Taos Hot Springs And Swimming Spots
Swimming hole in Taos, New Mexico · River
Taos Hot Springs And Swimming Spots is a hot springs / river swimming hole. It is at County Rd B-007 / John Dunn Bridge area, Arroyo Hondo, NM. Fee notes: Free (BLM / Rio Grande del Norte National Monument) — no ticket; donations for trail stew…. Best season: Weekday dawn/dusk.
Typical season: Weekday dawn/dusk
About Taos Hot Springs And Swimming Spots
Black Rock Hot Springs (often searched with Manby / Stagecoach springs) sits on the Rio Grande west of Arroyo Hondo near Taos in New Mexico. free, undeveloped BLM soaks inside Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
Source water is about **106°F**, cooling toward the high 90s in rock-lined pools as river water mixes. Clothing-optional culture is common. The approach is a short but rocky downhill (~0.3, 0.4 mile) from parking near **John Dunn Bridge** on County Road B-007. The climb out feels longer.
**High Rio Grande flows can flood/wash out the pools**. call BLM Taos ((575) 758-8851) if road or bridge status is uncertain. Pack out everything; there are essentially no services at the water. Nearby Manby Hot Springs is a separate hike/river approach for a longer Taos soak day. Browse more New Mexico swimming holes.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- County Rd B-007 / John Dunn Bridge area, Arroyo Hondo, NM 87513
- Water type
- Hot springs / river
- Water body
- Black Rock Hot Springs / Rio Grande
- Fee
- Free (BLM / Rio Grande del Norte National Monument) — no ticket; donations for trail stewardship appreciated
- Nearest town
- Taos
- State
- New Mexico
- Coordinates
- 36.53083, -105.71222
- Best season
- Weekday dawn/dusk; low-to-moderate river levels.
- Access difficulty
- Short rocky descent/ascent; moderate for some ankles.
- Parking
- Roadside / pull-off
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Dogs allowed
- Yes
- Camping
- Not at the pools; use legal dispersed/campground options elsewhere.
- Land manager
- Bureau of Land Management
- Activities
- Soaking, short hike, photography
- Facilities
- Minimal — roadside parking; no reliable toilets/water at pools.
- Last verified
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Weekday dawn/dusk; low-to-moderate river levels.
- Access Short rocky descent/ascent; moderate for some ankles.
- Facilities Minimal. roadside parking; no reliable toilets/water at pools.
- Camping nearby Not at the pools; use legal dispersed/campground options elsewhere.
Highlights & features
- Geothermal hot springs near the Rio Grande
- Historic ruins at Manby Hot Springs
- Sweeping canyon views
- Accessible hiking trails
- Seasonal river cooling options
- Historic stagecoach building ruins at Manby Hot Springs
- Crystal-clear, odorless geothermal waters
- Sandy-bottom pools
How to get there
No fee. Confirm BLM road/bridge alerts in muddy seasons.
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From Taos, take US-522 north about 5 miles, turn west on County Road B-007 toward Arroyo Hondo / John Dunn Bridge.
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1. Follow B-007 ~2.5 miles through the gorge approach, staying left at forks toward the bridge.
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2. Cross John Dunn Bridge and turn left uphill; park only in legal pullouts/switchbacks (do not block traffic or private land).
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3. Take the rocky downhill path ~0.3–0.4 mile to the basalt pools beside the Rio Grande.
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4. Soak only if pools are formed above flood stage — leave if current threatens the basins.
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5. Climb out before dark; bring a light and sturdy shoes.
Plan your visit
Taos Hot Springs And Swimming Spots works well as a day trip from Santa Fe or Taos. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Jemez Springs Natural Swimming Spots or browse more New Mexico river spots in our directory. For the full list in New Mexico, see our state directory.
Access & fees
These are unofficial, primitive sites with no facilities or management. Access involves driving on unsigned county roads and hiking on unmaintained trails. The pools may be flooded or inaccessible during high water on the Rio Grande. Always check current conditions locally before visiting.
Top picks for this trip
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
A do-everything bottle that holds ice through a full hot day at the water.
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Willit Rashguard Swim Shirt UPF 50+
The best all-around sun shirt for swimming holes — light enough to swim in, dry enough to hike out in.
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What to pack for Taos Hot Springs And Swimming Spots
Gear we compare side by side for river swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you soak at Black Rock Hot Springs?
Yes when river levels leave the rock pools intact. Source water is roughly 106°F; pool temps drop as Rio Grande water mixes.
Is Black Rock Hot Springs free?
Yes. There is no entrance ticket on this BLM / national monument access. Bring water and pack out trash.
How long is the hike to Black Rock Hot Springs?
About 0.3–0.4 mile downhill from parking near John Dunn Bridge. The return climb is short but steep and rocky.
Where is Black Rock Hot Springs near Taos?
West of Arroyo Hondo on the Rio Grande — roughly 30 minutes from Taos via US-522 and County Road B-007 to John Dunn Bridge.
Is Black Rock Hot Springs clothing-optional?
Yes, clothing-optional etiquette is common. Be respectful of mixed groups and keep photography consensual.
Do the Black Rock pools flood?
Yes. High Rio Grande water can inundate or erase the soaking pools. Skip the trip after heavy runoff and check local reports.
Are dogs allowed at Black Rock Hot Springs?
Dogs are commonly seen on the approach — keep them under control on the rocky trail and out of soaking pools when others are present.
Is Manby Hot Springs the same as Black Rock?
No. Manby (Stagecoach) is a nearby Rio Grande soak with a different approach. Many visitors do one or both on a Taos trip.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
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Map & location
Culture & history
Manby Hot Springs is named for its history as a stagecoach crossing, highlighting the area's role in early transportation and trade. Nearby Taos Pueblo showcases centuries of Native American heritage.
Conservation
Practice Leave No Trace principles. Avoid littering and respect the delicate ecosystem. Stay on trails to minimize erosion and protect native plant life.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.