Nestled in the high desert landscape of southwestern New Mexico lies one of the state’s best-kept secrets: Faywood Hot Springs, where mineral-rich waters emerge from the earth at a perfect 38°C (100°F). Unlike many commercialized hot springs destinations, Faywood offers a rare combination of natural geothermal pools and rustic charm, with waters containing over 34 different minerals believed to have therapeutic properties. This desert oasis has been soothing weary travelers for centuries, from ancient indigenous peoples to modern-day visitors seeking relaxation and healing.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Faywood Hot Springs is conveniently located halfway between Silver City and Deming, New Mexico, approximately 30 minutes off Interstate 10. The nearest major airports are El Paso International Airport (161 km/100 miles away) and Albuquerque International Sunport (322 km/200 miles away). Most visitors opt to rent a car, as public transportation options are limited in this rural area.
For GPS navigation, use the address: 165 New Mexico Highway 61, Faywood, New Mexico 88034. Look for mile marker 2 on Highway 61 after turning east from Highway 180 (at mile marker 140). The entrance will be on your left. If you reach City of Rocks State Park at mile marker 3, you’ve gone too far.
Important: All guests must have a reservation to enter Faywood Hot Springs. No walk-in day soaks are permitted. Call the Front Desk between 11:00 AM and 8:00 PM to make reservations or book online.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Faywood Hot Springs is open year-round, but the best times to visit depend on your temperature preferences and crowd tolerance. The desert climate brings distinct seasonal experiences:
| Season | Temperature | Crowds | Experience |
| Spring (March-May) | 15-29°C (59-85°F) | Moderate | Pleasant temperatures, wildflowers blooming |
| Summer (June-August) | 32-38°C (90-100°F) | Low | Hot days, but fewer visitors (2-night minimum not required) |
| Fall (September-November) | 10-32°C (50-90°F) | High | Perfect soaking weather, beautiful sunsets |
| Winter (December-February) | 0-15°C (32-59°F) | High | Magical contrast of cold air and warm water |
The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer the most comfortable outdoor temperatures for enjoying both the hot springs and surrounding attractions. Summer brings hot days but significantly fewer visitors, making it ideal for those seeking solitude. Winter creates a magical experience with the contrast of cold air and warm water, though nighttime temperatures can drop near freezing.
Insider Tip: The summer period from June 20 to September 21 does not require the usual 2-night minimum stay for cabins, making it perfect for weekend getaways.
Getting Around Locally
Faywood Hot Springs is a self-contained resort, and most amenities are within walking distance once you arrive. For exploring nearby attractions, a personal vehicle is essential. The resort is situated in a rural area with limited transportation options.
Key distances from Faywood Hot Springs:
- City of Rocks State Park: 10 minutes
- Silver City: 25 minutes
- Deming: 25 minutes
- Las Cruces: 1 hour 13 minutes
- El Paso, TX: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Gila Cliff Dwellings: 2 hours
The resort itself is designed for easy navigation, with clearly marked paths to different pool areas, camping grounds, and facilities. A resort map is available at check-in to help orient yourself to the property layout.
Where to Stay
Faywood Hot Springs offers diverse accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets. All overnight guests enjoy 24-hour access to the public soaking pools, making it an immersive hot springs experience.
Cabins
The resort features eight unique cabins, each with its own character. Standard cabins include Apache, Cholla, Consuelo, Dragonfly, Mesquite, and Mimbres (from $160.50/night), all equipped with queen beds, lofts, small kitchenettes, and private outdoor picnic areas with charcoal grills. The more affordable Adobe Cabin ($103/night) and Casita ($77/night) offer cozier accommodations. Pet-friendly options are available in the Apache and Mimbres cabins for an additional fee.
RV Sites
Full hookup RV sites accommodate vehicles up to 74 feet in length, with both 30 amp ($36.50/night) and 50 amp ($45/night) options available. Sites include water, sewer connections, and access to a dump station. Both pull-through and back-in sites are available, with some featuring privacy fences. The RV area is divided between clothing-required and clothing-optional sections to accommodate different preferences.
