Spence Hot Spring facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spence Hot Springs |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Spence Hot Spring, upper and lower pool
|
|
| Location | Jemez Springs, New Mexico |
| Coordinates | 35°50′58″N 106°37′47″W / 35.84947°N 106.62982°W |
| Elevation | 6,000 ft |
| Type | geothermal |
| Temperature | 100°F–109°F |
Spence Hot Springs are a cool spot to visit in New Mexico. These are natural hot springs located north of a town called Jemez Springs, New Mexico. You can find them inside the Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Contents
What Makes Spence Hot Springs Special?
Soaking Pools and Temperatures
The main hot spring is on a hill above the Jemez River. Its warm water flows into a natural pool with a sandy bottom. From there, the water spills into two more rock pools. These pools are like steps on the hillside.
The middle pool gets extra warm water from a spring inside a cave. This water is about 100°F (38°C). The lowest pool is a bit cooler, around 95°F (35°C). There are also two more soaking pools about 50 feet uphill. Another spring is even further up, about 200 feet away.
Taking Care of the Springs
Many people love to visit Spence Hot Springs. Because so many people come, the area has seen some wear and tear. It's important to be careful and respectful when visiting natural places like this.
Where Do the Hot Springs Come From?
Geology of the Area
Spence Hot Springs are found at the edge of a huge, ancient volcano. This volcano is called the Valles Caldera. A caldera is a large basin that forms when a volcano collapses after a big eruption. The springs are also close to a cool rock formation called the Soda Dam.
Water Safety at the Springs
Understanding the Water
The water from the upper spring comes out at about 109°F (43°C). The water from the cave spring is around 100°F (38°C).
It's important to know that natural warm waters, like those in hot springs, can sometimes contain tiny living things. These are naturally found in the environment. To stay safe, it's always a good idea to avoid getting water in your nose when you are soaking or swimming in natural hot springs.
