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McCauley Hot Springs and Jemez Falls


Highlights:

Beautiful views, a series of hot springs and an impressive waterfall.
Near:Jemez Springs, NM
Scenery:
Distance:5.61 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1797 ft
Hike Time:3.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: A nice hike up to a set of hot springs and a waterfall. It is about a 1.5 mile climb to the hot springs from the Battleship Rock trailhead and another 1.5 miles to the waterfall. The springs are beautiful with crystal clear, warm water. The top pool is about 30 feet wide and 2-3 feet deep and there are a few smaller, deeper pools down stream. There are plenty of places to camp near the springs. I don't think you can camp near the waterfall so if you plan to spend the night I recommend setting up camp at the springs and then hiking over to see the falls. The Jemez Waterfall is spectacular and well worth the extra hike. The trail takes you to an overlook at the top of the falls but it is possible (although not easy) to find your way to the bottom. There is another trailhead about 1/2 mile from the falls where you can fill up your water bottles or even end your hike if you wanted to go point-to -point and shuttle cars.
Trailhead: Start this hike from the Battleship Rock campsite. To get there, take Interstate 25 to 550 west towards San Ysidro. Take a right on 4 and go until you see the sign for Battleship Rock. (Lat:35.82889 Lon:-106.64417)
Trail Guides for McCauley Hot Springs and Jemez Falls:
Hiking New Mexico
by Laurence Parent (Falcon)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: Jamez Ranger District, P.O. Box 150, Jemez Springs, NM 87025 (505) 829- 3535
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Will Brown, who has posted  4 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 2   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Phil on 4/29/2008
An invigorating hike. The topo map is a little misleading; the ascent is largely switchbacks. The springs are beautiful, the minnows fierce (!) in the lower pool and the experience well, well worth every step. From the Battleship Rock trailhead, stay left and hug the mountain for the first 1/4 mile, this was not clear out the outset. First rate hike.

Reviewed by Lori on 6/18/2007
This was a great hike! Beautiful views and fun to climb on some of the rocks and into the waterfalls. Our GPS said it was more like 7.9 miles, but definitely worth it!

Reviewed by Eric on 5/6/2007
Great hike! The $5 parking fee only applies if you park at the Battleship Rock Picnic Area. 0.2 miles further up the road is a free trailhead parking area. Watch your speed on Hwy 4, I was pulled over for 37 in a 25 and saw others pulled over as well. The official signs and maps indicate the round trip distance to be closer to 8 miles.

Reviewed by Gabe on 4/20/2007
There is a fee for parking here. $5 or $2.50 if you have a Golden Eagle pass.

Reviewed by CAC on 11/13/2006
I have been on this hike many times and truly think that this area of the world is paradise. There is no other place like these hot springs. The water contains healing power, and the beauty of the surroundings takes your breath away.

Reviewed by JWB on 9/3/2006
I was married beside the McCauley Hot Spring in 1969. My wife was a VISTA Volunteer in Santa Fe at the time, and had learned of the spring from locals. A Lutheran minister from Alberqueque consented to make the drive to perform the ceremony, but would not consent to a ceremony with a bride and a groom *in* the spring, without clothes. I have asked my children to scatter my ashes there.

Reviewed by rdw on 7/28/2006
I have been camping at jamez falls camp site for over 15 years and hike to the springs every time. we go as a group every spring and every fall. it is by far the best and most peaceful i have ever found. randy from albuquerque.

Reviewed by Heather on 6/7/2006
The well worn trail is beautiful and a moderate hike to get to the springs. However, you have to WATCH OUT for a poorly marked trail head. If you get on the footpath that follows the river, you will have a difficult hike into the springs (vertical climbs, washed out side slopes full of loose gravel, poorly marked, over grown, poor hand holds, etc.). I would hike the moderate trail anyday, and the spings are great!


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: New Mexico Hiking, New Mexico Trails, New Mexico Hikes, Sandoval County Hiking, Sandoval County Trails, Sandoval County Hikes

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