is now used as the campus of the United World College.
Other, most constructions are abandoned in the mountains.
Three soaking areas
The sources of the springs are located on the opposite side of the Montezuma Castle, across the Gallinas River.
Overall, there are three different areas for soaking.
Let’s start with the upstream one.
Gaps of guardrails are the entrance.
All the hot springs are located in the middle of the bank.
The T-shaped tub is too shallow to soak.
The water is clear and colorless, accompanied by slight mineral deposits.
Inside the wooden-fenced area, there are terraced three pools.
The top one is fed by the hottest water in Montezuma.
The water temp is around 122 degrees F.
The pool is so deep that the ladder is useful.
Overflowed water is drained to the second and third pools.
Due to the lack of water provided, I felt that the water in these pools does not have freshness.
I realized the first pool looking like e a soil pipe was the best place to be warmed.
Let’s move to the next soaking area.
There are two small private tubs.
I do not understand why it is constructed so solidly, paved with concrete.
Overflowed water is drained to the Gallinas River, where it is famous for trout fishing.
The last area is downstream.
Three rocky pools are in the grass.
A trail starts from this point in the direction of the castle.
I found some ruins of tubs along the path.
In the end, I encountered a no trespassing sign.
Please do not enter the private property of the United World Colleges.
Returning to the soaking area, I observed that the water temp differs per pool.
Due to the accessible location from the city of Las Vegas, lots of local people were gathering for leisure.
If you want a quiet soak, visit in the early morning.
Summary
Montezuma Hot Springs, Montezuma, New Mexico, U.S.
My rating
Type: Undeveloped
Rule: Clothing required
Chemical use: No
Water temp: Up to 122 degrees F
