Black Rock Hot Springs
97–98°F
Pool temperatures
Short walk
Moderate access
Free
No fee reported
A small group of springs on the west bank of the Rio Grande north of Taos, collected into primitive rock pools around 97 to 98F. A short steep trail from the John Dunn Bridge leads to it, and the pools depend on river level.
01 · Before you go
Plan your visit
What to expect on the ground: rules, facilities and when to go.
- Clothing optionalCommon here, not official policy
- BusySpring and early fall, when the river is lower.
- SeasonPools are usable when the Rio Grande is low and can be washed out by the river.
- Free to soakFree per a 2025 article; no facilities.
Best time to go. Spring and early fall, when the river is lower.
02 · Live
Conditions
Access status, weather and hazards. Closure feeds are checked automatically every morning.
Access
No closures reported
No closure, fire or weather warning found in Forest Service, wildfire (NIFC) or National Weather Service feeds. That isn't confirmation it's open, so check with BLM.
Checked 22 Oct · updated daily
As of 2026-10-18, no current closure found. The spring flooded in December 2019. The John Dunn Bridge road was closed for years during reconstruction and a 2025 news item reported the west-side road reopened; confirm with BLM before visiting.
Pools can be washed out by the Rio Grande; depth varies with river level; steep rocky trail.
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New closures, reopenings and new states, about once a month. No spam.
03 · Route
Getting there
Nearest town: Arroyo Hondo.
- 1
From Taos go north on NM-522/NM-3 and turn onto the dirt road signed Hill (County Road B-007), then cross the John Dunn Bridge.
- 2
Park at a switchback and walk the steep, rocky trail down to the river.
36.5280, −105.7130 · nearest town Arroyo Hondo, NM
04 · Where to stay
Stay nearby
Start early and stay close. Places to stay near Arroyo Hondo, from campgrounds to cabins.
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Checked against 5 sources, with closures, wildfires and weather warnings re-checked daily.Show sourcesShare your photosSuggest an update
- en.wikipedia.org (temp, pools, flooding)
- islands.com (fee, clothing, best time, access)
- newmexico.org (directions, hazards)
- taos.org (temp)
- santafenewmexican.com (road status)
