A beautiful volcanic landscape perched atop the mountains. We visited briefly in mid July, it was not too hot given the high altitude, and the early afternoon storms offer relief. I can recommend the hidden valley trail, the turn off for which is on the gravel road before the visitor's center. We saw prairie dogs, coyotes, and many lovely wildflowers.

Wow! Wow! Wow! During our annual visit to Santa Fe, New Mexico, we had no idea our adventure would take such an unexpected and beautiful turn. We had planned to visit Bandelier National Monument, but due to a government shutdown, it was closed. Thankfully, a kind park ranger suggested we head to Valles Caldera National Preserve instead — and we are so glad we took that advice! The preserve was absolutely stunning. It was an overcast and cool October day, which only made the landscape more dramatic. The colors were vibrant, the views were breathtaking, and to top it all off, we even spotted a coyote in the distance. What an unforgettable place. I already can’t wait to go back!

We happened on this Preserve 3 to 4 years ago... and have visited when we are in the Santa Fe area... It has become a favorite place... today, we drove the back area... so beautiful... one of those places you can visit over and over... and never tire of...

Love the great views, elk herds, and learning about the Caldera formation. Back-country visits require passes (best purchased well ahead of time).

The Valles Caldera National Preserve is managed for us by the National Park Service who allow driving into the back reaches of the Preserve and they allow bicycle riding, horseback travel, hiking, cross country skiing and other non motorized access. For handicapped people, access by autos is allowed to see much of the Preserve. I thank the NPS for their good work at the VCNP.

Beautiful, utterly quiet. Saw coyote and prairie dogs close up, elk via binoculars.

Lame unless you want to fish 🐟 or see a stupid cabin

Absolutely gorgeous trail! Lovely place for a hike.

Worth it! A bit on the crowded side on weekends but for good reason. Very easy access to some beautiful views that you will hold in your memory for a long time

Exploring the Las Conchas Trail was a delightful experience. The trail winds alongside the Jemez River, through a picturesque canyon. The soothing sounds of flowing water, charming wooden bridges, and glimpses of chipmunks create a serene atmosphere. We hiked about two miles in, surrounded by wildflowers—a truly beautiful outing!

Beautiful outdoor area with nearby toilet and great cliff face to learn climbing and rappelling.

A nice 5 mile round trip hike that is pretty easy for experien ed hikers.

Really beautiful and easy hike. There are stairs and some places with slight elevation increases and tree roots to go over, plus some bridges to step up onto. People with significant mobility issues would struggle but overall is a good all ages trail. It's really beautiful in summer and fall especially. If the main parking lot is full there's room along the road. No restrooms or picnic tables but both are plentiful in other areas on the road up. And there are plenty of places to picnic on the ground and play in the water. Most people had their dogs off leash which was a concern for us, but we were able to avoid them for the most part. We probably wouldn't bring our dog again for this reason, which is unfortunate because this is a great trail for a dog.

Absolutely gorgeous trail. It's easy and great for all ages!

Cool little hike? Just kind of busy when we got there. So lots of kids playing in the water making noise. Not my favorite but it was still a cool area

Easy little hike to the Falls from the campground. It was rainy and cool, but the Forest was amazing non the less.

The Falls and warm springs were nice. The hike to the falls was short and easy. The hike to the warm springs is a couple miles and from the falls trail, it's pretty straight down hill heading to the falls. So be mindful going back up. But definitely worth it.

Beautiful and tucked away past the campground, directions to get here were a little wonky. Depending on the season, it’s nearly impossible to get to the bottom of the falls. An eerie place with a slightly disrupted sense of serenity, like you’re the one breaking the natural stillness of everything. Heard some creepy sounds out here too! Would love to go back when it hasn’t been raining, the rocks are very slippery.

A beautiful, peaceful hike. You completely lose cell phone service on the road so pay attention to the campsite signs and which way to go once you're heading out.

Great spot to relax. The sound of the falls and running water are nice. Lots of little places to see the falls or take a dip in the water. I went on a Friday afternoon and only a handful of people were there.

This is a must see water fall. Very easy walk from the Jemez Falls campground. Such beautiful falls and the water was nice and cool on a hot day.

Came here in mid March and there's still snow on the ground. It's a beautiful little hike that goes in a loop, about a quarter mile. No over night camping but you can pic nic for the day. At the overlook point there's two benches to sit and enjoy the view. No restrooms that i saw.

