There were 2 draws for me to go to the Jemez area. One the junipers and pines in the area, make great bonsai, which I like to collect in the wild, and the hot springs in the area, Jemez springs is about and hour and 15 minutes from Albuquerque, which has an international airport.
Spence hot spring is about 7 miles north of Jemez springs. It is a primitive hot spring, a small 2-tiered set of pools up a trailhead off HI way 4. It’s about a quarter mile hike down a trail over a stream and up a hill to the spring. Its popular so id go on a weekday to avoid the crowds. While in these pools there is a great view of the surrounding mountains.
After soaking here in the primative pool, head to the town of Jemez springs, where you’ll find Jemez hot springs, aka giggling springs. It’s a commercial hot spring with 5 pools set by the river
Some of the pools have built in seating, and the water is 95-105 degrees. A 1-hour soaking is $25. The grounds are nicely decorated with native and southwestern décor. There is lodging at the springs, they are equipped with kitchens and no TVs, but WI fi is available. Contact them at
If you get hungry, I ate at the HI way 4 café and bakery, across the street. They have good southwestern food and some nice baked goods.
Other sites in the area is the soda dam, a beautiful rock formation with a waterfall, right next to HI way 4. Also, in the area, is the Jemez historic site. It’s a 700-year-old village and church by the pueblo Indians and the Spanish colonial mission. It’s a great way to spend a day away from Santa Fe or Albuquerque.