Editor’s note: This hiking trail is temporarily closed due to wildfires in the area. We will not be updating information in the following article at this time.  The Land of Enchantment is home to hundreds of hikes that lead to beautiful views. Today, we’ve found a hike for you in the Santa Fe National Forest that is only four miles long. Once you reach the end of the trail, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the oasis you’ll find there. The hike is beautiful and worthwhile in itself, but at the end, you’ll find one of the best swimming holes in New Mexico.

Welcome to the McCauley Hot Springs Trail!

Senaida Madrid Martinez/AllTrails

Tucked away within the Santa Fe National Forest, you’ll find this four-mile trail that leads to a hidden oasis.

Gina Mantsch/AllTrails

This trail is considered moderately difficult, so prepare accordingly. If you’re a novice hiker, it might be best to skip this trail until you’re a little more experienced. The way to the hot springs is mostly uphill, but hiking back is a pleasant downhill hike that’s quite easy.

Tomi Petrov/AllTrails It may be a bit of a grueling trek, but we promise the reward at the end is more than worth the difficulty!

The trail begins at Battleship Rock. It follows a stream into the breathtaking Jemez Forest.

Jennifer Burrill/AllTrails

Once you get to the end, you’ll find beautiful pools to take a dip in. There’s nothing like a hot spring in New Mexico!

Kenny Dillingham/AllTrails

The water is as clear as day! Though these are hot springs, they’re typically comfortably warm. It’s one of our favorite New Mexico swimming holes.

Tanya Neplioueva/AllTrails

These hot springs aren’t too big, but around six people at a time can fit inside. Prepare for the sensation of guppies nibbling on your toes!

Matt Spinelli/AllTrails

This hike is absolutely beautiful. Swimming in the clear blue springs at the end makes for the absolute perfect activity for a warm day!

Francesca Bianchi/AllTrails You’ll find this trailhead if you park over at the Battleship Rock Day Use Area.

Have you ever taken a dip in McCauley Hot Springs? This natural spring is such a refreshing experience after a rewarding hike. Let us know about your experiences in the comments!

Editor’s note: This hiking trail is temporarily closed due to wildfires in the area. We will not be updating information in the following article at this time. 

The Land of Enchantment is home to hundreds of hikes that lead to beautiful views. Today, we’ve found a hike for you in the Santa Fe National Forest that is only four miles long. Once you reach the end of the trail, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the oasis you’ll find there. The hike is beautiful and worthwhile in itself, but at the end, you’ll find one of the best swimming holes in New Mexico.

Senaida Madrid Martinez/AllTrails

Gina Mantsch/AllTrails

Tomi Petrov/AllTrails

It may be a bit of a grueling trek, but we promise the reward at the end is more than worth the difficulty!

Jennifer Burrill/AllTrails

Kenny Dillingham/AllTrails

Tanya Neplioueva/AllTrails

Matt Spinelli/AllTrails

Francesca Bianchi/AllTrails

You’ll find this trailhead if you park over at the Battleship Rock Day Use Area.

Looking for more adventure? This easy hike in New Mexico will take you to the top of the world.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico 87532, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

mccauley hot springs May 20, 2022 Lisa Sammons What are some more hot springs in New Mexico? There are plenty of great hot springs in New Mexico! Several of these hot springs have extraordinary resorts right on site and are quite developed with many amenities. Other hot springs in New Mexico are more undeveloped and rustic. What are some of the best swimming holes in New Mexico? Is there anything better to cool off on a hot New Mexico day than dipping in a natural swimming hole? We love our beautiful natural swimming holes, whether it’s a hot spring or pond. One of our favorite swimming holes in the Land of Enchantment is Sitting Bull Falls. It’s amazing to swim underneath a waterfall! Sitting Bull Falls is tucked away in Lincoln National Forest near Carlsbad, which is home to several great swimming holes. Are there any water parks in New Mexico? If you prefer to cool off somewhere a little less natural, our many water parks in New Mexico are great options! One of our favorites is Bisti Bay. It’s located at Brookside Park in Farmington and it’s a neat dinosaur-themed experience that is popular with dinosaur lovers of all ages! The park is open seasonally starting Memorial Day.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

mccauley hot springs

May 20, 2022

Lisa Sammons

What are some more hot springs in New Mexico? There are plenty of great hot springs in New Mexico! Several of these hot springs have extraordinary resorts right on site and are quite developed with many amenities. Other hot springs in New Mexico are more undeveloped and rustic. What are some of the best swimming holes in New Mexico? Is there anything better to cool off on a hot New Mexico day than dipping in a natural swimming hole? We love our beautiful natural swimming holes, whether it’s a hot spring or pond. One of our favorite swimming holes in the Land of Enchantment is Sitting Bull Falls. It’s amazing to swim underneath a waterfall! Sitting Bull Falls is tucked away in Lincoln National Forest near Carlsbad, which is home to several great swimming holes. Are there any water parks in New Mexico? If you prefer to cool off somewhere a little less natural, our many water parks in New Mexico are great options! One of our favorites is Bisti Bay. It’s located at Brookside Park in Farmington and it’s a neat dinosaur-themed experience that is popular with dinosaur lovers of all ages! The park is open seasonally starting Memorial Day.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

There are plenty of great hot springs in New Mexico! Several of these hot springs have extraordinary resorts right on site and are quite developed with many amenities. Other hot springs in New Mexico are more undeveloped and rustic.

What are some of the best swimming holes in New Mexico?

Is there anything better to cool off on a hot New Mexico day than dipping in a natural swimming hole? We love our beautiful natural swimming holes, whether it’s a hot spring or pond. One of our favorite swimming holes in the Land of Enchantment is Sitting Bull Falls. It’s amazing to swim underneath a waterfall! Sitting Bull Falls is tucked away in Lincoln National Forest near Carlsbad, which is home to several great swimming holes.

Are there any water parks in New Mexico?

If you prefer to cool off somewhere a little less natural, our many water parks in New Mexico are great options! One of our favorites is Bisti Bay. It’s located at Brookside Park in Farmington and it’s a neat dinosaur-themed experience that is popular with dinosaur lovers of all ages! The park is open seasonally starting Memorial Day.