McCauley Hot Springs Out and Back

Park at the Battleship Rock Day Use Area. At the trailhead, follow the trails with round trail markers attached to trees. Very soon the trail will fork, and the hot springs are accessible via the right fork, which essentially continues straight. Hikers should be very careful to follow the correct route, as a second route heads into the Jemez and peters out after climbing several miles above Battleship Rock. Though elevation gain is less than 100 feet, many trekkers find some of the steeper sections somewhat strenuous, so this trail may not be advisable for families with young children. After just over two miles of switchbacks up the side of the mountain, the trail wanders into a wooded area lined with gigantic pine trees. Once in the trees, the trail becomes less difficult, until the hot springs materialize unexpectedly. Return to the trailhead via the same route.