San Antonio Hot Springs, New Mexico
Total Distance: 0.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 370 feet
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
The Hike: Antonio Hot Springs is a little slice of heaven located deep within Santa Fe National Forest. Revered as sacred to Native American cultures, the hot spring features multiple pools, each with sparklingly clear turquoise water and a temperature that hovers around 105 degrees in the pool closest to the source. The water will get slightly cooler as it trickles into smaller pools further down the hill.
The best part? Getting to the rustic paradise is relatively easy in the summer months. The hike is less than a mile, and mostly takes place along a skid road, with a small bit of climbing for the last minute or two as you approach the hot spring. In the winter, the forest road leading to the trailhead is closed, which makes for a 10 mile round trip. Most people opt to follow the nicely graded dirt road to the hot springs in the winter.
The Details: In the summer months, drive to the trailhead parking area at 35.936225, -106.650757. From there, follow the dirt road past the gate. After about a half mile, you will see a weathered sign for the hot springs. Follow this sign down to the bridge that crosses the San Antonio Creek. From here, follow the trail up the hill until you reach the hot springs.
In the winter months, drive down FSR376 until its seasonal closure point. Start your hike here, and walk for about 5 miles down the road until you reach the summer parking lot. From there, follow the summer directions.
PLEASE follow basic hot spring courtesy when visiting – avoid glass bottles, food, and human waste in the hot spring, and please follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles (especially packing out trash). Although the pools are pet friendly, please pick up after your animals and pack out all pet waste. Clothing is considered optional.
Gear: For this hike, we recommend bringing along either the Winter or Summer Day Hike Essentials, depending on the season. Micro-spikes or Snowshoes are strongly advised when there is snow in the winter.
*The information in this article is for planning purposes only. Actual trail conditions may vary depending on environmental factors. It is always advised to get the latest trail information from a park office or ranger before you begin your hike.