mccauley hot spring

There's a very nice hike from Battleship rock that's about 4-5 miles rt with a fair climb to peaceful 'warm springs.' I wouldn't call them hot. While a number of people were skinny dipping in February and the pools were inviting, the microbiologist in me was concerned about potential pathogenic (bad) bacteria and other nasties. So, I'd recommend foregoing these 'warm' springs and choosing a commercial hot springs or one of the other wild hot (not warm) springs in the area. When I was there, the water temperature was probably around 82 degrees (perfect for culturing 'germs'). And, the air temperature was probably in the high 40s. Enjoy the hike and potentially make it even longer by continuing to Jemez Falls (with pick-up there or a long rt).

Spring itself small but the hike to it is beautiful and challenging. We hiked from Jemez Falls to the spring.

This is a very magical place. I just did the hike from battleship. All up hill. Nice soak with a special cleaning from the guppies nibbling on you. Then a relaxing down hill hike back.

We walked the four mile round-trip from Jemez Falls to McCauley Hot Springs. It passed through beautiful country and the Springs were clean and welcoming. I would suggest getting an early start as the springs can get crowded later in the day.

Walking from Jemez Falls parking lot its two miles all down hill. That means its two miles back up hill. Its worth the hike! Bring your own drinking water as there is none at the parking lot.

This hot springs is really not "hot" as it is warm and cool at the same time. These are three separate natural pools all about 500 square foot or so hidden in the Jemez forest. Getting there is not easy if you aren't in good shape - it will definitely let you know what you need to exercise after this hike! The trails are not well-marked as others have mentioned, so you have to use some logic about where the trail likely leads. There is a mixture of red dirt, sand, and hard dirt on the trail and several areas that require you to climb natural or man-made stair-like pathways. I also recommend shoes with good tread because some of these areas are slippery sand. I highly recommend that you start from Battleship Rock Trail head (#137) which is the steady upward climb to the springs, and then your return is downhill. You can park on the highway right above the Battleship Rock picnic area for free, but the picnic area itself only costs $5.00 to park there. If you take the Battleship Rock Trail head, you will pass by a running stream on the way up, which is nice. It was not crowded on a Monday around 11:00-3:00 pm at all. It was very peaceful and had interesting scenery. Bring extra water - it's dry and hot up there.

The hike to this warm spring was a highlight of our visit to Jemez Springs. If you love nature, beautiful vistas and a wilderness soak, this is it.

Nice hike in from the top of Jemez Falls, then another 2 miles out the bottom to Battleship Rock. Park one car at the bottom and drive to the Falls campground to start the hike. Springs are not hot, but warm, little fish nibble your toes. Watch out for poison ivy.

My husband and I went to McCauley warm/hot springs in May 2013. There are two trail heads. We took the trail head from Jemez Fall campground parking lot because it was the shortest trail to the hot springs, only 4 miles round trip. The trail to the springs was 90% downhill and was strenuous in many places. We had to climb over six fallen trees. It took 60 minutes to walk to the small creek where the pools/springs were located. The trail was clearly defined until we arrived at the springs. At that point, there were trails everywhere. The four pools are uphill from there. All four pools were beautiful. The water was very clear and warm, not hot, about 85 degrees. The area was very clean, no trash. The 90% uphill return trip to the Jemez Fall campground took about 75 minutes. We did not see anyone on the trail or at the springs. The only wildlife we saw was one squirrel. One more note, we went to the McCauley mid-week and started our hike at 9:15 am.

We went with 3 adults and 2 smalls kids. This was a great hike for little ones; 2 and 5. It's a nice challenge for young kids and you have to help them along the way but it's safe. The springs were smaller than we expected but still pretty cool. They were warm and not hot. Some of the other folks were saying San Antonio Springs are way better but the road was closed off and you have to hike 5 miles one way.

I have done this hike to the warm springs (not hot -- more like a heated swimming pool) from Battleship Rock and from Jemez Falls. The trail from Jemez Falls is easy to follow, though a bit strenuous on the return portion, and probably a bit longer than the trail from the Battleship Rock side at 2 miles. I haven't done the trail from Battleship Rock for about a year, but from what I gleaned from talking to other bathers, it is easier to follow now than it has been in years past. It sounds like the Forest Service has put plaques on the trees that guide the way, so if you ever took the trail from Battleship Rock and got lost, it might be easier, now. This warm spring, because it is more difficult to get to, often affords a little more privacy than Spence does. And, the minnows will nibble your toes. Some people pay a lot of money for that treatment at a spa.

From the Jemez Falls trailhead (at the end of the campground). It is moderate to strenuous hike to the spring, over 2 miles. The trailhead may be busy but everyone is probably going to the Falls.There are two pools, the upper is larger and more a warm than hot spring.

Nice hike in but in early March you need at least 98.6 not 90 degrees to make you want to run bare through the snow. Trails are not well marked and deer trails abound.

These springs are an enjoyable hike in and have a great wilderness setting. They are definitely shallow warm springs.

Great slightly strenuous hike from battleship rock totally worth the amazing views and gorgeous hot springs. HOWEVER these pools are not hot enough to make it worthwhile in the winter.