In 1948-50 I was 3-5 yrs old living with my family in Albuquerque. With several other families, we would drive up to these springs, tent camp, and climb a NARROW trail cut out into the side of the mountain. A large log which was planed on top allowed the creek to be crossed and we had to be careful as often the log was slick and there was no handrail. There were 2 pools which we just referred to as Jemez Springs. The highest pool was the hottest (and most popular) with a tall rock face on the north side and large rocks around it. The pool was 2-3' deep and you could see bubbles from the springs coming up thru the water. It was nude bathing in the upper pool and there was a sign which indicated whether men or women were bathing at the time. If the "women" sign was facing the trail, the men sat on logs along the trail until it was their turn, and no one ever had to wait more than 15 minutes because the pool was so hot. Sometimes we would let the men go in, wait on the logs, then go back into the upper pool. The upper pool was so warm you could only stay in for about 9 minutes before feeling faint and moving down to the lower pool, which was much cooler. I seem to recall a 3rd pool, but maybe it was only where the little creek widened before narrowing as it flowed down the mountain. One of the men who camped with us had lost a leg in WWII and couldn't negotiate the trail by himself so my Father, who was 6'5", would carry him up and down that narrow trail to the springs on his back. I can remember how wet and slick the trail would be after a night's rain and always admired my Father's ability to help this man enjoy those pools. My Sister and I visited these pools 19 years ago, and I was amazed how wide the trail was and how the mountainside had eroded. I also can attest there is Poison Oak up there so be careful where you sit! These pools bring back wonderful...
Read more
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AI.
