Taos Hot Springs and Swimming Spots

About Taos Hot Springs: Black Rock and Manby Hot Springs

Tucked deep within the dramatic walls of the Rio Grande Gorge, the Black Rock and Manby hot springs offer one of northern New Mexico's most rewarding and ruggedly beautiful natural soaking experiences. Managed as an unofficial BLM area, these geothermal pools demand a bit of effort to reach — steep canyon trails and unpaved roads are part of the journey — but visitors who make the descent are rewarded with something rare: crystal-clear, odorless hot spring water pooled in sandy-bottomed basins, framed by sweeping views of ancient basalt canyon walls and the cold, rushing Rio Grande just steps away.

The Setting: A Canyon Unlike Any Other

The Rio Grande Gorge near Taos is a geological wonder — a narrow slash in the high desert plateau where the river has carved hundreds of feet through layers of volcanic rock over millions of years. Down here at river level, the scale of the canyon becomes visceral. Rust-colored cliff walls loom overhead, ravens wheel on the thermals above, and the sound of the river fills the air. At Manby Hot Springs, the atmosphere takes on a layer of history: the crumbling ruins of an old stagecoach building stand nearby, lending the site a faintly mysterious, time-worn character that sets it apart from more manicured destinations. The combination of geological drama, historical intrigue, and geothermal warmth creates an atmosphere that feels genuinely wild.

The Water: Soaking in the Gorge

The hot springs themselves are a delight for the senses. The geothermal water is notably clear and free of the sulfuric odor common to many hot springs — you can peer straight down through the water to the sandy bottom of each pool. Temperatures vary by pool and by season, but the warmth seeps into tired muscles in a way that's deeply satisfying after the hike down. In warmer months, the Rio Grande flows close enough that you can cool off in the cold river current between soaks — a sharp, bracing contrast that will leave you feeling thoroughly alive. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions overall, with mild air temperatures balancing the heat of the pools. Summer visits are entirely possible but can be intense, while winter access may be limited or closed by snow on the approach roads.

Practical Visit Information

There are no facilities at these springs — no restrooms, no trash cans, no lifeguards, and no developed camping on site. Primitive camping may be permitted in the surrounding BLM area; check with local BLM offices before planning an overnight stay. The trails into the gorge are steep and require sturdy footwear and solid footing. There is no entrance fee for the site itself. Come prepared with water, sun protection, and everything you'll carry out with you. The area is unofficial and unsanctioned, so etiquette, Leave No Trace principles, and self-sufficiency matter here more than ever.

Plan Your Visit

The hot springs are most easily accessed from the Taos area, with the charming town of Taos just a short drive away — a perfect base for exploring galleries, restaurants, and the historic Taos Pueblo. The small community of Arroyo Hondo sits even closer to the gorge. Santa Fe, roughly an hour and a half south, makes a viable launching point for a longer northern New Mexico road trip that pairs these springs with the region's rich cultural landscape.