Hot Springs Historic District, Texas, United States

5NF2013_13 5:00 PM Apr 12, 2022

Everything about Big Bend National Park is Awesome!
Hot Springs Historic District was the first place we visited on Day 2 at Big Bend NP. We did the hike beyond just seeing the hot springs. We went early and saw almost no one except for some young people in the spring. They were very nice and from a nearby town. Yes, the water was hot, about 105 degrees. We didn't get in but we felt it. An amazing sight right on the Rio Grande River (USA side of the river too). The hike was interesting with the historical facts we learned along the way. Well worth seeing.

5Lo S 5:00 PM Jan 15, 2020

Do NOT Pass Up an Opportunity to Visit This Gem!
Wow. This was one of our favorite treks at Big Bend NP. The road to the hike is rocky and somewhat treacherous, but completely doable without 4x4 (for example, we drive a mini van and were fine!). If you drive a RV, you have to park and hike a little further in (I'd recommend getting a trail map because there is a shortcut which avoids the narrow road with traffic- probably safer). At the parking area are some ruins atop a set of stairs. There are some lovely views from up there. Then, to get to the hot springs, take a short hike through sandy terrain. (The hike was so easy most of us took our shoes off and walked barefoot). Sandals or even flipflops would be fine for this one. Careful along the rocky cliff sides...my daughter got quite the surprise when a roadrunner came out from between the rocks and landed right in front of her! The hot spring comes up at 105 degrees, however the outter edges of the "tub" are slightly cooler. We saw people doing the "polar bear plunge", jumping from the hot springs, into the river and back again. Be prepared to get all the way in if you go; there aren't a lot of dry clean places to sit along the edge. It gets quite muddy from people entering and exiting from all sides of the tub. The bottom surface is sandy, most people were barefoot, though you could wear water shoes (or flip flops). Parts of the hot spring were knee deep and others waist or even chest deep (depending on your height). There is nowhere nearby to change clothes so I would recommend coming in a swimsuit and wearing clothing over (or even a cover up). (Some people were comfortable going in their underwear). Bring a towel, sunglasses, and maybe a hat and enjoy! This was definitely my favorite of everything we did at the park. If you're brave enough to peak the Chisos mountains, get up early and do that THEN relax your whole body here at sunset or late afternoon! Your body will love you!