Jemez Hot Springs: McCauley Hot Springs

Welcome to McCauley Hot Springs, one of the beautiful hot springs visited by Wonderhussy Adventures. Located in Los Alamos/Jemez Springs, New Mexico, this hot spring is the first of three that Wonderhussy Adventures explores in the area. McCauley Springs is known for its decently hot water and stunning setting in a lush forest. Accessible via an easy 2-mile trail, this hot spring offers a wonderful experience for nature lovers and hot spring enthusiasts.

Wonderhussy Adventures

Wonderhussy Adventures is a channel and website dedicated to exploring natural hot springs and hiking trails. In their quest for adventure, Wonderhussy Adventures has made it their mission to visit as many hot springs as possible. McCauley Hot Springs is just the beginning of their journey in the Los Alamos/Jemez Springs area.

Location and Description of McCauley Hot Springs

Situated in a picturesque forest, McCauley Hot Springs is known for its serene and scenic location. The hot springs offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The water temperature is pleasantly warm, providing a soothing and relaxing experience for visitors. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, McCauley Hot Springs is a must-visit destination for those seeking tranquility and natural wonders.

Trail Information

Accessing McCauley Hot Springs

To access McCauley Hot Springs, visitors must embark on a scenic 2-mile hike. The trail, labeled as Forest Service Trail number 137, winds through a beautiful forest, offering stunning views along the way. The trailhead is easily accessible, providing a convenient starting point for the adventure.

Distance and Difficulty of the Trail

While the trail to McCauley Hot Springs is only 2 miles long, its easy accessibility makes it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The trail is well-maintained, ensuring a pleasant and stress-free hiking experience. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a novice adventurer, the trail to McCauley Hot Springs will not disappoint.

Sign Prohibiting Overnight Camping

It is important to note that there is a sign at the trailhead prohibiting overnight camping. This means that visitors are not permitted to set up camp in the vicinity of the hot springs. However, there is a picnic area nearby that charges a small fee for parking. For those on a budget, there is also a free parking area just a short distance down the highway.

Nearby Parking Area

For visitors who prefer not to pay for parking, a free parking area is conveniently located near McCauley Hot Springs. This allows hikers to save some money and still have easy access to the trailhead. Simply park your car and embark on the 2-mile hike to the hot springs.

Hiking through a Beautiful Forest

The trail to McCauley Hot Springs takes hikers through a stunning forest, offering a truly immersive nature experience. The lush greenery and vibrant foliage create a picturesque backdrop for the hike. As you make your way through the forest, you will be surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, providing a tranquil and serene atmosphere.

Hot Spring Experience

Popularity and Crowds

McCauley Hot Springs is a popular destination, drawing in visitors from near and far. As a result, it is not uncommon to encounter crowds at the hot springs. However, the popularity of the springs should not deter you from enjoying the experience. While the presence of other visitors may mean sharing the pools, the serene surroundings and calming waters make for a relaxing and enjoyable soak.

Families and Children at the Hot Springs

It is worth noting that McCauley Hot Springs is a family-friendly destination, and it is common to see families with children enjoying the springs. As a friendly and respectful visitor, it is important to be mindful of others and their comfort levels. While soaking without a bikini may be your preferred way to enjoy the hot springs, it is essential to respect the presence of families and opt for more modest swimwear during your visit.

Preference for Soaking without a Bikini

Wonderhussy Adventures, like many other hot spring enthusiasts, prefers soaking without a bikini for a more comfortable experience. The avoidance of a wet and cold swimsuit after a relaxing soak is a significant advantage. However, when visiting McCauley Hot Springs, it is crucial to consider the preferences and comfort of other visitors, especially families with children, who may not appreciate nudity in a public setting.

Finding Pools Along the Creek

One of the greatest delights of McCauley Hot Springs is the opportunity to discover different pools along the creek. These pools vary in size, depth, and temperature, offering visitors a chance to customize their hot spring experience. Some pools may even feature fish and algae, adding to the natural beauty and ambience of the springs.

