Ojo Caliente, New Mexico facts for kids
Ojo Caliente is a small community in Taos County, New Mexico, United States. It's not a city with its own government, but rather a quiet area along the Rio Ojo Caliente river. This special place is well-known for its natural hot springs.
Discovering Ojo Caliente
Ojo Caliente is located along U.S. Route 285, a major road in New Mexico. It sits near the Rio Grande river, between the towns of Española and Taos. The community is about 50 miles (80 km) north of Santa Fe, which is the capital city of New Mexico.
The area around Ojo Caliente mainly has small farms. These farms get their water from special irrigation channels called acequias. These acequias bring water from the Rio Ojo Caliente river to help the crops grow.
The Famous Hot Springs
The most famous part of Ojo Caliente is its incredible hot springs. These springs are one of the oldest health resorts in North America! People have been visiting them for a very long time to relax and enjoy the warm, mineral-rich waters.
The Tewa people, who are Native Americans from this region, have a special tradition about these pools. They believe the hot springs provide a way to connect with the underworld.
In 1932, a man named Frank Mauro bought the springs. His family continued to own and operate the resort for three generations, keeping it a family business. The buildings at the resort are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized for their historical value. Also, a unique building nearby, the Ojo Caliente Hot Springs Round Barn, which was built in 1924, is also listed on the National Register.
