Truth or Consequences is a city located in New Mexico. It is the county seat of Sierra County and had a population of 6,475 in 2010. It got its name from a radio show that featured the same name. The show was aired in the 1950s, and the town renamed itself in honor of the show. If you are a visitor to this area, consider visiting the city’s hot springs.
Riverbend Mineral Spa
If you’re considering a trip to the Southwest, consider Riverbend Mineral Spa in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. With its hot springs, you’ll be able to unwind in the mineral-rich waters. Located on the banks of the Rio Grande, the spa features a wide range of amenities, including a sauna, hammocks, and private pools. While you’re there, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and choose from among four luxurious private suites and private pools.
A town called Truth or Consequences has been attracting visitors since before recorded history. A volcanic lake beneath the area is responsible for the hot thermal waters. Water from the springs is warm, ranging in temperature from 101 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit. The water is completely odorless and has no scent. While it can be a bit chilly on a summer day, you’ll soon be feeling the benefits of the mineral-rich water.
The riverside spa is a unique experience. You’ll find seven pools for soaking in. Each one is decorated uniquely, and the outdoor area features rock mosaics and lounge chairs. The lodge itself was a former youth hostel and was once a popular fishing destination. The lodge offers contemporary comfort, while still retaining its bohemian spirit. Its rustic decor and stone mosaics on the pathways are reminiscent of the past. The rooms are arranged in various styles, from casitas to larger suites.
While there are numerous natural hot springs in New Mexico, many are cultivated. They’re a wonderful part of a spa or resort, and you can bundle your visit with spa services and hotel stays. Whatever your taste, New Mexico has an option for everyone. And whether you’re looking for a hot spring, there’s a hot spring for you.
Spence Hot Springs
Located a quarter-mile from the Santa Fe National Forest, Truth or Consequences Hot Springs can be an unforgettable experience. You can soak in two spring-fed pools with 360-degree views of the Santa Fe National Forest. Hardcore soakers note that the water is not as hot as in years past, but you can still take a refreshing dip in its cave. Wear a swimsuit, however.
The Spence Hot Springs trail is moderately easy but requires some scrambling over uneven terrain. The water has a strong sulphur smell, so wear a bathing suit. The soaking pools are small and hot, so make sure to wear a bathing suit if you plan to spend the day. The hike is well worth it, though, because the scenery is spectacular. If you go to Spence Hot Springs during sunset, you can watch the sun go down over the canyon.
The trail to Spence Hot Springs starts in a parking lot, and it leads to two soaking pools. The water is a comfortable 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is not exceptionally hot. The water is also not too cold. There are two main pools, with the upper one containing a cave. The bottoms are a mixture of gravel and mud. The hike can be done in any season, but overnight camping is prohibited.
While soaking in the pools, you can also relax in the shaded deck, and take a cold shower afterward. If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to check if there’s a quiet zone for your RV. The hot springs are best experienced with a loved one or a group of friends. You’ll never regret spending a day at Truth or Consequences.
Downtown T or C
If you want to soak in the healing powers of hot springs and stay close to the heart of the state’s creative arts scene, a trip to Truth or Consequences in New Mexico is worth it. The town of 6,000 is home to ancient hot springs and an eclectic arts scene. There are many lodging options here, from bed and breakfasts to cabins and motels. Here, you can experience the best of downtown New Mexico without having to drive far to find a place to stay.
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love the Giddy Up Café, a new restaurant that opened in 2020 on the main drag of Truth or Consequences. The menu features soup, salad, and macaroni and cheese, as well as turkey meatballs. You can even get breakfast foods here, including biscuits and gravy. The cafe is open from 9:30 a.m. to close, and it has a variety of dining options.
While staying in the town, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Rio Grande. You can hike or bike along the Healing Waters Trail, which is a 3-mile loop that winds through the mineral springs, past Veterans Memorial Park, and ends back in the downtown area. You can also enjoy the birds and the history of the town, including a visit to the Geronimo Springs Museum. A visit to the museum will also give you the chance to peruse a large collection of Native American pottery.
While you’re in town, you may want to try the sandstone bluffs. You can also spend time hiking in nearby state parks, hiking in the national forest, or rockhounding in mining towns. The town is easily accessible by car, and is located about half way between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Its unspoiled beauty makes it a great getaway from city life.
Elephant Butte State Park
Whether you’re a naturalist or an environmentalist, you’re likely to enjoy the hot springs at Elephant Butte State Park in New Mexico. This lake is the largest body of water in the state and was created in 1916 when the Rio Grande was dammed. Visitors are drawn to the lake for its water sports, including fishing, boating, and water skiing. The lake is known as the desert jewel and can attract over 100,000 people during the holiday weekends.
Located near Taos, the Elephant Butte State Park has a reservoir and wide open water. The pristine waters and warm desert sun offer great hiking and mountain biking opportunities. Mountain bikes can tackle the surrounding trails through mesas and juniper-covered lowlands. The perimeter route is the home of the Elephant Man Triathlon. Road cyclists head to the nearby Gila National Forest for challenging climbs. The Healing Waters Trail is the perfect trail to take while exploring the hot springs and historic district.
To experience the perks of hot springs, consider staying at a resort in the area. Some of the hot springs hotels in the area offer free daily soaks and discounted rates for overnight guests. Other options include the newly renovated Rocket Inn and campgrounds at nearby state parks. The best part of all: elephant butte is close to Taos and a few state parks.
Whether you’re looking for a unique winter vacation destination or a fun family activity, a trip to Truth or Consequences is an excellent idea. A unique geological fault line along the Rio Grande allowed groundwater to flow to the surface, preventing the loss of minerals and heat. The water at Truth or Consequences is pH neutral, and has no unpleasant odor. Its single largest ingredient is chloride, a natural germ killer.
MainStreet Truth or Consequences
Despite its name, the small town of Truth or Consequences in New Mexican Hot Springs is nothing short of a vacation destination. Located midway between El Paso and Santa Fe, the town offers beautiful scenery, healing springs, and fun activities for visitors to enjoy. You’ll love this small, charming town, but be sure to spend some time outdoors to take advantage of all it has to offer.
The small town of Truth or Consequences in New Mexican is home to a thriving year-round population of 6,000. While the town may be small, it has plenty to offer visitors, from vintage Main Street architecture to an eclectic mix of eateries and lodging options. The town was once called Hot Springs and was a sacred healing ground for the indigenous people.
In the early part of the 20th century, the town was known as Palomas Hot Springs, but it quickly became known as Truth or Consequences. In 1882, the hot springs were popular with locals. People believed they had medicinal benefits. As time went by, the town was shortened to Hot Springs, but it was not the city’s final name.
MainStreet Truth or ConseQuences is a nonprofit organization that promotes the downtown area of Truth or Consequences. The organization works with the Sierra County Tourism Board to showcase the Historic Hot Springs District and the water sports available on the Rio Grande. MainStreet also holds monthly Second Saturday Art Hops, and the Lee Belle Johnson is home to several art galleries. Second Saturday Art Hops bring the community outdoors to enjoy the arts.