Discovering an Empty Pool for Naked Soaking

While it may be challenging to find an empty pool for naked soaking at times, the persistence of Wonderhussy Adventures paid off. After encountering crowds and families at various pools, they were able to find an empty pool for a more liberating soak. This allowed for a more personal and intimate hot spring experience, truly connecting with nature and embracing the freedom of nudity.

Enjoying the Relaxing Experience

Once settled in a secluded pool, the relaxing experience of McCauley Hot Springs truly takes hold. The warm water envelops the body, soothing tired muscles and allowing for a moment of pure serenity. The peaceful surroundings further contribute to the overall sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you are soaking alone or engaging in conversation with fellow hot spring enthusiasts, the tranquility of the springs is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Meeting Interesting People at the Hot Springs

Hot springs are not only a place of relaxation but also a hub for meeting interesting people from all walks of life. McCauley Hot Springs is no exception. While enjoying the waters, Wonderhussy Adventures had the pleasure of engaging in friendly conversations and making connections with fellow visitors. These encounters added extra depth to the hot springs experience, allowing for the exchange of stories, knowledge, and memorable moments.

Exploring the Surroundings

Visiting a Nearby Waterfall

In addition to enjoying McCauley Hot Springs, Wonderhussy Adventures took the opportunity to visit a nearby waterfall. This popular trail promises breathtaking views and the chance to witness the beauty of nature in its purest form. The waterfall serves as a reminder of the incredible natural attractions that can be found in the Los Alamos/Jemez Springs area.

Beautiful Scenery and Natural Attractions

From the lush forests to the stunning waterfalls, McCauley Hot Springs and its surroundings offer a plethora of natural attractions. The picturesque scenery invites visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll through the forest or an adrenaline-fueled hike to a breathtaking vista, the Los Alamos/Jemez Springs area has something to offer every nature enthusiast.

Conclusion

Recap of McCauley Hot Springs Experience

McCauley Hot Springs provides a wonderful and unforgettable experience for adventurers and hot spring enthusiasts. From the accessible trail through the beautiful forest to the soothing hot springs themselves, every aspect of the journey offers moments of tranquility and connection with nature. Despite a few challenges, Wonderhussy Adventures persevered and discovered hidden pools for a more liberating soak.

Anticipation for Wonderhussy Adventures’ Next Destination

As Wonderhussy Adventures concludes their adventure at McCauley Hot Springs, excitement builds for their next destination. With a passion for hot springs and a thirst for exploration, Wonderhussy Adventures continues their journey through the natural wonders of the Los Alamos/Jemez Springs area. Stay tuned to their channel and website, wonderhussy, for the next installment of their thrilling adventures.

Welcome to Jemez Hot Springs 1 of 3: McCauley Hot Springs!

As someone who loves natural hot springs, I always make it a point to visit as many as possible while traveling. During the summer of 2018, I found myself in the Los Alamos/Jemez Springs area of New Mexico, where I had the opportunity to explore three of the most well-known springs in the region. And this is the first one I’ll be sharing with you: McCauley Hot Springs.

McCauley Hot Springs is a truly beautiful spot, surrounded by a stunning forest and offering water that is pleasantly hot. The best part is that reaching this hot spring is relatively easy, thanks to a simple 2-mile trail. However, because it’s so popular and the trail is so uncomplicated, I was a bit concerned that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy a soak the way I prefer. You see, I have a personal preference for soaking without a bikini. Who wants to deal with a wet and chilly swimsuit on the way back from a hike, right?

Were my fears realized or did I find a way to soak as I desired? Stay tuned to find out!

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Tags: wonderhussy, wonder hussy, hot spring, jemez springs, jemez hot spring, mccauley hot spring, natural hot spring, new mexico hot spring, new mexico hiking, jemez falls, hot spring etiquette.