New Mexico is home to unparalleled natural beauty, and while you will find plenty of beauty hidden in plain sight, sometimes you need to work for it. Such is the case with this breathtaking trail that leads to one of prettiest hot springs in New Mexico. Ready for an epic adventure that provides both a strenuous workout and relaxation? Great, let’s lace up those hiking boots and dig in!

Welcome to the McCauley Hot Spring, a relaxing retreat hiding in the middle of a New Mexico forest.

Danielle Lilleston/AllTrails

You will find the trailhead for the McCauley Hot Spring at the Battleship Rock Day Use Area, where you will follow the trail with round markers attached to the trees. When you come to a fork in the trail, you will head to the right.

Eric Clima/AllTrails

Be sure to stop and admire the views along the way — and maybe even snap a few photographs!

Tomi Petrov/AllTrails

Following switchbacks up the side of the mountain, the moderate 3.6-mile trail is steep, but it’s all worth it when you reach your destination.

Kenny Dillingham/AllTrails

Surrounded by a lush forest and featuring crystalline water, these two striking hot springs are just begging for you to jump in and unwind.

Tanya Neplioueva/AllTrails

Luckily, the water here is warm rather than toasty, making it an idyllic spot to kick back and relax, even in the summer heat.

Darius Norvilas/Flickr (Pro tip: water in the upper pool is warmer than the lower one.)

Don’t forget to wear a swimsuit under your hiking gear, and load up your backpack with a towel and plenty of water.

Matt Spinelli/AllTrails

Once you’re done soaking, it’s time to head back the way you came. Luckily, after all that relaxation, it’s downhill from here.

George Heibel/AllTrails

Can you imagine a better way to spend your day off than with a magnificent hike and a soak in a local hot spring? We certainly can’t.

Jolie R/AllTrails

For more information about the McCauley Hot Spring Trail, head to AllTrails. And if you’re looking for more incredible hikes to add to your New Mexico bucket list, check out our previous article.

Danielle Lilleston/AllTrails

Eric Clima/AllTrails

Tomi Petrov/AllTrails

Kenny Dillingham/AllTrails

Tanya Neplioueva/AllTrails

Darius Norvilas/Flickr

(Pro tip: water in the upper pool is warmer than the lower one.)

Matt Spinelli/AllTrails

George Heibel/AllTrails

Jolie R/AllTrails

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