Discover New Mexico: Jemez Mountains - Soda Dam - Hot Springs - Battleship Rock

One of my favorite memories of living in New Mexico was visiting the Jemez Mountains. The area was perfect for summer motorcycle rides, hiking and camping trips. The region is littered with amazing geological sites like the Soda Dam (plus waterfall), Sulphur Hot Springs and the titanic Battleship Rock.

The  natural beauty of the area is more than just eye pleasing it's also spiritual in a sense.

Here are some of the places to visit when coming to the area.

Jemez Springs Soda Dam (Soda Dam Hot Spring)

This was the first location that my family discovered when we visited Jemez Valley. You can't help but pull over when you see the unique rock formations that surround the waterfall on the Jemez River.

History:

Soda Dam is a mini-version of Mammoth Hot Springs, located just north of the Village of Jemez Springs. Built up over millions of years, it hulks like an ancient behemoth across the valley, a great spill of rock that has been growing over the past 5,000 years. The travertine dam forms as the hot springs dissolve calcite minerals in the rock. When the springs reach the surface, calcium carbonate deposits form. In the process of building the formation, pockets formed, creating cave-like openings.

Soda Dam is on the Jemez fault zone, which is still seismically active today. Several small earthquakes have been felt along the fault in historic time, according to an article by Alexis Lavine in the Jemez Thunder, Feb. 15, 2004.

The first white settlers were thwarted by a box canyon here, cut through on the east end by the Jemez River. Soda Dam blocked the valley until the road was blasted out in the 1960s. On both sides of the highway, odoriferous water seeps from the ground at 80° or more, leaving a trail of green and yellow algae. Soda Dam came under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service in 1976.

Nearly everyone who visits the Jemez Springs area makes a stop at Soda Dam, and a high percentage of those who visit take a photo. - Jemez Valley History

 Jemez Hot Springs

The Hot Springs are off the main highway but well worth the hike. Imagine the wonder of soaking in a natural hot sulphur spring with an amazing unobstructed view of the Jemez Mountains and surrounding forest spread out in front of you.

Back in the day the springs were a popular spot for skinny dipping. In one of my excursions to the area my friends and I wondered upon a you woman swimming naked in one of the springs. I think we were more embarrassed than she was. People just weren't as timid back then I guess.

Information:

As the name implies, Jemez Springs is abundant in natural hot springs.

Primitive hot springs make Jemez Springs a delight for hikers who are rewarded by beautiful waterfalls or comforting hot springs. Spence Hot Springs near Soda Dam and McCauley Hot Springs, near Battleship Rock in the Santa Fe National Forest, are accessible via hikes ranging from easy to challenging.

Commercial hot springs, spas and bath houses in Jemez Springs provide a more controlled, cleaner environment in which to soak and relax.

Whether its soaking your cares away under a starry sky or taking advantage of an herbal wrap or massage, Jemez Springs’ facilities are reasonably priced yet top notch.

The following hot springs are on public land and are for day-use only (sunrise to sunset). Overnight camping is prohibited at these locations. There are no facilities at these locations. Bathing suits are required. Littering and fires are strictly prohibited. These springs are administered by the US Forest Service (local headquarters at the north end of the Village of Jemez Springs, just south of Soda Dam).

The phone number for current spring conditions and accessibility is 575-829-3535.
MCCAULEY WARM SPRINGS

Located between Battleship Rock and Jemez Falls, McCauley is a 3.8 mile loop with two warm pools. Hiking trail 137 can be accessed via Battleship Rock picnic area.

GPS: N 35.828357 and W -106.642257
SPENCE HOT SPRING

Located seven miles north of Jemez Springs. One of the most heavily visited of primitive hot springs. Large parking lot on the east side of highway 4, follow the short trail down to the river and up the other side to the springs. Spring maintains 95 degree temps.

GPS: 35.849 N, 106.631

Battleship Rock 

Battleship Rock is an amazing geological formation that towers over the Jemez River Valley below it.

My favorite memory of Battleship Rock was (in an attempt to get over my fear of heights) the time I climbed out to the end of the rocks and straddled the last rock. It was exhilarating to look down on the river below from such a height. 

I was much more brave back then and unfortunately the stunt failed to cure me of my phobia. 

Information:

Located just six miles north of Jemez Springs, Battleship Rock stands at 200 feet tall and was formed over 5 million years ago from volcanic eruptions. The structure earned its name because it juts from the mountain like the prow of a ship. A few miles past Battleship Rock is Spence Hot Springs. The East Fork Jemez and San Antonio Rivers join at the 33-site picnic area.

Sadly a Google search failed to provide any information on the history of  Battleship Rock. If anyone has any information please post it below.

See Also:

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