Nature Meets Comfort: Off The Beaten Path Experiences Near Ojo Caliente

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa is more than a wellness destination. It is a peaceful home base for those seeking renewal in both nature and stillness. Just 45 minutes from the quaint town of Taos, or 1 hour from Santa Fe, Ojo Caliente is set amongst Northern New Mexico’s stunning mesas, canyons, and wide open skies.

At Ojo, the outdoors and your well-being move together, side by side. Discover all the things to do in Ojo Caliente, from mindful hikes to restorative soaks.

Explore the Land: Trails and Nature Near Ojo Caliente

Surrounded by open desert and ancient sandstone formations, Ojo Caliente offers direct access to outdoor activities that make the most of Northern New Mexico’s rugged beauty.

Whether you are an early riser seeking a peaceful stroll or someone searching for new terrain for hiking and biking, there are plenty of things to do in Ojo Caliente on foot or two wheels.

A person wearing a helmet rides a mountain bike on a sunny dirt trail surrounded by trees, shrubs, and rocky terrain. The rider is smiling and appears to be enjoying the outdoor activity.

22 Miles of BLM Trails for Hikers and Bikers

Interested in hiking and biking trails? Just steps from the resort, guests can access over 22 miles of Bureau of Land Management trails. These public lands are open for hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and quiet exploration.

Our hiking and biking trails take you through a variety of terrain, with high desert mesas, gentle hills, and views that stretch for miles. It is one of the most accessible and scenic spots for outdoor activities near Ojo Caliente, offering something for both casual walkers and seasoned bikers.

The Private Riverside Bosque Loop Trail

Reserved for overnight guests, the quiet two-mile Bosque Loop Trail can be found just beyond the Historic Round Barn and follows the Rio Ojo Caliente and offers a more intimate way to explore the land. It is perfect for a gentle morning walk or a reflective evening stroll as the sun sets over the mesas.

Tucked beneath cottonwood canopies, beside the soothing rush of the Rio Ojo Caliente, this trail also features a Meditation Labyrinth, offering a quiet return to yourself. As you step onto the curving path, each footfall becomes a gentle invitation to slow down, let go, and simply be. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has no wrong turns or dead ends. Its single, spiraling route quiets the overactive mind and encourages deep presence. The consistent motion—walking in, pausing at the center, and slowly making your way back out—can ease symptoms of anxiety, regulate breathing, and offer a tangible sense of calm. Surrounded by trees, water, and open sky, the experience becomes more than meditative—it becomes a conversation between your inner world and the natural world around you.

Along the way, you may hear the river flowing beside you and see glimpses of local wildlife. The private Bosque Loop Trail adds another layer of calm to your stay and is a favorite among those who come for the peaceful surroundings.

A person wearing maroon leggings and tan shoes walks through a stone labyrinth outdoors, with a central stone formation and a background of stacked stone walls.

A woman wearing a hat and maroon clothes sits cross-legged on a wooden bench by a creek, surrounded by green trees, facing the water and nature.

Meditation Walk Along the Rio Ojo

A short stroll from the charming Ojo Caliente courtyard, just behind the River Yurt, guests will discover a serene Meditation Walk. Nestled along the banks of the Rio Ojo, this hidden treasure offers a moment of peaceful escape along a gently winding path directly at the water’s edge. Meditation benches are peppered along this path where you are invited to take a moment to pause, close your eyes, and simply listen to the soothing sounds of the Rio Ojo waters dancing over river stones, connecting you with the power of stillness.

Research supports what many spiritual traditions have long known: meditations like these, whether walking or seated, can foster mindfulness, reduce cortisol levels, and even inspire moments of emotional clarity. Being in nature amplifies these effects, grounding the body and offering a reminder of life’s larger rhythms. In this riverside sanctuary, the sounds of birdsong and flowing water replace the noise of daily life. It’s not about solving anything, but about creating space for insight and stillness to rise naturally. Here, healing isn’t something you force—it’s something you walk into.

