Soaking!

One of the warm pools at Chinati Hot Springs

The cool pool (conventional swimming pool) at
Hot Springs

There are two places travelers can gain access to geo-thermal heated water for a good long soak:  Chinati Hot Springs in Presidio County (roughly between Marfa and Presidio) and the historic Hot Springs area of Big Bend National Park.  Chinati Hot Springs offered relaxed lodging or camping in a remote area with several choices of soaking options.  Historic Hot Springs in Big Bend National Park offers a short hike rich with experiences: historic structures, ancient rock art, the rivers' flora and fauna and a warm soak right at the edge of the Rio Grande. 

Ruins of a hot springs spa
in Big Bend National Park still
offers a warm soak

Near the trailhead at the historic
Hot Springs in Big Bend National Park
buildings left from when the area
was a health spa and resort

Who woke us up at Chinati Hot Springs? Take a closer look!

A favorite getaway of locals is the historic Chinati Hot Springs, and that's where we enjoyed camping on Wednesday night.  Isolated, the property is about 45 minutes from Presidio on the "good road" and an adventurous 90 minutes or so from Marfa via the rugged 4x4 only Pinto Canyon Road.  We like camping there because it is a lovely place, PLUS you get the use of a swimming pool (called the "cool pool") as well as the spring-fed warm and hot pools, and a common kitchen.  We last visited the property a few years ago, and upon our arrival this week we were pleased to learn the kitchen had all new appliances making it even more welcoming. 

We brought our mountain bikes and enjoyed the roads leading up to the Hot Springs property, then we took a quick hike on the trail at the top of the canyon walls.  

The Hot Springs property is a site on the Far West Texas Wildlife Trail map, and while we were there we saw many birds including an owl and covey of quail, and look whose bray woke us up in the morning?

Cool Places on Hot Days! Big Bend National Park Hot Springs along the Rio Grande!

Big Bend National Park's Hot Springs is a natural gathering area, and a place to learn (with your feet!) lessons about geothermal power.  If the water level is right, you can put one foot in the cool Rio Grande river, and other in the warm water (105 degrees!) of the hot springs ruin! 

Here's the park's page, "Take a Soak in the Hot Springs"


Here's a guide to the history of this special place!   This page also has a great suggested reading list so you can learn more about the area!

Cool places for hot days! Chinati Hot Springs' Cool Pool

The "Cool Pool" at Chinati Hot Springs, a nice traditional swimming pool in full view of the mountains

Chinati Hot Springs in Presidio County (west of Presidio, south of Marfa) has a "cool pool" as well as hot springs!  What a lovely way to cool off on a hot day! 


One of the Hot Springs Pools

 From their website: 

An oasis nestled deep in the Chinati Mountains of West Texas, The Chinati Hot Springs offers its visitors a one-of-a-kind experience. Opened in the 1930’s by the Kingston family and once owned by renowned minimalist artist Donald Judd, the natural spring has provided healing waters to the indigenous people of the area for thousands of years. Today, the Springs offer a peaceful atmosphere for people to relieve themselves of the stresses of everyday life and discover the restorative waters that have made this area so magical.

Said to be beneficial for relieving arthritis, stomach ulcers and healing a variety of skin conditions, the waters of the Springs are a great way to regenerate your body and mind. Flowing from the ground at approximately 110 degrees, the waters contain lithium, arsenic, and a variety of other natural healing minerals that will help you relax, rejuvenate yourself and enjoy your time at the Springs.

In order to fully enjoy the relaxation of the waters, The Chinati Hot Springs offers a variety of activities to keep the mind and body active as well. There are trails for hiking, mountain biking, or exploring the natural beauty of the unspoiled lands of deep canyons, cottonwood lined creek beds, distinctive geology and stunning sunsets. Many forms of wildlife are attracted to this oasis, and among them are many species of rare birds, which offer enjoyment year-round. Or you can just kick back, soak and enjoy your surroundings.