Tent Camping
Primitive tent sites ($26.75/night) are available in both clothing-required and clothing-optional areas. These sites offer a more immersive nature experience while still providing access to all resort amenities. Each site includes a cleared area for your tent and access to water sources. Some tent sites can accommodate small RVs (up to 32 feet) for those wanting a more rustic RV experience.
Reservation Tip: Standard cabins require a two-night minimum stay except during summer (June 20-September 21). The Guest House always requires a two-night minimum, while the Casita and Adobe may be booked for single nights except during peak periods.
Dining & Local Cuisine
Faywood Hot Springs is a self-catering destination with no on-site restaurant. However, the Visitor’s Center houses a small convenience store with basic food items, drinks, and snacks. Most accommodations include some cooking facilities, and cabins feature outdoor charcoal grills for barbecuing.
For more substantial dining options, you’ll need to venture to nearby towns:
Silver City (25 minutes)
This charming historic town offers the widest variety of dining options near Faywood, including:
- Diane’s Restaurant – Upscale dining with New Mexican specialties
- Jalisco Cafe – Authentic Mexican cuisine
- Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery – Craft beers and pub fare
- Cafe 1Zero6 – Eclectic international cuisine (limited hours)
Deming (25 minutes)
This small city offers several dining options including:
- Campos Restaurant – Traditional New Mexican dishes
- Forghedaboudit Southwest Italian – Italian cuisine with a southwestern twist
- El Camino Real – Classic Mexican fare
- Adobe Deli – Steakhouse in a historic building (15 minutes east of Deming)
“For the full Faywood experience, bring ingredients for a sunset barbecue at your cabin. There’s nothing quite like grilling under the desert sky after a day of soaking in the springs.”
Many guests choose to bring coolers with prepared foods or ingredients for simple meals. The clubhouse provides a communal space with additional facilities for food preparation and dining.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
The main attraction at Faywood Hot Springs is, of course, the healing mineral waters. The resort offers multiple soaking options to suit different preferences and comfort levels.
Hot Springs Pools
Public Pools
The resort features separate public pools for clothing-required and clothing-optional (naturist) preferences. These communal pools are maintained at temperatures between 38-41°C (100-107°F) and are included with your overnight stay. Day visitors with reservations can access these pools for $18.25 per person.
Private Pools
For a more intimate experience, five private pools are available for hourly rental:
- Big Dipper – Rectangular pool for up to 10 people ($36.50/hour)
- Blue Moon – Rectangular pool for up to 8 people ($36.50/hour)
- Jalapeno – Smaller fiberglass pool for up to 4 people ($18.25/hour)
- Watsu I – Round pool for up to 10 people ($36.50/hour)
- Watsu II – Large round pool for up to 25 people ($115.75/hour)
On-Site Activities
- Massage Therapy – Available Wednesday through Saturday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM ($75 for one hour)
- Stargazing – The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing
- Walking Trails – Explore the desert landscape on short scenic trails
- Wildlife Viewing – Peacocks roam freely throughout the property
- Labyrinth – A meditative walking path
New Service: Massage therapy is now available at Faywood Hot Springs! Treatments are offered Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. A one-hour massage costs $75, and a 90-minute session is $110. Remember to shower before entering the pools after your massage to remove oils.
Nearby Attractions
While the hot springs themselves provide plenty of relaxation, the surrounding area offers several worthwhile excursions:
City of Rocks State Park
Just 10 minutes from Faywood, this geological wonder features volcanic rock formations eroded into fantastic shapes. The park offers excellent hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing opportunities. The rock formations create a “city” of skyscraper-like columns, some as tall as 12 meters (40 feet).
Gila Cliff Dwellings
Located about 2 hours north, these well-preserved 13th-century cliff dwellings feature 42 rooms built into natural caves. The one-mile round trip walk takes you through a cool, shady canyon to view these remarkable ancient structures. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Mogollon people who once inhabited this region.
Local Wineries
The region boasts several excellent wineries within a 30-minute drive. Deming is home to Lescombes and Luna Rosa wineries, both open daily for tastings. La Esperanza Vineyard is located on Highway 61 and opens on weekends. The area’s high altitude and sunny climate create ideal conditions for distinctive wines.
