Indian Springs

Sandoval County, New Mexico · Near Jemez Pueblo
35.5920°N, 106.7530°W · 5,499 ft
123°F 63°F air · Good soaking weather 5,499 ft Unknown Short Walk DESG Camping nearby (8.7 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Indian Springs LiDAR bare-earth view of the same ground around Indian Springs
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag the handle to compare the two views. The orange dot marks the spring, in a frame about three quarters of a mile wide.

Indian Springs runs hot, well above soaking temperature, on Jemez Pueblo tribal land in Sandoval County, a mile or two from the pueblo. Tribal ownership puts access at the pueblo's discretion, and our record lists it as unknown. Sampled in 1973: alkaline water carrying iron, sulfate, chloride, calcium, magnesium and sodium.

Location

A few hundred yards on foot from Day School Road. Mid elevation country at around 5,500 feet, with a foot or so of snow over a winter and a dry year overall. The pueblo owns the land and the record gives no land designation beyond tribal. There is no description of the pool, if there is one.

Ask Jemez Pueblo before going anywhere near it. The water runs above 120, so even with permission it would need cooling for a soak. Vista Linda Campground is roughly nine miles off. Cold months rate best, with the caveat that it snows here.

Terrain

Aircraft with laser scanners measured this ground to within inches. The scan strips out trees and buildings, leaving the bare shape of the land around Indian Springs.

Setting
Open ground
Flat, open ground all around.
Highest ground nearby
17 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the northwest
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from northwest to southeast, about 0.6 miles end to end.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Heat Below
117 milliwatts per square meter of heat flow

That's about twice the US average of 65. It's higher than at 69% of the springs on this site.

Heat flow measures the warmth working its way up through the ground from deep inside the earth. Where it runs high, rain and snowmelt that seep down through cracks in the rock come back up hot.

Heat flow estimate: Stanford Thermal Earth Model (Aljubran & Horne, 2024), CC BY 4.0.

Monthly Climate
31°
Jan
37°
Feb
48°
Mar
56°
Apr
63°
May
77°
Jun
78°
Jul
76°
Aug
69°
Sep
56°
Oct
44°
Nov
32°
Dec
Annual Precip: 9.7 in Annual Snow: 14.9 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 31°F · Water 123°F · +92° contrast
December Air 32°F · Water 123°F · +91° contrast
February Air 37°F · Water 123°F · +86° contrast
January offers 47°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
63°F
W 16.6 mph 88% Good soaking weather
Today 81° Low 59° Partly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 32% precip
Spring is +42° warmer
Wednesday 81° Low 58° Showers And Thunderstorms 87% precip
Spring is +42° warmer
Thursday 79° Low 57° Rain Showers 90% precip
Spring is +44° warmer
Friday 82° Low 55° Showers And Thunderstorms Likely 55% precip
Spring is +41° warmer
Saturday 83° Low 54° Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 15% precip
Spring is +40° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1973-08-30

The water at Indian Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 8.0). It is notably rich in calcium (may support bone density and joint health), sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration), and sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation).

pH 8.0 Slightly Alkaline
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Calcium 110 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 21 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 1,300 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 270 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 1,200 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron 50 µg/L
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Vista Linda Campground 8.7 mi away

Overview Vista Linda Campground is a first come, first serve campground in the San Diego Canyon on the Jemez National Recreation Area. There are thirteen sites throughout the campground. Potable water and vault toilets are provided amenities. Each campsite has picnic tables, a fire ring, and a charcoal pedestal. Sites with shad features are available; not all sites provide shade features.  Recreation Vista Linda Campground is one of five developed campgrounds in the Jemez National Recreation...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Mile-High Advisory 5,499 ft

Indian Springs sits at 5,499 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 22% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.

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Temperature
123°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 123°F (51°C)
Avg Air Temp 56°F
Above Ambient +67°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Unknown
Road Access Short Walk
Nearest Road Day School Road
Distance to Road 0.2 mi
Land
Ownership DESG
Agency DESG
Designation Tribal Land
Unit Jemez Pueblo
Manager TRIB
Protection 4 - No known protection
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Indian Springs?
Indian Springs has a water temperature of 123°F (51°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Indian Springs located?
Indian Springs is located in Sandoval County, New Mexico at 5,499 feet elevation, near Jemez Pueblo. Coordinates: 35.5920°N, 106.7530°W.
How do I get to Indian Springs?
Indian Springs has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Day School Road (0.2 mi from the road).
Is Indian Springs free to visit?
Indian Springs has Unknown access. It is managed by DESG.
Can I camp near Indian Springs?
Yes, Vista Linda Campground is located nearby (8.7 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Indian Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 8.0 (slightly alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Indian Springs?
With care. At 123°F Indian Springs is hot enough to need short sessions, fifteen to twenty minutes, and plenty of water. Enter slowly and get out if you feel light-headed.
Sources: USGS NWIS