The Village of Jemez Springs is an ideal location for beautiful scenery, geological history, miles of scenic hiking trails, numerous campgrounds and fishing spots along the Jemez River and soaks in natural hot springs at the end of an adventurous day.
Local music events and art happenings are frequent and small-town hospitality is abundant. Don't forget the drive along Highway 4 is called the Jemez Mountain Trail, a designated National Scenic Byway.
One of the views along Jemez River drive on NM 4.
A sheer cliff that rises 200 feet above Jemez River. At the base is a day-use picnic area with picnic tables, vault toilets, drinking water, and parking. An adventurous challenge for hikers, there is a trail system form Battleship Rock that leads to McCauley Warm Springs and Jemez Falls.
Located on NM 485 which forks off of Hwy 4 and crosses the Jemez River is a set of tunnels built in the 1920's for logging and railroad. The drive will take you through some of the oldest rocks in the Jemez Mountains and logging ruins on Peggy Mesa.
Gilman Tunnels along NM 485.Guadalupe Cascades along NM 485.Photos by EMKotyk
Located on the East Fork of Jemez River, these falls are accessible by hiking the East Fork Trail (Forest Trail 137).
Three miles off of National Scenic Route NM 4 is the Jemez Falls. The largest water fall in the Jemez Mountains, the river drops 70 feet through a spectacular series of falls. A campground facility is located nearby.
Visitors can enjoy stone ruins of a 500-year-old village (Pueblo of Giusewa) and the San Jose de los Jemez church (circa 1610). In the 17th century, the Spanish established a Catholic mission at Giusewa, but the site was soon abandoned and the mission was moved to Jemez Pueblo. Amenities include an exhibition-rich heritage center and an interpretive trail that winds among the ruins.
Overview of the San Jose de los Jemez church.View coming out of the Giusewa Kiva.Inside view of the San Jose de los Jemez church.Inside view from one of the rooms.Photos by EMKotyk
Jemez Pueblo is 1 of 19 remaining pueblos in New Mexico. Explore their culture at Walatowa Visitor Center and Museum of History and Culture website to learn about the Towa culture and traditions.
Nestled in the scenic Ponderosa Valley on the southern slopes of the beautiful Jemez Mountains and southeast of Jemez Springs is Ponderosa Valley Vineyard & Winery. They are the largest Riesling vineyard in New Mexico.
Ripe grapes on vine at Ponderosa Valley Vineyard & Winery.Metal lizard on wine barrel at entrance.Metal art within the winery grounds.Metal art within the winery grounds.Photos by EMKotyk
Soda Dam is where water from underground hot springs has flowed for centuries. The buildup of mineral deposits has formed a unique and spectacular natural dam that blocks part of the Jemez River.
Soda Dam and falls.Close up of exterior of Soda Dam.Inside Soda Dam spring.Inside Soda Dam spring looking out.Start of another spring on opposite side of road.Photos by EMKotyk
With parking located off of Highway 4 and a short hike, the popular Spence Hot Spring includes a small pool that can accommodate a small number of people. Although the spring maintains a 95 degree temperature, the water has been cooling for the last several years and is considered to be a warm spring at approximately body temperature.
A lengthy trail connects Jemez Falls to Battleship Rock with McCauley Springs about midway.
One of several pools located at McCauley Springs.Photo by EMKotyk
