McCauley Hot Springs Out and Back

Dogs Unknown

Features Hot Spring · River/Creek · Views

At 4.3 miles roundtrip, the trek up to the McCauley Hot Springs offers epic views of cliff bands in the Jemez Mountains as well as the unique opportunity to look down onto the top of the monolithic Battleship Rock.

Park at the Battleship Rock Day Use Area. At the trailhead, follow the trails with round trail markers attached to trees. Very soon the trail will fork, and the hot springs are accessible via the right fork, which essentially continues straight.

Hikers should be very careful to follow the correct route, as a second route heads into the Jemez and peters out after climbing several miles above Battleship Rock.

Though elevation gain is less than 100 feet, many trekkers find some of the steeper sections somewhat strenuous, so this trail may not be advisable for families with young children.

After just over two miles of switchbacks up the side of the mountain, the trail wanders into a wooded area lined with gigantic pine trees. Once in the trees, the trail becomes less difficult, until the hot springs materialize unexpectedly.

Return to the trailhead via the same route.