Texas Mountain Trail Classics: Driving Pinto Canyon Road

Thanks to Randy Mallory and the Texas Historical Commission for the use of this photo!

There are many exciting drives in the region--Williams Ranch Road in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Maverick Road, the River Road, Old Ore Road in Big Bend National Park, many of the roads in Big Bend Ranch State Park--but Pinto Canyon Road remains a sentimental favorite of many.  For high clearance vehicles only, this rough and scenic road runs between Marfa and Ruidosa.

The first 32 miles of FM2810 from Marfa are paved and run through beautiful grassland, scenery captured in films like "There Will Be Blood" and "No Country for Old Men," but soon the road becomes gravel and one lane and that's where the adventure begins.

The road runs through private land and is posted as such, and you're invited to enjoy the view from the road, but not invited to travel into private property or cross fencelines.  Still your adventure won't be diminished by staying on the road, for every turn brings a new glorious view.  Near the end, near Ruidosa is the entry to Chinati Hot Springs, a historic complex of adobe cabins, hot tubs, a swimming pool and camping possibilities..definitely worth a stay if you want to linger in the area..and you probably will!

This road is remote, and infrequently traveled, so you MUST be prepared.  Be sure your vehicle is in good working shape, and your spare tire is ready to marshal into service.  Pack plenty of water...you're still in the desert and you'll need more than you might expect.

Wintertime swim

There's a place northwest of Presidio that offers hot springs and a cool pool with a great view of the mountains, Chinati Hot Springs.  You can camp or stay in one of their adobe/stone cabins, and some of those cabins even have private hot pools.  The place is ultra-relaxed and unpretentious...all meals are on your own and there's a communal kitchen available to every guest at the property.  There's also hiking trails on the property, which we suggest you take early in the morning, so you can see the rosy light on the mountains all around!

Chinati Hot Springs

Established in 1937, Chinati Hot Springs is a quiet, laid back, rustic, but comfortable place to stay and take in geothermically heated waters.  There are public baths, a cool pool (top of this post), cabins for rent, and inexpensive camping.  A common kitchen provides the opportunity for recipe sharing and interesting conversations with fellow travelers.  Located on Pinto Canyon road north of Ruidosa, this is a tucked away oasis in a little-traveled corner of the Texas Mountain Trail region.

Adobe Cottage at Chinati Hot Springs

Located off remote Pinto Canyon Road, visitors to the Chinati Hot Springs get away from everything to enjoy the land, the cool pool and hot springs, tremendous views and comfortable adobe cabins.

For information on other historic hotel accommodations, visit: www.texasmountaintrail.com/historichotels

Hot? There's a place waiting for you at Chinati Hot Springs!

After a long day of hiking, this warm pool at Chinati Hot Springs soothes the sore muscles. Laidback and relaxed, the Hot Springs is a favorite place for visitors who really want to get off the beaten path. In Presidio County, just north of Ruidosa...you can learn more, here.

Hiking at the Chinati Hot Springs

On Pinto Canyon Road, just north of Ruidosa and south of Marfa, there's an unique place to stay...the Chinati Hot Springs. Rustic and remote, there are some neat adobe cabins and great camping spots and cool and hot pools for end-of-the-day relaxing. The setting is lovely and there are several trails visitors can explore.

For information on other hiking opportunities in the region, visit: www.texasmountaintrail.com/hike

Watching the sun rise on the mountains

Getting away from the city--really away--and relaxing is one of the great benefits to visitors. There's nothing like getting up early, hot mug of coffee in hand, and watching the sun rise on the mountains. This was taken at Chinati Hot Springs, a thoroughly relaxing place to spend the night, in Presidio County.

The cool pool at Chinati Hot Springs

Off Pinto Canyon Road, not far from Ruidosa in Presidio County is a wonderful oasis. Cool off after a day of hiking or mountain biking or sightseeing by soaking in the cool pool, or the hot tubs at Chinati Hot Springs. They have comfortable cabins, campsites and a communal kitchen for visitors to use. For more information, click here.