Drive the Jemez Mountains Scenic Byway

For the past 7,000 years, calcium carbonate at this spot in northern New Mexico. And after all those centuries, it has formed into a natural bridge across the Jemez river, roughly 300 feet in length.  Drive northeast from Jemez Springs on New Mexico State Route 4. Just under 2 miles later, the formation is on the right side of the road, but parking is immediately following on the left side. Tak...

Exit Interstate 550 and head North on Highway 4 heading towards Jemez Springs. The Spence Hot Springs Parking Lot and Trailhead is about 25 miles North off Highway 4. The trail starts on a decline into the canyon for about 800 feet before you cross the bridge over the scenic river. Continue following the trail up a brief, yet steep incline towards the two hot springs. Take a dip and enjoy the J...

75 minutes north of Albuquerque, Las Conchas is a trailhead that sits right off the highway with two accessible, although small, parking lots.  Right out of the gate the wide and well worn trail drops down to follow the river north through a wide mountain valley lined with large stands of trees, beautiful cliff faces, and tall grass meadows.  Hike in along the trail over wooden boardwalks and w...

Hiking at Tent Rocks is a must-do for anyone in the northern New Mexico area. It's an accessible trail that gives you incredible rewards with little effort. The cone-shaped "tent rocks" are the result of erosion following a volcanic explosion 6-7 million years ago, making for some incredible and unusual hoodoo formations. The trail starts out at a well-marked parking lot. There are restrooms an...

Although you can reach these hot springs via the main trail in the winter, the Thompson Ridge route is a shorter option that comes in from above the springs rather than below. If you go in winter, you'll need winter route finding skills for the trail (there's no signage at any point) and an all wheel or 4 wheel drive for the road in. The trailhead starts on a Forest Service Road (accessible du...

These hot springs are a short hike from the parking area along the top of Forest Service Road 376. I've added additional details below in the event that the road is closed due to seasonality or you prefer to stretch your legs for a significantly longer, yet scenic hike. The GPX track is displaying the shorter version.  Starting from Jemez Springs New Mexico you will drive north on NM-4 for app...