Hike From Hot Springs To Rio Grande Village

You can drive down an unimproved road to Hot Springs.  From the parking lot, the hot springs are only about ½ mile. It is right along the Rio Grande and, yes, the spring water was hot (about 100 degrees).

 

I walked the trail all the way out to the Rio Grande village. The trail was rocky and well-marked overall, although it could have been marked better in some places. This hike is difficult in spots where you have to go up and over several hills, and I recommend a hiking stick to help keep your balance, but there’s always something interesting to look at. I even noticed a lot of fossilized remains in the limestone, including a large ammonite that was about a foot in diameter.  This trail affords nice views of the Rio Grande river.

On my way back, I took the Hot Springs Trail, stopped at the hot springs and soaked my aching legs in the hot water for about 15 minutes. It was like therapy and did wonders to recuperate my muscles.  If you don't want to do the full hike to Rio Grande Village, you can just hike to the Hot Springs, which is only 5 minutes away from the parking lot.  The Hot Springs are right along the bank of the Rio Grande river.

On a down note, there is a lot of illegal immigrant activity in this area.  I didn't see any in this area, but I could here them talking back and forth over my two-way radio.