San Francisco Hot Springs

San Francisco Hot Springs is a Hot Spring swimming destination near Las Cruces in New Mexico. The setting stays informal and low-key. Nestled within the vast expanse of Gila National Forest, this unofficial, undeveloped hot spring sits beside the San Francisco River, where geothermal waters bubble up from the earth and mingle with the cool, clear flow of the river nearby. There are no signs directing you in, no entry gates, no snack bars. Just wilderness, water, and silence. For those willing to make the hike, the payoff is a soaking experience that feels genuinely wild and deeply restorative. The landscape surrounding San Francisco Hot Springs is quintessential high desert canyon country. Rugged hillsides draped in juniper, cottonwood, and scrub oak frame the river corridor, while the sky overhead tends toward that particular saturated blue that New Mexico is famous for swimming. The San Francisco River carves a gentle but determined path through this terrain, and the hot springs emerge at the riverbank, forming natural pools warmed by geothermal activity beneath the surface. The air carries the faint mineral scent common to hot spring environments, and in the quieter moments between breezes, you can hear nothing but birdsong and the soft rush of moving water. Wildlife sightings. Deer, raptors, the occasional javelina. Are genuinely possible in this biodiversity-rich stretch of the Gila. The pools vary in temperature depending on proximity to the source, so you can find a spot that suits your comfort. Because this is an undeveloped, unofficial site, water conditions can shift with the seasons and weather. River levels rise in spring runoff and after monsoon rains, which can affect both access and the character of the pools. Always check with the local ranger station before you go, as trail and river conditions can change significantly. Swim at your own risk at San Francisco Hot Springs. Check conditions after rain and respect any posted closures.

San Francisco Hot Springs works well as a day trip from Las Cruces or Silver City. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Roper Lake (about 58 mi away) or browse more New Mexico spring spots in our directory. For the full list in New Mexico, see our state directory.

Access is unofficial and can change. A stop at the Glenwood Ranger Station is essential to check for closures, get parking directions, and confirm the hiking route. No fees are listed, but this does not guarantee free access; always confirm with rangers.

The surrounding Gila region is historically significant, having been home to Native American tribes for centuries. The area reflects a deep connection to nature and cultural heritage.

Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all trash, staying on designated trails, and respecting the natural habitat to protect wildlife and preserve the area’s beauty.