McCauley Hot Springs, Battleship Rock, Jemez Springs, New Mexico

## Overview McCauley Hot Springs is a beloved natural hot spring destination nestled in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico, located between Battleship Rock and Jemez Falls along State Road 4 in Sandoval County. Situated within the Santa Fe National Forest at an elevation of roughly 7,300 feet, these geothermally heated springs emerge along the volcanic terrain of the Valles Caldera region — one of the most geologically active areas in the American Southwest. The springs owe their warmth to the same volcanic forces that shaped the massive Valles Caldera, a 13-mile-wide volcanic depression formed roughly 1.25 million years ago. The site consists of three distinct pools, each at a different temperature. The uppermost pool is the hottest, fed directly by the geothermal source, and is the largest of the three. It features some aquatic vegetation along its lower edge. The second pool is warm rather than hot and supports more vegetation, including habitat for the Rio Grande silvery minnow — a federally endangered species. Visitors have reported that the minnows appear undisturbed by bathers, but it is important to remember that these fish are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and care should be taken not to disturb them or their habitat. The third and coolest pool overflows down the mountainside into a creek that eventually feeds into the Rio Grande. McCauley Hot Springs holds cultural significance as a sacred site for Native American peoples of the region, including the Jemez Pueblo (Walatowa), whose ancestral homeland encompasses the surrounding Jemez Valley. The area is also home to a number of petroglyphs, offering a glimpse into the deep human history of this landscape. Visitors are asked to treat the site and any cultural artifacts with the utmost respect. ## Directions McCauley Hot Springs is accessed via a roughly 3-mile round-trip hike. There are two primary approaches: **From Battleship Rock (South Approach — Most Common):** 1. Drive along New Mexico State Road 4 (NM-4) through Jemez Springs and continue north toward the mountains. 2. Park at the Battleship Rock Day Use Area, located at approximately mile marker 23 on NM-4. This area is open year-round. 3. From the parking area, follow the marked trail heading north/northeast toward Jemez Falls. The hot springs are located roughly 1.5 miles along this trail. 4. Watch for a spur trail leading to the springs — the pools are situated uphill from the main path. **From Jemez Falls Campground (North Approach — Shorter Hike):** 1. Continue past Battleship Rock on NM-4 and turn at the signed road for Jemez Falls Campground. 2. Note: The Jemez Falls Campground road and parking area are **seasonal** — typically open from spring through fall and closed during winter months. 3. From the campground, follow the marked trail south/southwest. The hike to the springs from this direction is shorter than from Battleship Rock. The GPS coordinates for McCauley Hot Springs are approximately **35.828358, -106.642258**. ## What to Expect The hike to McCauley Hot Springs is a moderate trail through beautiful ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest typical of the Jemez Mountains. The trail gains some elevation and can be rocky in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Upon arrival, you'll find the three pools arranged in a cascade-like sequence on the hillside. The upper pool is the most popular for soaking, offering the warmest water temperatures. The middle pool provides a milder, more temperate soak. The lower pool is the coolest and serves as the outflow toward the creek below. Because the springs are located in a national forest at elevation, conditions can vary significantly by season. In winter, the trail from Battleship Rock remains accessible, but expect snow and icy conditions — traction devices or snowshoes may be necessary. The contrast of soaking in warm water surrounded by snow-covered forest is a highlight for winter visitors. In summer, the area can be busy on weekends. There are no facilities at the springs themselves — no restrooms, changing areas, or trash receptacles. Visitors should pack out all trash and leave no trace. Given the cultural significance of the site and the presence of endangered wildlife, please avoid disturbing petroglyphs, wildlife, or vegetation. The springs are clothing-optional by common practice, though this is not officially designated. The area around Battleship Rock — a dramatic volcanic rock formation rising from the canyon floor — is worth exploring in its own right and makes for a scenic starting point to the hike.