Ojo Caliente, NM
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
One of America's oldest health resorts, Ojo Caliente sits between rugged desert cliffs and a cottonwood bosque between Santa Fe and Taos. Twelve communal pools deliver…
Gila Wilderness · Glenwood, NM
Lightfeather Hot Springs
Check current ratesday-use admission
1soak styles
Glenwoodlocation
Gila Wildernessregion
About these waters
Also called Middle Fork Hot Springs, this is the Gila's easiest backcountry soak: about three-quarters of a mile down Trail 157 from the Cliff Dwellings visitor center, with two river crossings along the way. A 130-degree source seeps from the canyon wall into the Middle Fork of the Gila River, feeding visitor-built rock pools of varying warmth. Free, day-use only, clothing optional — and hugely popular, so go early.
Amenities
✓natural rock pools
✓hiking trail
✓river
Good to know
- Listing researched October 2026 — prices and hours change, always confirm with the spring before visiting.
- Hydrate between soaks and limit hot soaks to 15–20 minutes — mineral water dehydrates fast.
- Wild springs run on the honor system: pack out everything, leave the pool cleaner than you found it.
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Lightfeather Hot Springs: FAQs
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Lightfeather Hot Springs?
No reservations — wild springs are first-come, first-served. Some trailheads require a parking pass or day-use fee, so check the listing details and current land-manager rules before you go.
What should I bring to Lightfeather Hot Springs?
Swimwear and a towel, drinking water, a trash bag (pack out everything, including food scraps), and a headlamp if you're staying for sunset. Never bring glass near a wild spring — broken glass in a pool ruins it for everyone.
Is the water temperature reliable at Lightfeather Hot Springs?
Wild spring temperatures shift with seasons, rainfall, and river levels — a pool that's perfect in October can be scalding or flooded in May. Test the water with a hand before getting in, and check recent trip reports for current conditions.
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