Ojo Caliente

## Overview Ojo Caliente is one of the oldest natural hot spring sites in North America, located in the high desert of northern New Mexico's Rio Arriba region, near the border of Taos County. The name "Ojo Caliente" translates from Spanish to "Hot Eye" or "Hot Spring," a fitting description for this geothermal wonder that has drawn visitors for centuries. The springs at Ojo Caliente are fed by a deep geothermal source and are notable for their diverse mineral content. The site features multiple distinct mineral waters, including iron, soda, lithia (lithium), and arsenic springs — a rare combination found in very few places on Earth. There is also a mud pool fed by mineral-rich clay. Indigenous Tewa-speaking Pueblo peoples are believed to have considered these springs sacred, using them for healing and ceremonial purposes long before Spanish explorers arrived in the region. The first commercial bathhouse was established here in the 1860s, and the springs have operated as a resort destination in various forms ever since. Today, Ojo Caliente operates as a full-service resort and spa, offering access to its historic mineral pools along with lodging, dining, and spa treatments. While the resort is a commercial establishment, the springs themselves remain a natural geothermal feature of significant geological and cultural interest. ## Directions 1. From Taos, NM: Head south on NM-68 S toward Española. After approximately 25 miles, turn right (west) onto US-285 N / NM-68 toward Ojo Caliente. 2. Follow US-285 N for about 20 miles. The road will take you through the small village of Ojo Caliente. 3. Turn left onto Los Baños Drive (NM-414). The resort and springs are located at **50 Los Baños Drive, Ojo Caliente, NM 87549**. 4. From Santa Fe, NM: Take US-285 N / US-84 N toward Española, then continue on US-285 N through the village of Ojo Caliente to Los Baños Drive. The drive is approximately 50 miles and takes about one hour. 5. GPS coordinates: **36.305186, -106.050936** ## What to Expect Visitors to Ojo Caliente will find a series of distinct mineral soaking pools, each with its own character and mineral composition. The **iron spring** produces water with a reddish tint rich in dissolved iron. The **soda spring** is naturally carbonated. The **lithia spring** contains trace amounts of lithium, and the **mud pool** allows bathers to coat themselves in mineral-rich clay — a practice that has been popular here for generations. The setting is striking high-desert landscape, with views of mesas and the Sangre de Cristo foothills. The resort grounds include both outdoor and indoor soaking areas, and the pools range in temperature. Because this is a full-service resort, visitors should expect an admission fee for day-use soaking, and reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. The area can be hot and dry in summer and cold in winter, though the naturally heated pools make this a year-round destination. Elevation is approximately 6,300 feet, so visitors coming from lower altitudes should stay hydrated. The village of Ojo Caliente is small and remote, so plan to bring anything you might need or stop in Española or Taos beforehand.