Other Nearby Attractions
- Silver City Historic District – Browse art galleries, shops, and restaurants in this charming town
- Catwalk Recreation Area – A suspended walkway along canyon walls (1.5-hour drive)
- Rockhound State Park – Collect minerals and crystals (45-minute drive)
- Lake Roberts – Fishing and picnicking (1-hour drive)
- Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway – Spectacular drive through the Gila National Forest
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
To ensure an enjoyable experience at Faywood Hot Springs, familiarize yourself with these important guidelines:
Hot Springs Safety
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after soaking
- Limit soaking sessions to 15-20 minutes, especially for first-time visitors
- Exit the pools if you feel dizzy, nauseated, or overheated
- Shower before entering pools to remove lotions, oils, and sunscreen
- Children must be supervised by parents or guardians at all times
- No glass containers are permitted in or around the pools
Resort Etiquette
- Respect the clothing-required and clothing-optional designations of different areas
- Maintain a quiet, peaceful atmosphere throughout the resort
- Photography is restricted, especially in clothing-optional areas
- Keep pets leashed at all times and never bring them near the pools
- Do not feed or approach the peacocks that roam the property
- Observe quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
Important: All guests must check in before 8:00 PM on their first day of stay. Late check-in for seasoned guests may be allowed but must be coordinated with the Front Desk staff prior to arrival. First-time guests are not permitted late check-in so that a proper resort orientation can be provided.
Visitor Comments About Faywood Hot Springs
“I’ve visited hot springs around the world, but Faywood offers something truly special. The combination of rustic charm and healing waters creates an authentic experience that’s increasingly rare. Soaking under the stars in the desert silence is pure magic.”
“Coming from Hawaii, I know a thing or two about natural beauty, and Faywood doesn’t disappoint. The contrast of hot mineral waters against the cool desert air is incredible. I especially appreciated the option to choose between clothing-required and clothing-optional areas. Very respectful atmosphere.”
“As someone from Siberia, I know the healing power of contrast bathing. Faywood’s mineral waters combined with the crisp desert nights create the perfect therapeutic experience. The cabins are simple but comfortable, and the night sky is unlike anything I’ve seen. Worth the journey from Russia!”
Practical Travel Tips
What to Bring
- Multiple towels (one for drying, one for sitting)
- Reusable water bottle (staying hydrated is essential)
- Flip-flops or water shoes
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Bathing suit (for clothing-required areas)
- Robe or cover-up for walking between pools
- Flashlight or headlamp for nighttime navigation
- Cash for incidentals (though credit cards are accepted)
Connectivity
Cell service at Faywood Hot Springs varies by carrier:
- T-Mobile: Excellent 5G coverage
- Verizon: Some LTE coverage
- AT&T: Some LTE coverage
Wi-Fi is not available throughout the resort, making it an ideal place to disconnect and fully immerse yourself in the natural experience.
Important Policies
- Reservations are required for all visits (no walk-ins)
- Check-in times: Cabins 4:00 PM (though you can arrive at 12:00 PM to use facilities), RV/tent sites 12:00 PM
- Check-out time: 11:00 AM for all accommodations
- Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to avoid charges
- The Visitor Center is closed on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday
- Seniors (65+) and veterans receive a 10% discount (must request at time of reservation)
- Pets are allowed in designated areas for an additional fee ($3.25/night for camping, $18.25/night for cabins)
Money-Saving Tip: Consider visiting during summer (June 20-September 21) when the 2-night minimum stay requirement for cabins is waived, allowing for more affordable weekend getaways.
Embrace the Desert’s Healing Embrace
Faywood Hot Springs offers a rare opportunity to experience the timeless ritual of mineral water soaking in a pristine desert setting. Whether you’re seeking therapeutic benefits, peaceful relaxation, or a unique southwestern adventure, these natural springs provide a perfect retreat from the modern world. As you soak in the mineral-rich waters under New Mexico’s vast sky, you’ll understand why these springs have drawn people for centuries. The combination of rustic accommodations, healing waters, and breathtaking natural surroundings creates an experience that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. Plan your visit to this desert oasis and discover the rejuvenating power of Faywood Hot Springs for yourself.
The above is subject to change.
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