Stagecoach Hot Springs
Address: Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico
Website: No Website
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out 5 stars) Great Hot Springs Rating
Website: No Website
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out 5 stars) Great Hot Springs Rating
General Description: Stagecoach Hot Springs (Manby) offers a quintessential New Mexico experience that is both entirely natural and free to the public. Located just downriver from Black Rock, this popular destination features three primitive, rock-walled pools with sandy bottoms that sit right at the water's edge. It is a strictly clothing-optional sanctuary that draws significant foot traffic during the summer months, making it a social hub for those looking to soak in mineral-rich waters while taking in the dramatic canyon views.
Location: From Taos, New Mexico it is 13 miles or about 25 minutes.
Directions: From Taos, New Mexico, take Highway 522 N and at mile 5.3 turn west onto County Road B007. Instead of turning toward the canyon rim (which is now private and closed to the public), follow B007 all the way down the winding road into the gorge and cross over the John Dunn Bridge. Park in the designated area near the bridge and look for the trail heading south along the west bank of the Rio Grande. This is a more rugged, 2-mile hike that takes about 45 to 60 minutes and involves some boulder scrambling, but it is currently the only legal way to access the springs since the old "Dobson House" route is strictly off-limits to visitors.
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Accessibility: Stagecoach Hot Springs is accessible by car to the John Dunn Bridge parking area, which serves as the current legal trailhead for the springs. From here, the journey is roughly a 2-mile hike each way along a scenic riverside trail that sees moderate foot traffic and is rated as moderate-to-difficult due to several sections of technical boulder scrambling.
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Hot Springs: Nestled at the bottom of the rugged Río Grande Gorge, Stagecoach Hot Springs consists of four rock-walled pools situated right along the river’s edge. The two main pools offer a relaxing soak in roughly two feet of water with natural sand and gravel bottoms, maintaining temperatures between 98°F and 100°F depending on the season. Adjacent to these are two smaller, cooler pools that sit closer to the river flow, providing a more temperate experience. Visitors should be aware that during the peak of the spring river runoff, these primitive pools are often completely submerged by the Rio Grande, so checking water levels before your hike is essential. Clothing is optional.
Hot Spring Tips: When preparing for the trek down to the springs, ditch the flip-flops in favor of sturdy hiking shoes or strapped sandals to handle the technical boulder scrambling along the river. Since the high-altitude sun and the hot mineral water will dehydrate you quickly, it is vital to bring significantly more water than you think you will need for the round trip. Additionally, packing a dry bag for your clothes and electronics will ensure your gear stays protected from unexpected river splashes or sudden high-desert rain showers.
To respect the clothing-optional culture of the gorge, always keep your camera tucked away and avoid taking photos that include other bathers. It is also critical to keep the pools safe and pristine by never bringing glass containers near the water, as broken glass is nearly impossible to remove from the sandy bottoms. Furthermore, remember that even biodegradable soaps can harm the delicate river ecosystem, so keep the water pure by saving any scrubbing for when you return home.
Before you head out, always check the Rio Grande flow levels because the pools are often completely submerged during the heavy spring runoff. Be vigilant while navigating the riverside trail as poison ivy is common among the brush and can quickly ruin a post-soak glow. Finally, if you plan on staying for the sunset, always carry a dedicated headlamp because the shadows in the gorge deepen rapidly and make the rocky return path treacherous to navigate with only a cell phone light.
To respect the clothing-optional culture of the gorge, always keep your camera tucked away and avoid taking photos that include other bathers. It is also critical to keep the pools safe and pristine by never bringing glass containers near the water, as broken glass is nearly impossible to remove from the sandy bottoms. Furthermore, remember that even biodegradable soaps can harm the delicate river ecosystem, so keep the water pure by saving any scrubbing for when you return home.
Before you head out, always check the Rio Grande flow levels because the pools are often completely submerged during the heavy spring runoff. Be vigilant while navigating the riverside trail as poison ivy is common among the brush and can quickly ruin a post-soak glow. Finally, if you plan on staying for the sunset, always carry a dedicated headlamp because the shadows in the gorge deepen rapidly and make the rocky return path treacherous to navigate with only a cell phone light.
Youtube Video on Stagecoach Hot Springs is below.
