On a warm July Sunday, the idea of soaking in a natural mountain hot spring with a Jemez red rock canyon around you sounds too good to be real. It is completely real, and it is one hour from Santuario Grande.

Spence Hot Springs features natural rock pools at different temperatures carved into a cliffside above the Jemez River. The hike in is short — about 15 minutes. McCauley Hot Springs requires a longer hike but rewards with a beautiful volcanic crater pool surrounded by pine forest.

July is monsoon season in New Mexico — plan to arrive early and be off the mountain by early afternoon.

Bring water shoes, layers you do not mind steaming, and a hot drink for the drive home.