Tiny towns are usually simply pit stops – places to pause on your way to somewhere bigger and better. But some villages are a destination in their own right. That’s definitely the case with Jemez Springs. It has far more to offer than its population size suggests. Even though only a mere 250 people call this teeny little town home, it’s the site of a national historic landmark, some gorgeous hot springs, and many intriguing restaurants all set against a backdrop of rocks red enough to rival those found in Sedona, Arizona. Here are some of the attractions waiting for you in Jemez Springs in New Mexico:
- A gorgeous setting
veesees/Flickr These rocks are not Photoshopped!
- Jemez Springs National Historic Landmark
cybergata/Flickr This site packs a lot of history into a small area. You can see the remains of a 500-year-old Indian village. The tribe has since moved to a pueblo about 20 miles to the south.
The San José de los Jemez church is also impressive. It was built in the 1620s, by Fray Alonso de Luga. He arrived in the U.S. with Juan de Oñate, in 1598.
In case you were wondering how a place is designated a national historic landmark, it has to reflect the heritage of the United States in an exceptional manner. There are 2500 such landmarks throughout the country.
- Soda Dam
Sharon Sperry Bloom/Flickr A carbonate spring bubbling to the Earth’s surface caused this unusual natural dam to form. It’s 300 feet long and stands 50 feet tall. You can clamber over Soda Dam, into its small caves, or splash around in the water. Soda Dam is located two miles north of town.
- Highway 4 Cafe
Yelp/Kerri H. Head to Highway 4 Cafe if you want to start your day with a good cup of joe, indulge in a cinnamon roll, or pick up a picnic lunch for a hike. Visit the Highway 4 Cafe Facebook page for more information.
- Los Ojos Saloon
Flickr/Don Brubeck Stop in for a drink and to gawp at the decor. Old saddles straddle the beams and glitterballs challenge Tiffany-style pendants for illumination dominance. Plus there’s the stuffed goat that seems to be charging right through the wall. Wonder where the back end is! Visit the Los Ojos Saloon website for more information.
- Fry bread!
Michele/Flickr Just south of Jemez Springs, roadside vendors are usually on hand to serve up steaming hot fry bread, sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar or honey. It’s. The. Best.
- Hot Spring Resorts
Andrea M./Yelp For an old-school experience, soak in the Jemez Springs Bath House. It was constructed in the 1870s and is a state historical site. That being said, the tubs are individual ones and the overall feel is rustic.
For a more scenic experience, soak at Jemez Hot Springs (pictured). This resort offers communal pools in a tranquil setting.
- Undeveloped Hot Springs
Gabby A./Yelp If you’re in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, it’s worth rattling up the bumpy road to San Antonio Hot Springs, which is slightly outside the town of Jemez Springs. Alternatively, hike the five miles in and reward any aching muscles with a good soak.
- Jemez River
veesees/Flickr The Jemez River offers good fishing, with plenty of rainbow trout.
Have you visited Jemez Springs in New Mexico? What was your favorite thing about this town? If you love the hot springs here (and who doesn’t), here is an entire list of the best hot springs in New Mexico.
veesees/Flickr
These rocks are not Photoshopped!
cybergata/Flickr
This site packs a lot of history into a small area. You can see the remains of a 500-year-old Indian village. The tribe has since moved to a pueblo about 20 miles to the south.
The San José de los Jemez church is also impressive. It was built in the 1620s, by Fray Alonso de Luga. He arrived in the U.S. with Juan de Oñate, in 1598.
In case you were wondering how a place is designated a national historic landmark, it has to reflect the heritage of the United States in an exceptional manner. There are 2500 such landmarks throughout the country.
Sharon Sperry Bloom/Flickr
A carbonate spring bubbling to the Earth’s surface caused this unusual natural dam to form. It’s 300 feet long and stands 50 feet tall. You can clamber over Soda Dam, into its small caves, or splash around in the water. Soda Dam is located two miles north of town.
Yelp/Kerri H.
Head to Highway 4 Cafe if you want to start your day with a good cup of joe, indulge in a cinnamon roll, or pick up a picnic lunch for a hike. Visit the Highway 4 Cafe Facebook page for more information.
Flickr/Don Brubeck
Stop in for a drink and to gawp at the decor. Old saddles straddle the beams and glitterballs challenge Tiffany-style pendants for illumination dominance. Plus there’s the stuffed goat that seems to be charging right through the wall. Wonder where the back end is! Visit the Los Ojos Saloon website for more information.
Michele/Flickr
Just south of Jemez Springs, roadside vendors are usually on hand to serve up steaming hot fry bread, sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar or honey. It’s. The. Best.
Andrea M./Yelp
For an old-school experience, soak in the Jemez Springs Bath House. It was constructed in the 1870s and is a state historical site. That being said, the tubs are individual ones and the overall feel is rustic.
For a more scenic experience, soak at Jemez Hot Springs (pictured). This resort offers communal pools in a tranquil setting.
Gabby A./Yelp
If you’re in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, it’s worth rattling up the bumpy road to San Antonio Hot Springs, which is slightly outside the town of Jemez Springs. Alternatively, hike the five miles in and reward any aching muscles with a good soak.
