My husband and I are hot springs junkies. We have been known to drive miles out of our way just to dip our toes into the bubbling waters of a mineral spring.
We have some favorites that we visit regularly, but when, by chance, we come upon a little-known spring out in the middle of know-where, we get a little giddy.
On our way through New Mexico last month, I started looking on line for a hot spring I had read about a year or so back that was located by Las Vegas New Mexico (yep for those of you who don’t know there really is a Las Vegas, New Mexico).
I had actually inquired about the spot with the City of Las Vegas and was told it was part of an old Hotel and that the hot springs were accessible some times.
Named Montezuma Hot Springs, near the town of Las Vegas, it was as easy to find as putting the name in to my phone and getting the directions.
About 6 miles outside of Las Vegas down a two-lane winding road to a stretch along the road that had a little trail. There were two cars parked alongside the road so we decided to pull over and check it out.
I always travel with my Hot Springs Travel Bag; just in case we get an opportunity to soak in mineral-rich warm water. We quickly changed in our RV, threw on our water shoes, grabbed towels and headed down a little trail on the opposite side of a guard rail.
2 minutes later we came upon a little fence with some information reminding us that we were guests and that we should respect these community-managed hot springs.
The four pools we found ourselves soaking in were located right next to the Gallinas River. Made of stone and concrete, their understated design only added to the ambiance of late summer breeze, wild flowers, birds and the flowing river.
One stone pool (which later I learned is called the lobster pot) was too hot to get into, the others ranged from almost too hot to warm enough to lay down in and relax.
There were a couple of other people there who told us additional pools could be found down river.
From the recent rains, the trail along the river looked muddy, and I was perfectly happy staying right where I was, soaking in the warm pool, so I did not venture any further than where I was.
Later, while doing a little research about the pools, I read that there are actually about 20 to 30 pools, which were part of the old Montezuma Hotel, built in the late 1800’s to attract and house tourist who came to relax in the mineral rich thermal pools.
We stayed for about three hours, enjoying the beautiful waters and the peaceful natural surroundings.
Reluctant to hit the road to our next destination, we enjoyed one last look of the Springs as we drove off, making a mental note of how we got to these beautiful springs, and agreeing that we will return when we can.