Scenic Drives with Soulful Stops

The roads that wind through Northern New Mexico are filled with color, history, and wide-open skies. Staying at Ojo Caliente means you are perfectly positioned for day trips that balance art, nature, and calm.

A landscape view of a valley with yellow-leaved trees, a small round building with a brown roof, dirt paths, and distant hills under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

A winding road leads through colorful, layered rock formations and mesas under a partly cloudy sky, with scattered shrubs and trees lining the roadside in a scenic desert landscape.

Day Trips to Ghost Ranch and Abiquiú

Roughly an hour from Ojo Caliente, Ghost Ranch and Abiquiú offer some of the most dramatic desert landscapes in the state. Known as Georgia O’Keeffe country, this area is a favorite for photographers, art lovers, and casual hikers alike.

Towering rock formations, vibrant mesas, and open desert views make it a must-visit for anyone seeking Northern New Mexico adventures.

High Road to Taos Scenic Byway

The High Road to Taos is a scenic route that passes through centuries-old villages, artisan communities, and quiet natural beauty. Along the way, you can visit historic churches, browse local crafts, and enjoy sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

After a day of sightseeing, return to Ojo for an evening soak that restores your body and spirit. This peaceful rhythm of travel and rest is at the heart of wellness travel in New Mexico.

Row of adobe-style buildings with wooden beams and colorful pillars along a quiet street, featuring art galleries and greenery in the background, set in a small Southwestern town.

Restorative Soaking Experiences After the Trail

After a day of exploring Northern New Mexico’s mesas, trails, and cultural offerings there is nothing quite like stepping into the healing waters at Ojo Caliente. These natural spring-fed pools are a signature part of the resort experience, helping muscles recover while calming both body and mind.

A close-up of hot spring water flowing from metal pipes over large rocks, with steam rising from the water. Sunlight shines on the scene, and a building with tall grass is visible in the background.

Natural, Mineral-Rich Waters

Ojo Caliente is one of the only hot spring resorts in the world with access to four unique types of mineral waters. Each of our hot springs contains a distinct element that supports wellness in its own way:

Iron: Known to support blood circulation and relieve fatigue.
Arsenic: Believed to soothe skin conditions and ease arthritis pain.
Lithia: Commonly associated with mood support and emotional balance.
Soda: Often used to smooth skin and calm digestive discomfort.

Unlike many geothermal hot springs, Ojo’s waters are naturally free of sulfur, making them more pleasant for those sensitive to strong smells.

Communal and Private Soaking Options

Guests can choose from twelve thoughtfully designed communal soaking areas, each featuring different mineral compositions and peaceful settings that honor the natural landscape. These outdoor pools range in temperature and design, allowing visitors to move between spaces and find what feels best.

For a more personal retreat, Ojo also offers reservable private soaking experiences. These experiences include secluded pools for individuals, couples, or small groups, and are ideal for quiet reflection or shared relaxation. Our private pools are clothing optional, tucked into a serene cliffside corner of the resort for ultimate privacy and relaxation. These private pools are also rich in lithia, iron, arsenic, and soda, granting your body the same healing benefits as the communal pools with a personalized touch. Reserving one of these intimate spaces offers an elevated opportunity to enjoy a different side of Ojo Caliente soaking.

For more information, including current availability and offerings, visit our Soaking Page.

A man in a pool smiles up at a woman sitting on the pool’s edge. She is wearing a green swimsuit, and they are both enjoying a relaxed moment together against a peach-colored wall.

Find Balance at Ojo Caliente

Ojo Caliente offers something rare; a place where outdoor adventure meets grounding stillness. With so many things to do in Ojo Caliente, from hiking, biking and soaking to scenic drives and quiet meditations , the options are as expansive as the landscape itself.

Explore everything Ojo has to offer and create your own ritual of rest and renewal. Visit the Activities Page to learn more.

A person sits at the edge of a pool reflecting wooden lounge chairs, canopies, and sandstone cliffs in a desert resort setting under a clear sky.

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