The Jemez River offers good fishing, with plenty of rainbow trout.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USAAddress: 62 Jemez Springs Plaza, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USAAddress: Jemez Hot Springs, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USAAddress: 18160 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USAAddress: Soda Dam Springs, New Mexico 87025, USAAddress: 17502 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USAAddress: NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USAAddress: Jemez River, New Mexico, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Jemez Springs In New Mexico November 20, 2020 Leah What are the most charming small towns in New Mexico? There are many unique towns in New Mexico that are full to the brim with their own special charm. Little places like Arroyo Seco, which has a population of just 1,785 residents, have a combination of beautiful scenery, cute local shops, and history. If you enjoy nostalgia, visit a Route 66 essential: Tucumcari. The colorful neon lights and old-school diners are the perfect way to take a little trip back in time. People also love visiting Truth or Consequences, a town that is known not only for its unusual name but also for being a hot springs destination. Their thermal springs are full of natural minerals and are great for unwinding in. What are the most beautiful places in New Mexico? If you’re looking for some gorgeous getaway spots in New Mexico for your next vacation, you have plenty to choose from. If you love quiet mountain towns, try a visit to the town of Cloudcroft. In the wintertime, you can visit Red River, the snowiest town in the Land of Enchantment. This place is beautifully located with scenic surroundings as well as adorable, old west-themed buildings. For history and beauty in one, try Taos. The town itself has plenty to do and see and stunning desert scenery, and it has a special attraction as well. It’s the location of the Taos Pueblo, an old, lovely-looking pueblo that has been continuously inhabited for hundreds of years. What are the most memorable hotels in New Mexico? Enjoy some downtime at the most relaxing places in New Mexico. If you’re staying in Carlsbad, stop by the Trinity Hotel. This hotel is located in a historic former bank and it’s loaded with charm. Plus, it has tons of amenities and luxuries to make your stay a perfect one. The Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, has everything you need for the ultimate relaxing getaway. Let your troubles wash away in the hot water pumped from geothermal springs right into your room’s private bath. They have a full spa, comfortable rooms, and plenty of other reasons to make it your next vacation spot.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Jemez Springs In New Mexico
November 20, 2020
Leah
What are the most charming small towns in New Mexico? There are many unique towns in New Mexico that are full to the brim with their own special charm. Little places like Arroyo Seco, which has a population of just 1,785 residents, have a combination of beautiful scenery, cute local shops, and history. If you enjoy nostalgia, visit a Route 66 essential: Tucumcari. The colorful neon lights and old-school diners are the perfect way to take a little trip back in time. People also love visiting Truth or Consequences, a town that is known not only for its unusual name but also for being a hot springs destination. Their thermal springs are full of natural minerals and are great for unwinding in. What are the most beautiful places in New Mexico? If you’re looking for some gorgeous getaway spots in New Mexico for your next vacation, you have plenty to choose from. If you love quiet mountain towns, try a visit to the town of Cloudcroft. In the wintertime, you can visit Red River, the snowiest town in the Land of Enchantment. This place is beautifully located with scenic surroundings as well as adorable, old west-themed buildings. For history and beauty in one, try Taos. The town itself has plenty to do and see and stunning desert scenery, and it has a special attraction as well. It’s the location of the Taos Pueblo, an old, lovely-looking pueblo that has been continuously inhabited for hundreds of years. What are the most memorable hotels in New Mexico? Enjoy some downtime at the most relaxing places in New Mexico. If you’re staying in Carlsbad, stop by the Trinity Hotel. This hotel is located in a historic former bank and it’s loaded with charm. Plus, it has tons of amenities and luxuries to make your stay a perfect one. The Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, has everything you need for the ultimate relaxing getaway. Let your troubles wash away in the hot water pumped from geothermal springs right into your room’s private bath. They have a full spa, comfortable rooms, and plenty of other reasons to make it your next vacation spot.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are many unique towns in New Mexico that are full to the brim with their own special charm. Little places like Arroyo Seco, which has a population of just 1,785 residents, have a combination of beautiful scenery, cute local shops, and history. If you enjoy nostalgia, visit a Route 66 essential: Tucumcari. The colorful neon lights and old-school diners are the perfect way to take a little trip back in time. People also love visiting Truth or Consequences, a town that is known not only for its unusual name but also for being a hot springs destination. Their thermal springs are full of natural minerals and are great for unwinding in.
What are the most beautiful places in New Mexico?
If you’re looking for some gorgeous getaway spots in New Mexico for your next vacation, you have plenty to choose from. If you love quiet mountain towns, try a visit to the town of Cloudcroft. In the wintertime, you can visit Red River, the snowiest town in the Land of Enchantment. This place is beautifully located with scenic surroundings as well as adorable, old west-themed buildings. For history and beauty in one, try Taos. The town itself has plenty to do and see and stunning desert scenery, and it has a special attraction as well. It’s the location of the Taos Pueblo, an old, lovely-looking pueblo that has been continuously inhabited for hundreds of years.
What are the most memorable hotels in New Mexico?
Enjoy some downtime at the most relaxing places in New Mexico. If you’re staying in Carlsbad, stop by the Trinity Hotel. This hotel is located in a historic former bank and it’s loaded with charm. Plus, it has tons of amenities and luxuries to make your stay a perfect one. The Sierra Grande Lodge & Spa in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, has everything you need for the ultimate relaxing getaway. Let your troubles wash away in the hot water pumped from geothermal springs right into your room’s private bath. They have a full spa, comfortable rooms, and plenty of other reasons to make it your next vacation spot.
