Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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OJO CALIENTE
Many locals from the area like to rejuvenate at
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs,
Ojo
Caliente, NM 87549 (
&
800/222-9162
or 505/583-2233; http://ojocalientesprings.
com); it's on US 285, 50 miles (a 1-hr. drive) northwest of Santa Fe and 50 miles south-
west of Taos. This National Historic Site was considered sacred by prehistoric tribes.
When Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca discovered and named the springs in the 16th
century, he called them “the greatest treasure that I found these strange people to pos-
sess.” No other hot springs in the world has Ojo Caliente's combination of iron, soda,
lithium, sodium, and arsenic. If the weather is warm enough, the outdoor mud bath is a
treat. The dressing rooms are in fairly good shape; however, the whole place has an earthy
feel. If you're a fastidious type, you won't be comfortable here. The resort offers herbal
wraps and massages, lodging, and meals. It's open daily 8am to 10pm.
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