My wife and I were on a motorcycle touring ride through the States. This was not supposed to be a stop. But I kept smelling something that was really aromatic, smelled really good. I had not smelled such a thing before. So we stopped. To my suprise, it was the pine trees here. These are Ponderosa Pines, and they don't have the typical pine smell (think Pine Sol) that regular pine trees have. They have a unique, aromatic, wonderful smell. They also grow in spirals as you can see from the fallen trees.

Some quiet overlooks a short distance from the parking area. Vault toilets available.

Perfect place to stop and enjoy the fresh Ponderosa Pines that line this short trail to an overlook.

Quick loop to the viewpoints overlooking the canyon. There isn't much of a clearing to see a lot because of all of the trees but still beautiful nonetheless.

Grabbed a bottle of water and sit on a bench. Looked over the valley and listened to the breeze of trees. It just felt like time is frozen.

A must stop and see spot! The view is inspiring, exemplifies America's beauty.

There is no signs to the hot springs but I decided to follow the trail from parking lot. It’s a scenery trail that is an enjoyment just on its own. The trail takes you down all the way to a river which you will cross by the metal bridge. After the bridge the trail is rocky and steep but not too bad (I made it in my flip flops) but hiking shoes is preferred. It takes about 15-20 minutes to hike from parking lot. I have visited San Antonio hot springs the other day and this one is nothing like that. Water is just warm and not clear at all. I didn’t go in, all the people that were there were just soaking their feet. Id recommend to spend some extra drive time and go to San Antonio Hot Springs. I do give some stars for scenery of this location. I hiked a bit higher past the pool and it was great

Spence Hot Springs – Jemez Springs, NM Beautiful spot tucked into the Jemez Mountains! The short hike to the springs is scenic and not too strenuous, making it accessible for most people. The springs themselves are peaceful and relaxing, with a stunning view of the surrounding canyon. We went on a Wednesday and lucked out—had the place to ourselves for about 30 minutes, which was amazing. One note: there’s a bit more poison ivy just off the trail than I’d prefer. Nothing too crazy, but definitely worth keeping an eye out and staying on the main path. Overall, a fantastic soak in nature—would definitely go again!

It was cool going to a hot spring with my name lol. We went in the evening/sunset. The hike was about 20 minutes down and then back up. It was two pools that were about i say 2-2 1/2 feet deep. Just sat it was warm but not hot like other springs around the world we have been too but a bucket list item if you haven’t been there.

This beautiful and rustic warm spring is a short 1/3 mile hike from the parking lot. It boasts of well manicured trails along most of the way and evolving into rugged steep rock laden trail. The parking lot is too small to fit a Class A or C RV but, parking is available along the highway shoulder just across the street. There is essentially only one warm spring pool that is fed from a cave. There is space inside the cave for a few people at a time and the water is a bit warmer in there. This would be a great place to visit during the hot summer months because the cold freshwater stream that flows near this warm spring has a couple of open areas where wading is available.

From the parking lot to the springs is approximately one half mile. Half of the hike is easy and half is more challenging. In dry weather the trail surface is much more manageable. Beautiful views from the springs all year long. The springs are "warm" springs, not technically "hot " springs. The source is 98 degrees and the two lower pools are 88 and 84 respectively.

It was just a lukewarm spring when we went. Only one pool was acceptable to get into, the other two were really gross. But the view is worth it.

Gorgeous, secluded, a little bit unbalanced if you are handicapped, the walk is uneven and a little difficult as it’s not paved but quite close to the parking lot so it’s not a long hike. They don’t have clear signage so you have to just pass take the path that winds up to the left. Totally worth it as the view and the water is wonderful. You shouldn’t get lost if you’re able to see the foot path. Very very beautiful. Quite small so if there were other people there, it would be very intimate. From what I could tell. There are two baths directly on top of each other, you have to walk through or around one to get to the other, park closes at sunset for good reason he wouldn’t be able to find your way back down the hill easily.

This spot is spectacular! Absolutely beautiful. Nice trails. The clay areas can get slippery as owls snot when wet. There is a lot of obsidian here. There also is a warm spring on a two mile hike. Next trip out!!

Very beautiful area with the river running nearby. It's also a great hike to the hot springs.

This is one of the coolest rock features I’ve ever seen! The park is very clean, well kept and supplies ample parking. We stopped by on our way into Jemez falls. The camp host Zack was super helpful & friendly!

Very pretty and quiet viewing area! Very interesting formation!

