Langford Hotsprings

## Overview Langford Hot Springs is a historic geothermal spring located along the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park, Texas. Situated near the remnants of the old J.O. Langford homestead, these hot springs have a long and colorful history stretching back centuries. The springs were historically used by Native American groups, including the Chisos Apache, who valued the warm mineral waters for their perceived healing properties. In the early 1900s, entrepreneur J.O. Langford arrived in the area seeking relief from malaria and, impressed by the waters, eventually built a small resort and bathhouse that attracted visitors from across the region. Though the resort era ended decades ago, the stone foundations of the old bathhouse remain visible today, lending the site a sense of timeless character. The spring water emerges at approximately 105°F (41°C) and flows into a shallow, stone-lined soaking pool right on the banks of the Rio Grande. The mineral-rich water has historically been regarded by visitors as soothing and therapeutic, though its safety for drinking has not been officially verified. The setting is dramatic — the spring sits in the desert landscape of the Chihuahuan Desert with sweeping views of the river, limestone canyon walls, and the mountains of Mexico just across the water. ## Directions 1. From the Panther Junction Visitor Center in Big Bend National Park, head south on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive toward Castolon. 2. Before reaching Castolon, turn left (east) onto the River Road (also known as the Old Maverick Road or the unpaved road toward Rio Grande Village, depending on signage — confirm at the visitor center). 3. Alternatively, from Rio Grande Village, head west along the Hot Springs Road, a narrow, partly unpaved road approximately 2 miles long that leads directly to the Hot Springs trailhead. 4. From the trailhead parking area, follow the Hot Springs Trail on foot for roughly 0.75 miles (about a 20–30 minute walk). The trail passes the ruins of J.O. Langford's old homestead and resort buildings before arriving at the stone-lined soaking pool beside the Rio Grande. 5. GPS coordinates: 29.179518, -102.995548. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the access road, especially after rain. *Note: Road conditions and access can change seasonally. It is advisable to check with the Big Bend National Park visitor center for current conditions before heading out.* ## What to Expect At the end of the short trail, visitors will find a shallow, rock-and-concrete soaking pool fed by the natural hot spring, right at the edge of the Rio Grande. The pool is large enough for several people to soak in comfortably, and the warm water provides a memorable contrast to the cool desert air, especially during early mornings or winter visits. The water temperature hovers around 105°F (41°C) year-round. Along the trail, you'll pass the stone ruins of the old Langford resort and bathhouse, as well as pictographs left by indigenous peoples on nearby rock faces — a reminder of just how long people have been drawn to this spot. The desert scenery is spectacular, with views across the Rio Grande into Mexico's Sierra del Carmen mountains. The trail is relatively flat and easy, though it is exposed to the sun with little shade. Visitors should bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear. The area can be extremely hot during summer months, so spring, fall, and winter are the most popular times to visit. There are no facilities at the hot springs themselves — the nearest restrooms and services are at Rio Grande Village. A Big Bend National Park entrance fee is required.