Hot Springs Trailhead

Standard Big Bend National Park entrance fee applies ($30 per private vehicle, $25 motorcycle, $15 pedestrian/bicycle, valid 7 days); no separate fee is charged for the hot springs.

NPS explicitly says to limit children's exposure to the 105°F spring water because it can scald or cause chemical burns, and warns that the adjacent Rio Grande has unpredictable currents and depth right next to the soaking pool. The pool itself is shallow, calm, and easy to step into (it's the walled foundation of a historic bathhouse), so with an attentive adult keeping kids out of the river side and limiting soak time, most families manage it fine, it's just not a place to let kids swim freely.

A hike is required, about 0.25 mi one-way (0.5 mi round trip) from the trailhead to the spring to the water (15-20 minutes round trip at a walking pace to reach and return from the spring; add 30-45 minutes if doing the full bluff loop). Wear real shoes, since approaches to natural swim spots are often rocky or rooty.

Small trailhead parking area at the end of a 2-mile gravel access road (Hot Springs Road) that drops through a narrow wash off the main park road near Rio Grande Village; motorhomes and oversize/trailered vehicles are prohibited on the road's one-way sections. No parking fee beyond the standard park entrance fee.

Commercial guided trips through this stretch are commonly sold as 'Hot Springs Canyon' and 'Boquillas Canyon' floats, launching near/downstream of Rio Grande Village rather than at the spring itself.

Soak only, no soaps or oils in the water; no alcoholic beverages or glass containers; no overnight camping at the site; no purchases from vendors crossing from Mexico; pack out all trash.