Manby Hot Springs, New Mexico: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Manby Hot Springs is named after Arthur Rockford Manby, a controversial figure who was found mysteriously decapitated in his Taos home in 1929? This fascinating historical footnote adds an intriguing layer to one of New Mexico’s most captivating natural treasures. Nestled along the Rio Grande, these secluded thermal pools offer a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for those willing to make the journey.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

The closest major airport to Manby Hot Springs is Albuquerque International Sunport, approximately 213 km (132 miles) south of Taos. Santa Fe Municipal Airport is closer at about 113 km (70 miles) away, though it offers fewer flights. From either airport, you’ll need to rent a car to reach the hot springs.

To reach the trailhead, drive to the John Dunn Bridge area north of Taos. From Taos, take US-64 west for about 24 km (15 miles), then turn right onto NM-522 and continue for about 10 km (6 miles). Follow signs to the John Dunn Bridge. The trail begins on the east side of the Rio Grande.

Note that the final road down to the river can be rough. Unless you have a 4WD vehicle with high clearance, consider parking near the John Dunn Bridge and walking to the trailhead area. This precaution will save you potential vehicle trouble on the challenging terrain.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Recommended Seasons

The ideal time to visit Manby Hot Springs is during cooler months. Winter offers a magical experience of soaking in warm water while surrounded by the crisp desert air, often with fewer visitors. Spring and fall provide moderate temperatures perfect for the hike and soak.

Summer visits are challenging due to high temperatures that make the hike uncomfortable and reduce the appeal of soaking in hot water. Additionally, river levels can be higher during spring runoff (typically May), potentially submerging the springs and making them inaccessible.

Morning visits generally offer more solitude, while afternoons may bring more fellow soakers. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends, regardless of season.

Getting Around Locally

Once in the Taos area, a personal vehicle is essential for reaching the John Dunn Bridge and trailhead. There is no public transportation to this remote location. The roads leading to the trailhead are a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, with the final stretch being particularly rough.

For the actual visit to the hot springs, be prepared for a challenging 3.4 km (2.1 mile) hike each way along the Rio Grande. The trail involves significant boulder scrambling, uneven terrain, and occasional poison ivy patches. Good hiking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended.

Some visitors opt for a river approach, using kayaks or rafts to access the springs from the water. This alternative can be easier than the hike but requires water craft and river navigation skills.

Where to Stay

While there are no accommodations at Manby Hot Springs itself, several options exist in the surrounding area:

Dining & Local Cuisine

There are no dining options at Manby Hot Springs, so planning ahead is essential:

What to Pack

• Plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person)
• Energy-dense snacks like trail mix, jerky, and fruit
• Sandwiches or other portable meals for longer visits

Nearby Options

Taos offers excellent dining options featuring New Mexican cuisine. Don’t miss trying local specialties like blue corn enchiladas, sopapillas, and dishes featuring the famous New Mexico green and red chile (locals will ask if you want “Christmas” – meaning both red and green chile).

For a quick meal before or after your hot springs adventure, the small community of Arroyo Hondo has limited but convenient options along the way to the trailhead.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

The Hot Springs Experience

Manby Hot Springs features three stone-lined pools of varying temperatures, with the pool nearest the river typically being the warmest at about 38°C (100°F). The pools have sandy bottoms and offer stunning views of the Rio Grande Gorge. The setting is entirely natural and undeveloped, providing an authentic wilderness hot springs experience.

Visitors should note that clothing is optional at these remote springs, though most people wear swimwear during busier times. The pools can comfortably accommodate about 10 adults total.

Historical Ruins

Near the pools, you can explore the ruins of an old bathhouse built by Arthur Manby in the early 20th century. These stone foundations are all that remain of what was once a stagecoach stop and small resort along the Rio Grande, adding a fascinating historical dimension to your visit.

Photography Opportunities

The dramatic landscape of the Rio Grande Gorge, the hot springs pools, and the surrounding desert terrain offer exceptional photography opportunities. Early morning or late afternoon light creates the most dramatic shadows and colors in the canyon.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

While Manby Hot Springs itself is a natural attraction without cultural facilities, the nearby town of Taos offers rich cultural experiences that complement your hot springs adventure:

For those interested in the mysterious history of Arthur Manby (the hot springs’ namesake), the Taos Historic Museums sometimes feature exhibits about this controversial figure whose decapitated body was found in 1929, adding a macabre chapter to local lore.

Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

The Hike to Manby Hot Springs

The trail to Manby Hot Springs is an adventure in itself. This 3.4 km (2.1 mile) one-way hike follows the Rio Grande through the gorge, requiring some scrambling over boulders and navigation of uneven terrain. The trail is rated as moderate to difficult due to these technical sections.

Be aware that poison ivy grows along portions of the trail, so wearing long pants is advisable. The effort is rewarded with stunning views of the river canyon and the peaceful hot springs at the end.

Wildlife Viewing

The Rio Grande Gorge is home to diverse wildlife. Lucky visitors might spot desert bighorn sheep on the canyon walls, eagles soaring overhead, or waterfowl along the river. Spring brings opportunities to see goslings and other young wildlife.

Additional Outdoor Activities

• Fishing – The Rio Grande offers good fishing for brown and rainbow trout
• Kayaking/Rafting – The river provides options from gentle floats to challenging rapids
• Hiking – Numerous trails in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
• Mountain Biking – Extensive trail networks in the greater Taos area

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Hot Springs Etiquette

Manby Hot Springs is a natural treasure that requires respectful visitation:

• Pack out everything you pack in – there are no trash facilities
• Avoid glass containers which can break and create hazards
• Respect other visitors’ space and experience
• Clothing is optional but be respectful of others’ comfort
• Keep noise levels down to preserve the natural atmosphere
• No soap or shampoo in the springs – they harm the ecosystem

The springs are on public land but access trails may cross private property. Always stay on established paths and respect private property boundaries.

Visitor Comments About Manby Hot Springs

Additional Nearby Destinations

Practical Travel Tips

What to Pack

Access Verification

Before planning your trip, verify current access conditions. Some sources suggest Manby Hot Springs may have restricted access due to private property concerns. Check recent visitor reports or contact the Bureau of Land Management office in Taos for the latest information.

If you find access is limited at Manby, consider the nearby Black Rock Hot Springs as an alternative with similar features and generally more reliable access.

The Enchanting Call of Desert Waters

Manby Hot Springs represents the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation that makes New Mexico truly the Land of Enchantment. The journey may be challenging, but those who make the effort are rewarded with a magical experience: soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters while gazing up at the dramatic walls of the Rio Grande Gorge. Whether you’re seeking solitude, natural beauty, or simply a unique destination off the beaten path, these hidden pools offer an authentic connection to the wild heart of the Southwest. As you plan your visit, remember that the springs’ remote nature is both their challenge and their charm – preserving them for future generations depends on each visitor treading lightly and respectfully through this remarkable landscape.