Middle Fork Hot Springs

Category: Hot Springs-soakable

GPS GeoCoords
Hot Springs: 33.233462,-108.235339
Trailhead at Cultural Center: 33.225328,-108.241356

Weather Forecast

Located 1/2 mile north of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Visitors Center at the north end of Hwy 15.
These springs are perfect for a short afternoon outing. The water comes out at more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit, so visitors have dug a number of shallow pools next to the river. The blending of river water and hot springs water produces a comfortably hot soaking temperature. At this point, the middle fork canyon is still wide, but surrounding cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop for your hot springs dip. Springtime visitors can watch migratory birds fly overhead while they soak.

The Middle Fork Hot Springs are located about half a mile north of the Gila Wilderness Visitors' Center at the north end of Highway 15. To access the springs, drive to the parking lot beyond the center. On foot, drop into the Middle Fork canyon and head upstream. You'll find the pools beyond the second river crossing, on the east side of the river. At the springs, the trail veers sharply over a large rock.