Wild Waters: The San Francisco Hot Springs Trek

Let us know what's on your mind?Note: This is audio only; please see YouTube for the whole video experience. Thanks! Please send us an email!The quest for natural wonders often leads to unexpected discoveries. My journey to San Francisco Hot Springs, tucked away in New Mexico's Gila National Forest, proved to be exactly that kind of revelation.Setting off from the trailhead in my truck (affectionately named "Black Panther"), I began the 1.3-mile descent toward the promise of wild thermal waters. The trail offered solitude interrupted only by chance encounters—a horseback rider with his pack of hunting dogs, and later, two surprisingly friendly burros wearing bells who eagerly ate peanuts from my hand. These unplanned animal meetings added a layer of charm to the adventure that no developed hot spring could provide.Reaching the springs required crossing the ice-cold San Francisco River, where the water reached just below my knees. The reward waiting on the other side was worth wet feet: natural pools where thermal waters bubble up alongside the river, creating perfect soaking spots. Unlike commercial hot springs, these wild pools held a different magic—lukewarm waters shared with tiny fish, all surrounded by the untamed beauty of the desert-forest transition zone. The contrast between the frigid river and the comforting warmth of the geothermal pool created a sensory experience that connected me deeply to the landscape.The entire adventure—from trailhead to hot springs and back—took about 3.23 miles of hiking and roughly two hours, including a leisurely soak. For anyone seeking to escape the developed world, even briefly, this hidden gem offers both challenge and comfort. The springs' primitive nature means they're constantly changing with the river's patterns, ensuring each visit offers something new.Have you explored wild hot springs before? If not, the San Francisco Hot Springs might be your perfect introduction to nature's therapeutic waters. Pack water shoes for the river crossing, watch for the thorny desert vegetation, and don't forget treats to make friends with the local burros!Click the link to send us an email! Support the show