Middle Fork Hot Springs
Address: Middle Fork Trail (#157) trailhead, Continental Divide Trail, Glenwood, NM 88039
Website: LightfeatherHotSprings
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 out 5 stars) Good Hot Springs Rating
Website: LightfeatherHotSprings
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 out 5 stars) Good Hot Springs Rating
General Description: Middle Fork Hot Springs is also known as Lightfeather Hot Springs. Middle Fork Hot Springs is a primitive and all natural hot spring along the Middle Fork Gila River in the Gila National Forest in New Mexico. Middle Fork is free and a public hot springs. No overnight camping. Day use only.
Location: From Silver City, New Mexico is 45 miles or about an hour and half to drive to the Trailhead Middle Fork Trail #157.
Directions: From Silver City, New Mexico take NM-15 N/Pinos Altos Rd Continue to follow NM-15 N 42.2 mi Continue straight onto Gila Cliff Dwelling Visitor Center Rd Destination will be on the left 0.5 mi
Accessibility: Middle Fork Hot Springs is accessible by car and foot. You drive to the Gila Cliff Dwelling Visitor Center. From the parking lot you locate the Trailhead Middle Fork Trail #157. Take the trail for about a one and half mile hike through a steep canyon.
Hot Springs: Middle Fork Hot Springs is free and a public hot springs. This hot springs has a source of 130 degrees. The geothermal permeates the river rocks and mixes with the Middle Fork Gila River. The hot spring rock walled pools are volunteer built. The hot spring pools change according the season and spring run off. But you usually can find at least one or two rock walled pools. The temperatures depends on the size of the hot spring pools. Clothing is optional. But this is a very popular hot spring and many people use it. So you may want to bring a bathing suit.
Hot Spring Tips: Middle Fork Hot Springs has Naegleria fowleri, colloquially known as the "brain-eating amoeba." It is ok to soak but do not put your nose under the water. The amoeba enters through the nose. It can kill you. The Hot Springs trailhead is at the Gila Cliff Dwelling parking. Make sure you go see the Indian Dwellings. Dogs are also able to use this trail. They must be leashed. Please no dogs in hot springs. It is not good for dogs. Bring hiking shoes.
Youtube Video on Middle Fork Hot Springs is below.