Fifty miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico lies the healing waters of Ojo Caliente (literally, Hot Eye, but poetically, Hot Springs). During the time of the ancient peoples, this area was known as P’osi, meaning “where the water comes to a point” which was home to thousands of people who lived in four puebos surrounding the spring. Fast forward to 1868 when Antonio Joseph, 1st Congressional Representative, built the first bathhouse close to the springs, resulting in copious numbers of visitors coming to receive the cure of the mineral waters, both then and now.
The sign at the entrance of Ojo Caliente
There are five pools which fill from natural mineral springs. These springs originate in underground aquifers. The heated water returns to the surface via rocks which is the source of the water’s minerals. The pools are named for this mineral content; such as, The Iron Pool. Iron is beneficial to the blood and immune system and prevents fatigue and gives the skin a healthy tone. Soaking in the 102 degree water, looking up at the rock cliffs, is supreme luxury.
The iron-rich water of the Iron Pool feeds the pool and benefits the blood and immune system.
The Cliffside Pool contains arsenic spring waters thought to relief from arthritis, ulcers, and skin conditions.
Cliffside Pool, an arsenic spring, known for relief of arthritis, stomach ulcers and skin conditions.
First things First:
Ojo combines both eclectic charm and modern facilities. Upon arrival, there is a short walk to the main lodge where you sign-in, receive your towel + locker key, and pay ($32/person on the weekends for the entire day). The large lobby with high ceilings takes in the open New Mexico skies.
The fountain and Ojo logo at the entrance to the parking lot.
Registration for the Spa and Hotel facilities.
Entrance to Spa registration
A Special Place to Eat:
The sign for the Ojo Farm where the produce is grown to supply the Artesian Restaurant and Wine Bar
When it’s time to eat, you are in for a treat at the Artesian Restaurant and Wine Bar. What makes this restaurant stand out among others is the fact that the produce is grown at the Ojo Farm. You can see the green houses and property on the right side of the road as you drive toward the entrance.
- The green houses where the produce is grown to supply the Artesian Restaurant and Wine Bar
Beer and a wrap with a beautiful side salad.
Come for a day or stay for a vacation:
Hotel facilities on Ojo property. Prices range from $150 to $400/night.
Hotel facilities are available on property. Stay comfortably in small casitas, walk to the healing pools, participate in Yoga classes in the yurt, meditate in the River Yurt, and enjoy massages and spa treatments. This is a place where you can renew your spirit as well as your body. The weather is usually a crisp 55 degrees +/-, blue skies…it’s New Mexico.
The Yoga Yurt:
Yoga Yurt
Hiking the Posi Trail offers an alternative activity outside soaking in the hot mineral springs. A great way to see the beauty of the New Mexico terrain. There are glistening mica fields on Joseph’s Trail which sparkle as you approach.
Hiking is available in the Posi Recreation Area. The trails are moderate in difficulty.
Just a half mile from the Ojo main facility is the Round Barn. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Adobe Round Barn was built in 1924 and restored in 2002. This barn with a hexagonal cupola was originally a dairy barn, but now it is used for storage. It is the only adobe round barn in the nation and worth the short walk to see it. Be sure to spot the two old kivas that are close to the barn.
Adobe round barn built in 1924, restored in 2002. Originally used as a diary barn.
Ojo Caliente Contact Information:
Physical Address:
50 Los Banos Drive
Ojo Caliente, New Mexico 87549
Main Phone Numbers:
Fax Number:
505-583-2045
EMAIL:
About the Author:
Melissa and Annie enjoying the healing powers of Ojo hot springs.
In 2010, Annie Coburn created FAB Senior Travel, a blog for mature and adventurous travelers. Her blog features travel articles from contributors as well as her own travels. Annie has published five travel books targeting the greatest cities on earth: Walk Paris, Walk Beijing, Walk London, Walk NYC, and Ellie’s Grand Adventure. She recently spent seven-months living and traveling in South America.
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Website: http:// www.fabseniortravel.com
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