The cave with warm water is worth seeing.
As the place is a little too well known, crowds are inevitable on holidays.
Valles Caldera
State Route 4 from Jemez Springs Bath House to Los Alamos, is known for the Manhattan Project.
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ReferenceJemez Springs Bath House - Hot Springs in New Mexico
Bathhouse operated by the village of Jemez Springs. The source exposed on the side of it is also a must-see. Unlimited access to the source Jemez Springs, where a geyser is said to have suddenly sprung up around 1860. The ...
I could not help but stop the car to admire the vast plains that suddenly spread out on the side of the road.
![](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/valles-caldera01.jpg)
It was the Valles Caldera, created by a significant eruption 1.25 million years ago.
Not only does it retain a distinct lava dome in the center, but it also shows numerous geothermal activities and has been designated a national protected area.
Natural steam bath
![Parking 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/spence-hot-springs08.jpg)
Spence Hot Springs is located where the highway takes a sharp curve over the mountains on the caldera's western rim.
Nice parking is available and free for day use.
![Trailhead 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/spence-hot-springs09.jpg)
Get out of the car here and hike 0.7 miles round trip to the hot springs.
It is essentially a less difficult course.
![Steps 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/spence-hot-springs10.jpg)
A fine stairway was provided on the mountain road to the San Antonio River.
![Bridge 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/spence-hot-springs11.jpg)
Good maintenance condition, indicating its popularity.
![Bridge 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/spence-hot-springs12.jpg)
After crossing the stream by a steel bridge, the next step was uphill.
![Bridge 03](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/spence-hot-springs13.jpg)
In the end, the warm spring water flowed down from the top of the hill and was muddy.
![Trail 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/spence-hot-springs14.jpg)
It was thought to be a difficult point, such as after rainfall.
![Rocks 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/spence-hot-springs20.jpg)
When the trees break off and a huge volcanic rock appears in front of you, you have arrived at your destination!
![Field 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/spence-hot-springs16.jpg)
The pools were located around the rock, and the slope further up was gently leveled.
![Alpaca](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/alpaca150.png)
![Capybara](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/capybara150.png)
![Upper Pool 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/spence-hot-springs04.jpg)
There were two soaking pools in the form of steps, each of which was capped by large rocks.
![Lower Pool 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/spence-hot-springs07.jpg)
The warm water was only in the upper pool, so the lower pool was quite lukewarm, with a water temp of 81 degrees F.
![Lower Pool 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/spence-hot-springs17.jpg)
Although the view was excellent, the pool was not comfortable for me, with algae growing in it.
![Soaking 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/spence-hot-springs18.jpg)
As for the upper pool, you usually have to wait for the previous guests to leave.
![Waterfall 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/spence-hot-springs19.jpg)
The pool is bordered by a grotto where geothermal water gushes out, and it is always very popular.
![Cave 01](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/spence-hot-springs01.jpg)
Inside the cave, which was small enough to fit two adults, the space was miraculously hot and humid.
Clear, odorless, tasteless water gushed quietly from the walls.
![Cave 02](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/spence-hot-springs03.jpg)
Even the 100 degrees F water felt warm enough because the entire cave was warming up like a steam bath.
Hopefully, I would have had this space all to myself, but through the rocks, I could see the next guests waiting their turn.
![Cave 03](https://hotspringers.net/ja/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/spence-hot-springs02.jpg)
Summary
Spence Hot Springs, Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico, U.S.
My rating
Type: Undeveloped
Rule: Clothing required
Chemical use: No
Water temp: Up to 100 degrees F