Table of Contents Show
What part of the country comes to mind when you think of hot springs? Perhaps Hot Springs, Arkansas, Yellowstone National Park, Chena Hot Springs Resort in Alaska, or Glenwood Hot Springs Resort in Colorado are first on the list. Today, we’re sharing about a unique town in the Southwest that has some of the best soaking pools with natural thermal waters. If you’ve never visited Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, it’s time to add it to your road trip itinerary. Let’s dive in!
Where Is Truth or Consequences, New Mexico?
Truth or Consequences sits along I-25 west of Elephant Butte in southwestern New Mexico. Las Cruces is about 75 miles south down I-25. The highway intersects with I-10 here. Albuquerque is about 150 miles north of Truth or Consequences. Here, I-25 meets I-40. Gila National Forest sits to the west of the town, the Cibola National Forest is to the north, and the White Sands Missile Range and the National Park are to the south and southeast.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting the Southwest, be sure to check out The Highest Rated RV Parks in New Mexico before planning your trek!
The History of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
While the locals call their home “T or C,” the town was once named Hot Springs. Long ago, natives visited these healing waters to alleviate pain and ease skin disorders. In the late 19th Century, the first public bath was built. About 40 natural hot spring spas existed before World War II. The town was advertised as the City of Health.
Today, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico is a prime tourist destination because of these same healing waters, even though only about ten spas exist now. About 6,000 residents live in the town, which covers about 12.8 square miles.
Why Is It Called Truth or Consequences, New Mexico?
With a name like Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, the town has to have a story behind it. You’d be correct if you guessed that it has something to do with the popular game show from the 40s and 50s.
Ralph Edwards hosted the successful Truth or Consequences game show on NBC radio. In 1950, when the show celebrated its 10th anniversary, he challenged a town to change its name to Truth or Consequences to show how much the show was loved and appreciated. As a result, Hot Springs officially changed its name.
Hot Springs In Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
The commercial bathhouses in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico are home to thermal springs with almost 2,700 parts per million of assorted minerals. These springs are some of the most heavily mineralized water in the U.S. They’re located in the downtown Bathhouse Historic and Commercial District.
Riverbend Hot Springs
Located on the eastern end of the district, Riverbend Hot Springs on Austin Street is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with the last soak starting at 9 p.m. Guests staying in the on-site rooms or RV campsites have unlimited, free access to the common pools.
Guests not staying on-site must purchase a property pass, which is good for one hour. This gives them access to the common pools and the grounds. Rates are $25-35, depending on the day of the week. Only children over age 12 are permitted at Riverbend Hot Springs.
The eight common pools maintain a temperature of 95 to 108 degrees. They’re situated around a shaded river deck that offers spectacular views. You’ll also have access to a cold shower, a shaded patio with chaise loungers and hammocks, and a gas firepit during the winter.
You can read our review of Riverbend Hot Springs in our article here!
La Paloma Hot Springs & Spa
La Paloma Hot Springs & Spa is located in the district’s southeast corner on Marr Street. It’s open to the public from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. There are indoor and outdoor pools here, and the water maintains a temperature of 98 to 116 degrees. The indoor pools are clothing-optional, while guests must wear a suit outside. Children under age seven aren’t permitted in the pools. The spa has 17 pools, but only 13 are open to the public.
La Paloma Hot Springs & Spa offers half-hour and full-hour soaks. A half-hour soak in any indoor pool or the outside LongHouse communal pool is $7 per person. Full-hour soaks are $12 per person. There are also day passes and multi-soak discount cards available. This location offers massage, reflexology, facials, Reiki, and more spa services for guests. In addition, guests can stay on the property.
Ted Turner’s Sierra Grande Retreat
The Sierra Grande is on McAdoo Street on the district’s north side. This spa has a 17-room guest hotel and indoor and outdoor pools. On-site guests are given a 30-minute complimentary hot spring soak per day. So, a one-night reservation will get you a soak on the day you check in and a soak on the day you check out.
The Sierra Grande’s spa offers massages, body treatments, European facials and skincare, and bodywork enhancements. Guests can also book expeditions, including biking, birdwatching, hiking, bat cave tours, and more. This retreat center doesn’t have an age requirement but expects all guests to keep noise to a minimum.
Blackstone Hot Springs
In the center of downtown Truth or Consequences, New Mexico is Blackstone Hot Springs. The ten on-property rooms have private baths for unlimited soaking. Hotel guests receive a discounted rate when booking one of the four outdoor pools. Walk-in prices range from $35-75, depending on the pool. Each soak is 45 minutes.
Two outdoor baths accommodate up to four people. The Turquoise Bath is the largest and can accommodate up to eight people. The Wet Bath features a geothermal steam room and a waterfall to massage your upper body. Children must be at least 12 years old to soak in the baths.
Pelican Spa
Pelican Spa sits just one street north of Riverbend Hot Springs in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. This location offers 32 rooms that cost $55-105. Hotel guests enjoy complimentary soakings. The water temperature ranges from 102 to 112 degrees. All private indoor Japanese-style cement tubs are poured fresh for each bath, and all except one accommodate one or two people. Four people can enjoy the Purple Spa.
Walk-ins have access to the Pelican Spa baths as well. For a 30-minute soak, it’s $9 for one person and $15 for two people. For a 60-minute soak, it’s $13 for one person and $24 for two people. Visitors can also purchase soak punch cards for a discounted rate.
Is Truth or Consequences, New Mexico Good For Outdoor Recreation?
While Truth or Consequences, New Mexico is known as the City of Health because of its thermal waters, visitors can also enjoy plenty of outdoor recreation. Golfers will enjoy a round of play at the Sierra Del Rio Golf Course. Boaters can hit the open water at the Marina Del Sur.
Caballo Lake State Park is just 20 minutes from downtown and offers horseback riding, hiking, birding, boating, camping, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. Elephant Butte State Park is even closer – just 4 miles away – and has similar activities. So, if you want to use your muscles before an evening soak, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico has plenty of recreational opportunities.
Relax And Recreate In Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico doesn’t just have a unique name; it offers a unique experience for visitors. Within 12 square miles, tourists can hop from spa to spa, soaking in dozens of pools in hopes of relaxing and restoring their minds and bodies.
The next time you’re traveling I-25 in southwest New Mexico, plan a stop for a few days in Truth or Consequences. If you’re willing to drive a bit, you can take a day trip to White Sands National Park. And the Mexican border is only about two hours south of El Paso. You can plan a week or more in this area of New Mexico or just spend a night. But whatever you do, enjoy the thermal waters of healing in Truth or Consequences!
