What to do and see in Jemez Springs, New Mexico (NM): The Best Free Things to do

April 29, 2022 Milan Banda

Jemez Springs (pronounced HEH-mes) is a village in Sandoval County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 375 at the 2000 census. Named for the nearby Pueblo of Jemez, the village is the site of Jemez State Monument and the headquarters of the Jemez Ranger District. The village and nearby locations in the Jemez Valley are the site of hot springs and several religious retreats.
Restaurants in Jemez Springs

1. Jemez Trail National Scenic Byway

Jemez Springs, NM
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 78 reviews

Jemez Trail National Scenic Byway

Reviewed By NyonyaLady - Albuquerque, United States

We have never visited Jemez and we have thoughts about a drive to the mountains to enjoy nature and get away from the city will be great. So we drive there on a Sunday and we are amazed with the beautiful scenic views of red rocks fantastic geologic wonder, the Soda Dam is a natural dam that formed from a hot mineral water flow which deposited travertine and calcium carbonate from 7000 years ago. Approximately a 150 mile loop, the Jemez Mountain Trail Scenic Byway twists and turns through a vast terrain of river valleys, mountains, and volcanic calderas. Along that trail you will travel culturally from the 13th century ancient puebloans to the birth of the Atomic age. Many recreational and outdoor opportunities of camping, hiking, back packing, hunting and fishing or simply soaking in the various hot springs abounds in this region. A day's trip is definitely not enough to enjoy all these wonders and we are planning to spend at least a week in the mountains to enjoy more hikes dips in the hot springs and fishing!!!!

2. Jemez Mountains

Jemez Springs, NM
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 163 reviews

Jemez Mountains

Reviewed By 351margaritar

I have seen both Colo. Nat'l Monument and Garden of the Gods in Colorado, and the red color from the Jemez mountains that can be seen while driving to the Jemez Hot Springs is dazzling. It was brilliant, deep, and a rich red color unsurpassed by the other two parks.

3. Jemez National Recreation Area

Jemez Springs, NM http://www.jemezsprings.org/recreation.html
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Jemez National Recreation Area

An area of hiking trails.

4. Jemez Mountain Trail

Jemez Springs, NM
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 20 reviews

Jemez Mountain Trail

A National Scenic Byway.

Reviewed By forrestf91

Nice scenic drive. You'll see a rock formation that very much looks like Charlie Brown. Lots of hidden secrets here. Stay and admire the marvel gaze as long as you please. Forrest Fenn's treasure use to be stashed here.

5. Amanda's Jemez Mountain Country Store

38724 Highway 126, Jemez Springs, NM 87025-9206 +1 575-829-4333 http://jemezcentral.com/amandas-jemez-mountain-country-store/
Excellent
85%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
8%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Amanda's Jemez Mountain Country Store

Reviewed By Natstedman - Driffield, United Kingdom

This store is a little gem. Ray who runs the store is so lovely and welcoming, he gave us tips for things to see and do around the area. The coffee is good and only $1! The store is really well equipped and the price is very reasonable. Definitely would recommend popping in even if it's just to say hi!

6. Soda Dam Hot Springs

Jemez Springs, NM http://www.jemezmountaintrail.org/Jemez_State_Monument.html
Excellent
33%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 39 reviews

Soda Dam Hot Springs

Photogenic but small, these springs give off a strong sulfur smell.

7. Los Ojos Bar

Jemez Springs, NM +1 505-829-3547 http://losojossaloon.com/
Excellent
45%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 33 reviews

Los Ojos Bar

Reviewed By pmerten3 - Blythewood, United States

We decided to stop here for lunch after a quick ride up from Santa Fe to see Jemez Springs. What a great choice!! We were seated at an outdoor table on the patio which gave us some down time and relaxation. The service was poor though no fault of the solo waitress. She was servicing the entire patio by herself at lunch time. The food was great and the server was friendly though harried. We had the jalapino poppers, a black and blue burger and a few margarita's. Could not have asked for anything better! Overall, an excellent experience at a local's bar!

8. Soda Dam

Jemez Springs, NM
Excellent
39%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 119 reviews

Soda Dam

Reviewed By JETroy8486 - Albuquerque, United States

I've been there in the summer and winter. Each time I was in awe of the beauty. There's a bit of climbing you can do on the rocks, and the views are amazing. It's a great pit stop on the way to the Jemez Mountains.

9. Battleship Rock

Jemez Springs, NM
Excellent
39%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 70 reviews

Battleship Rock

Reviewed By Rugbylock - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Great hike up the trail from the parking lot. You can go to the top for the view or continue on to the Springs for a dip

10. Spence Hot Springs

Jemez Springs, NM http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/santafe/recarea/?recid=75826
Excellent
30%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
12%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 82 reviews

Spence Hot Springs

Bathing suits are optional as you soak away your worries in the 102 degree hot spring pools that offer soft, sandy bottoms.

Reviewed By RacheyTea

We enjoyed a short hike to the springs. There is a parking lot that is marked open from sunrise to sunset. We went around 5:30PM and a few families were leaving with dogs, so when we got to the springs it wasn't too crowded. The trail is not very well marked, the 'Spence Hot Springs' sign looks like it is pointing to go further uphill, but the springs are actually to the left of the sign. You'll see empty beer cans here and there on the trail, but we didn't find the springs to be that dirty at all. That being said, there is a sign in the parking lot that says "Do not get water in your eyes", and then something about how it could be dangerous. Overall, we enjoyed exploring and finding our way to the hot springs, and unlike over reviewers, we found the springs to be quite warm, but we didn't spend too much time there.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.