San Francisco Hot Springs — locally known as Frisco Hot Springs — is a wild, riverside soak hidden in the rugged San Francisco River Canyon of New Mexico's Gila National Forest, south of Glenwood. Reached by a short hike down into the canyon, these natural pools along the river are a scenic, off-the-beaten-path reward for those who venture into the Gila high country.

The springs are a lovely sight: warm mineral water pooling beside the San Francisco River, in a pool big enough to swim a few strokes, framed by canyon walls. It's a peaceful place to soak, picnic, and linger — bring a lunch and stay a while.

Getting there is a moderate hike. The San Francisco Hot Springs Trail #250 drops about 1.25 to 1.5 miles down through a minor drainage into the canyon to reach the springs, which sit on National Forest land along the river. One key access note: there is also a privately owned hot spring of the same name nearby — be sure to follow Trail #250 to the public springs on Forest Service land, and do not trespass onto private property.

To find the trailhead, head south from Glenwood on US Highway 180 about 7 miles to a short county-maintained gravel road leading to the trailhead (which has a restroom and parking; day-use is dawn to dusk). Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures, and the river is gentlest outside of spring runoff. Bring plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and pack out everything you bring in. For a quiet, scenic Gila soak, San Francisco Hot Springs is well worth the walk.