Mamby Hot Springs

Category: Hot Springs-soakable

GPS GeoCoords: 36.507899,-105.724090

Weather Forecast

aka Stagecoach Hot Spring, Mamby Hot Spring, American Hot Spring.

Primitive Hot Spring on the banks of the Rio Grande, 30gpm at 95-100F.

The rugged nature of the Rio Grande Gorge usually makes access to the river an arduous adventure, but the old stagecoach road to Manby Hot Springs is the easiest of all the paths leading into the depths of the gorge. From the parking area on the rim, follow the wide but rocky road that angles into the canyon. The road soon narrows to a trail, offering spectacular views of the gorge and the river along the entire mile to the springs. It will take from twenty to thirty minutes to reach the springs. On the way down, watch for the retaining walls of the stagecoach road both adjacent to the path you are on and across the river as the abandoned road switchbacks up the other side. If you look carefully, you may see bubbles rising from a hot seep in the middle of the river.

The hot springs are just above the east bank of the river. Three rock-lined pools have comfortable sandy bottoms. The main pool, about 2 feet deep, is located against the west wall of Manby's bathhouse. It discharges about 30 gallons per minute and with a 20-foot diameter can hold up to ten bathers. Smaller, cooler pools are located closer to the river. These lower pools are submerged in the river during runoff, which usually lasts from late March to mid-May. Nudity is common.

Directions: From Taos, drive north on US Highway 64 to the intersection with New Mexico Highway 522. Continue straight on New Mexico Highway 522. In 5.3 miles, just before the road begins a long descent, turn left on County Road B007. Continue 2.3 miles on this gravel road, and turn left onto a very rutted dirt road. From this point, a high-clearance vehicle or mountain bike is recommended. Follow the main track, taking care to stay out of driveways along the way. After a half-mile on the rutted track, take the left fork, then the right fork in another 0.8 miles. Reach the parking area on the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge at the unmarked trailhead in another half mile, 1.8 miles from County Road B007. Note that the roads to the trailhead are impassable during wet weather.