It's an amazing place to have a picnic with your family and rest next to a running small river. Once you had a picnic; now, it is time to explore the beautiful nature by hiking and following spectacular trail that will eventually bring you to the top of the mountain. However, you should be careful by following this trail because it was a little bit difficult for some of us due to high elevation and trail going upward and path being sometimes a little bit slippery; hence, try to wear your special hiking shoes and you shouldn't have any problems along the way. Also, I would suggest to find a map probably because this trail can be a bit confusing from time to time.

WOW! Make sure you enter the area, first time we only pulled off to use the restroom. Park is breathtaking, stream, massive Pine, Balsam,Aspen. Easy trails to hike. Ample parking and Restrooms, tables and grills available.

Perfect for spending the day with family. My son is 4 years old and he was in heaven. There are many places to get into the river and lots of little trails. Perfect for social distancing! The parking area is right next to the "Battleship Rock" and there are many picnic tables and spaces to grill. There is an outdoor fireplace with covered seating as well. Looking forward to being there in the winter!

Super easy to access and definitely worth a quick stop if you’re in the area. The natural sodium carbonate dam is truly unique—unlike anything we’d seen before. You can spot what looks like the remains of a former hot spring, though we didn’t cross the river to explore it up close. If you’re into bouldering or light caving, this could be a really fun spot to check out with some interesting rock formations and small caves. It’s just 5 minutes from Battleship Rock (also very scenic) and about 10 minutes from two different hikes that lead to natural hot springs, so it fits in perfectly as part of a day trip. I wouldn’t make the trip just to see the dam on its own, but as part of our day up from Santa Fe, it was totally worth it.

I thought going through here was amazing. Plus the lil museum was the best part.

Absolutely loved this place! Easy to access because it’s right off the road, water feels great and has little spots where hot/warm water comes out of.

Nice roadside stop. Get out stretch legs, hop the rail and a 100ft or so you'll be up close to the natural spring and cave like dam.

What a bizarre place. Easy stop along the road and good for a quick picture. Some trash lying around from folks sunbathing or just hanging out, but that didn’t deter me from a quick stop and some photos.

Amazing place! Very picturesque and beautiful. If you're ever in that part of the world, give it a visit, you will love it.

Beautiful place. Very peaceful

Cannot say enough things about the pizza here. We are visiting from the north east (we know good pizza) and I think this is the best pizza we have ever had. Don’t miss this spot if you are up in Jemez area enjoying the national park; the beer selection is excellent and the pizza is unmatched!

Great place to get pizza. Crispy crust. The oktoberfest and stout beers were delicious. Definitely give it a try if your visiting Jemez or passing. The staff was friendly. I'll be back.

Jemez Mountain Brewhouse is definitely worth a visit! The staff is super friendly and ready to great you as you walk through the door. I started with a flight. All their beers are great, but I love a good red IPA so decided to pair a pint of Red Rocks IPA with my pizza. Ordered a 12" spicy red sauce, green chilis, and homemade fennel sausage. The pizza was excellent! The size was perfect for dinner plus lunch the next day. I decided to take some a crowler of Red Rocks home with me. They make crowlers fresh ever day so my 32oz of to go beer was ready in seconds. I highly recommend this place and am looking forward to making it back to Jemez Mountain Brewhouse!

Quickly becoming our destination when we visit Jemez Springs, and close enough to Rio Rancho that we can make the trip any time. Great pizza and vibes.

My favorite pizza in Northeast New Mexico. Their hot marinari sauce is killer - so is their dough. Great cider and beer selection. Recommend the black cherry from Sandia mixed with the watermelon!

What an amazing place! I saw all the other glowing reviews, but often in small towns the bar is so low, or the options so few, that a local place will gain unwarranted praise. Not so in this case. The carnivore pizza with pepperoni, meatballs and fennel sausage was easily the best I have had in New Mexico. It has a very thin but perfectly cooked crust topped by a simply delicious and slightly spicy red sauce, generous amounts of mozzarella, and truly scrumptious meat toppings. It is a bit of a fork and knife pizza unless you cradle the bottom while picking it up, but the small extra effort is soooo worth it. For us it is about an hour drive to get here, but easily worth it. Massive kudos to the friendly staff as well.

Wow. This pizza is amazing! The spicy red sauce, hatch chili and pepperoni was some of the best pizza we’ve ever had … and we know pizza being from Chicago. That red sauce is a treasure. Brews were great, nice selection, lovely staff, locals hanging out. We loved this place.