Taos County, New Mexico
Manby Hot Springs
Manby Hot Springs sits at the bottom of the Rio Grande Gorge just outside Taos, a dramatic desert canyon carved through volcanic basalt.
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About this place
Manby Hot Springs sits at the bottom of the Rio Grande Gorge just outside Taos, a dramatic desert canyon carved through volcanic basalt. This is not a resort or organized naturist facility — it's a cluster of rock-lined soaking pools fed by geothermal seeps along the riverbank, with clothing-optional use established by decades of informal tradition rather than official designation. The springs are typical of New Mexico's backcountry hot-water culture: minimally developed, scenically striking, and physically demanding to reach. The 1.5-mile trail descends roughly 800 feet from the rim, manageable on the way down but a genuine cardio climb on the return, especially in midday heat. Pool temperatures vary widely depending on how much river water mixes in — some pools run lukewarm, others genuinely hot, and the balance shifts with river flow and season. The setting is raw high-desert beauty: basalt cliffs, scrub brush, the constant rush of the Rio Grande. Expect other hikers and soakers, some clothed, some not; the vibe is relaxed and respectful. Spring and fall offer the best conditions; winter ice can make the trail treacherous, summer heat punishing. Budget at least two hours round-trip, longer if you want a proper soak. This is public land, so pack out everything you bring in.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
Mix of local Taos-area residents, backcountry hot-spring enthusiasts, and visitors drawn by New Mexico's geothermal reputation. Skews toward fit, outdoorsy adults willing to handle the hike; families with younger kids are rare given the trail difficulty. Clothing-optional use is common but not universal — you'll often share the pools with clothed hikers cooling off after the descent.
How to find it
From Taos, head northwest toward the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge on US-64. The trailhead is on the west side of the gorge, accessible via a network of dirt roads — local maps or GPS coordinates are essential, as signage is minimal. High-clearance vehicle helpful but not always required. Parking is informal; the trail drops steeply from there.
Things to watch out for
The climb back out is strenuous — bring plenty of water and start early in summer to avoid midday heat. Trail can be loose, dusty, and slippery in spots. Winter ice makes it dangerous. No facilities, no cell service. River levels fluctuate seasonally and affect pool temperatures. This is remote public land — self-sufficiency required.
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Etiquette & ground rules
Clothing-optional by tradition, but not enforced — read the crowd and respect clothed visitors. Pack out all trash, including toilet paper if you have to go (use the rocks upstream, far from pools). Don't move rocks or build new pools; existing setups work fine. Keep voices down and give other soakers space. If someone's already in a pool, ask before joining. No glass containers — broken glass is a recurring problem. Don't soap up in the pools; rinse off in the river if needed.
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