Discover peaceful mineral pools, fascinating history, and a scenic bicycle ride through the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Just a few miles outside Las Vegas, New Mexico, a collection of small mineral pools rests beside Gallinas Creek, surrounded by trees and the wooded foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
These are the Montezuma Hot Springs, one of northern New Mexico’s delightful little treasures.
If you enjoy bicycling and dipping into natural hot springs, this adventure may be just what you need. Scenic Highway 65 offers a leisurely ride along Gallinas Creek, with the springs tucked just below the roadside, partially hidden by guardrails.
It’s an easy place to overlook, but well worth discovering.
Soaking at Montezuma Hot Springs
The jewels along Gallinas Creek are a series of small, warm, mineral-rich pools known as Montezuma Hot Springs. The setting is beautiful, overlooking the creek and the trees lining its banks.
Across the creek, perched high on the hillside, stands a magnificent old stone hotel. Originally part of the historic hot springs resort, this impressive building now serves as an administration building for United World College–USA.
There’s quite a history surrounding this place, but first, let’s explore the springs themselves.
Today, the mineral waters are captured in open-air concrete pools that remain long after the closing of the original hotel. Although the springs are located on private property, United World College has historically allowed free public access, with rules to help maintain the pools. Bathing suits are required.
Maneuvering through the small entrance with my bicycle was a bit of a challenge. A narrow, rocky path leads downhill toward the cluster of stone-lined pools.
Among them is the famous Lobster Pot, known for its exceptionally hot water, flanked by smaller and shallower pools.
These cozy tubs can become quite intimate when other bathers are present. If the pools are crowded, I usually settle for dipping my feet into the water.
There is also a trail along Gallinas Creek that connects to other pools farther from the road. If you’re in the mood for a little more adventure, you might enjoy exploring the creekside surroundings.
The combination of warm mineral water, fresh mountain air, and the gentle sounds of Gallinas Creek makes this a wonderful place to slow down.
Montezuma Hot Springs Have Been Around for Centuries
Long before Montezuma Hot Springs became a fashionable destination, the mineral waters were known to Indigenous peoples of the region. Stories have been passed down about warriors visiting the springs to rest and recover after battle.
By the nineteenth century, the springs were attracting increasing attention.
In 1840, a man named McDonald reportedly petitioned the Mexican government for the surrounding land and received it on the condition that he become a Mexican citizen. He established a house near the springs and began charging admission.
Following the United States’ occupation of New Mexico in 1846, a military hospital was established near the hot springs. The building was later converted into the Hot Springs Hotel in 1862.
A grander stone hotel followed in 1879, reflecting the growing popularity of mineral springs as destinations for rest, recreation, and renewal.
The old hotel still stands today, overlooking Gallinas Creek and the soaking pools below.
And, of course, no historic New Mexico destination would be complete without a few colorful legends.
It has been rumored that Jesse James and Billy the Kid spent an evening or two in the area, perhaps relaxing in the mineral waters after playing cards in a nearby adobe.
Whether these stories are fact or folklore, they certainly add to the atmosphere of this fascinating place
Bicycling Along Scenic Highway 65
One of my favorite ways to visit Montezuma Hot Springs is by bicycle.
The road winds gently through the canyon, following Gallinas Creek beneath the trees and rocky hillsides. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy the changing scenery and the fresh mountain air.
Sometimes I continue riding beyond the springs to about the six-mile mark.
Along the way, there is a place to park beneath the oaks, where you can climb down toward Gallinas Creek if you feel like exploring. Farther along, a dirt road heads west, but I usually turn around here and begin the ride back toward the hot springs.
On the return trip, I pass a sturdy old metal bridge. From here, it’s possible to make your way down toward the creek, another inviting place to pause and enjoy the surroundings.
But the hot springs are calling, and I know a warm soak awaits me.
Relax and Unwind Along Gallinas Creek
Today, more than ever, we need opportunities to relax and unwind.
For me, soaking in warm mineral water surrounded by nature is one of life’s simplest pleasures.
The soothing sounds of flowing water and the gentle rustling of leaves create a kind of natural music. There’s no need to hurry, no schedule to follow, and nothing more important than enjoying the moment.
This whole area has good vibes.
Back at the hot springs, the afternoon sun is sinking, and the canyon walls are filling with shadows.
I feel pleasantly relaxed and warm, and I don’t really want to leave.
But eventually, I climb out of the pool, gather my belongings, and push my bicycle back up the short, steep path to the road.
Then I settle into the saddle and ride comfortably back into town, carrying a little of that peaceful feeling with me.
Planning Your Visit to Montezuma Hot Springs
Montezuma Hot Springs is located along Highway 65, approximately six miles northwest of Las Vegas, New Mexico.
A few things to keep in mind before visiting:
Access: The springs are on private property. Public access has historically been permitted, but check current rules before your visit.
Admission: The springs have traditionally been free to visit.
Bathing suits: Required.
Water temperatures: Some pools can be extremely hot. Test the water carefully before entering and avoid pools that feel excessively hot.
Footwear: Sturdy sandals or water shoes can help when navigating the rocky entrance.
Courtesy: The pools are small, so be considerate of other visitors and leave the area as beautiful as you found it.
If you’re traveling through northern New Mexico, consider allowing time to explore historic Las Vegas as well. Its beautiful architecture and colorful past make it an interesting destination in its own right.
Find More Peaceful Places in the Southwest
Sometimes the most memorable adventures are the simplest ones: a quiet bicycle ride, a warm mineral pool, or an afternoon spent listening to the sounds of nature.
If you’re looking for more ways to explore the Southwest while caring for your well-being, visit my Guides & Resources collection.
There you’ll discover travel guides, natural wellness resources, and my Finding Calm in the Southwest collection, created to help you slow down, reconnect, and find moments of peace wherever your travels take you.
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