Spring seems to be teasing us with brief moments of deliciously warm weather peeking out between cold temperatures, rain, and snow. However, this is the perfect time to start thinking about spring activities you want to partake in once the weather begins to officially warm up and wildflowers appear on the landscape.
If short hikes are something you enjoy doing on a spring day, then you’ll want to check out this easy hike in one of New Mexico’s most remote areas.
The location we’re looking at today is the Middle Fork Hot Spring, also known as Light Feather Hot Spring, which can be accessed by the Middle Fork Trail in Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.
You’ll start at the trailhead, which sits a short drive from the national monument’s visitor center. A sign will point you to the trailhead, which has a small parking area. From here, you’ll walk through a gate and onto a dirt path.
The trail is easy to navigate, especially once the grass and flowers begin to spring up. You’ll find the area verdant, alive from snow melt and any recent rain fall. However, take note that you will need to cross the Middle Fork Gila River to follow the trail, so plan ahead for wet shoes!
After about 0.75 miles of walking, you’ll reach the hot spring pools. These makeshift pools sit right on the river to help regulate the temperature of the hot spring, which comes out really hot: 130 degrees! You can regulate the water temperature by adding the chilly river water to the pool, so be sure to bring a spare cup or bucket with you.
After a good soak, you can opt to head back to the trailhead or continue on the trail, which only becomes greener!
Middle Fork Hot Spring is located near Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. You can access the spring by hiking the Middle Fork Trail #157; the trailhead is located just behind the visitor center. You can find the location on this Google Maps link and find details about the trail on AllTrails.com.
Prefer your hot springs to be sitting just feet from your hotel room? You’ll want to check out Riverbend Hot Springs in Truth or Consequences, a three-hour drive from Gila Cliff National Monument. Read more in A Weekend At This Hot Springs Resort In New Mexico Is Perfect For A Last Minute Getaway.
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