Mother Nature’s Spa By Emmaly Wiederholt
T
he last of the golden aspen leaves have dropped, and winter has surely settled in. However, colder weather is no excuse to stay indoors, and we’re not just referring to winter sports. New Mexico has a number of hot springs, especially in the Jemez mountain range, that offer the opportunity to warm up and take in Mother Nature in one fell swoop. Depending on the temperature and mineral composition, hot springs offer extensive health benefits. It’s pretty much accepted across the board that a good soak helps with pain, stress and skin ailments, even if it’s in your own tub. Soaking in hot water boosts blood circulation, increasing oxygen levels to the brain and throughout the body. It also helps soften tense muscles, adding to the feeling of stress washing away. If you suffer from arthritis or fibromyalgia, the buoyancy of sitting in water supports your joints. And skin conditions like eczema are often soothed by mineral-rich water. Unless you’re pregnant or have a specific condition that would stop you from taking the plunge, there’s no reason not to seek out local hot springs and enjoy their warming benefits throughout the cold winter months. You know about Ojo Caliente, Ten Thousand Waves and Jemez Springs, but did you also know there are a handful of springs in the Jemez Mountains that only involve a little driving and hiking to enjoy in peace and solitude? The Jemez Mountains are the result of massive volcanic eruptions which took place
millions of years ago. Surprisingly, magna still flows beneath the range, heating underground water and making for perfect day-long getaways. For instance, the San Antonio Hot Springs in San Diego Canyon start at 105 degrees and become cooler as they flow through pools down the rock face. It is accessible by taking N.M. 4 to La Cueva and turning west onto N.M. 126. In the deep of winter, road access becomes difficult, so grab your Nordic skies or snow shoes and trek in to the springs. Just the view of the cliffs is worth the visit. Spence Hot Springs is the most popular and accessible of the off-the-grid Jemez springs. Get to it from N.M. 4 at mile post 24.5. A 15 minute hike out of the large parking lot leads to two pools with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. One more to look for are the McCauley Warm Springs, accessible on a 3.5 mile out-and-back trail located off N.M. 4 at mile post 23 by the Jemez Springs Campground. While perhaps not hot enough for a full-on dip, it’s perfect for soaking your feet mid-hike, and of course the scenery is unparalleled. Whether you decide to go the commercial route with Ojo Caliente or Ten Thousand Waves, or whether you prefer to seek out hot springs in a remote nook of the Jemez, the combined benefits of relaxation and Mother Nature are sure to calm your mind and energize your being.