Weekend Warrior: Riverbend Hot Springs
Welcome to
Relaxation Station!
“Long considered sacred by the Apache and Mimbres tribes of southern New Mexico, the natural, mineral rich water of Riverbend Hot Springs has been relaxing and rejuvenating warriors and peace-seekers alike, for centuries.
Weekend getaways are always my favorite. Especially after a long week at work, “me time” is desperately calling. Riverbend Hot Springs has become a favorite hideaway for a few of my close friends and I. So much so that we try to make it out once every few months to just recharge, catch up, and ultimately relax. It’s the place we go to when we’re having rough patches, want to celebrate moments, or just appreciate nature.
I was first introduced to this place via my old coworkers who have became family. We’ve been friends for over 10 years despite our lives changing, going in different directions, moving, coming back, break ups, new relationships, etc. We’ve been there for each other, despite it all. They’re the kinds of people that are rare these days. The people that can pick up right where you left off despite any length of time. Each personality, strengths, and weaknesses perfectly balancing each other.
View from the Navajo pool.
After driving about an hour north of Las Cruces, New Mexico on I-25 take exit 79 into Truth or Consequences and turn right on to S. Broadway. About a mile or so down you’ll turn onto Austin and follow that road to this hidden oasis. T or C used be known as Hot Springs, NM and is better known for its outdoor recreation. If you’re a fan of camping Elephant Butte Lake State Park is not that far away. It’s a small town off the main highway that is easily missed while driving through to Albuquerque or El Paso. You’d stop to fill up your tank, possibly find some food, and go about your day getting to wherever you were going.
It’s not a place that many make their final destination unless you know people there, are fans of the hot springs, or are camping. At least, that’s my opinion.
Riverbend is an open-air hot spring that sits on the banks of the Rio Grande River allowing you to take in the fresh air and enjoy the views of Turtleback mountain. The moment you get out of the car you can just sense the relaxation that’s about to happen. Or it might be the soothing music that they play greeting your ears. With an enforced WHISPER policy throughout the area you know they take relaxing seriously.
There’s something to be said about getting out of your hometown even it’s an hour or two away. Taking that time to drive away and leave things behind does wonders for the soul. You become a new person to new people with a clean slate, even its temporary. Sometimes that alone is reason enough to escape. To breathe!
Now, on any given trip to the mineral rich hot springs, you can choose to bath in the common pools (swimsuits required!) for $12 an hour or you can book a private pool (swimsuits optional!) ahead for $15 an hour. The I highly recommend doing a private pool especially if you need your me time. In my case, it’s always girl time. They have 7 different private rooms that you can choose from which you can view here and the temperatures range from 100-108 degrees Fahrenheit. We are partial to the Navajo room as it’s the largest private pool. However the other rooms are just as nice and have the same beautiful view of the Rio Grande and mountains.
Most of the time we drive up and spend a few hours however you also have the option to stay over night in one of their cabins (just be sure to book in advance!). The next time we plan a girls weekend that will be our intent.
Cucumber, strawberry, mint, blueberries, and lemon.
Now, being that these are private pools you’re not allowed to bring in glass or food. It’s all about helping keep clean the environment. But you can bring in water in an ice chest (you could even bring in a little something stronger to drink as they rarely check… HOWEVER, you’re bathing in 100+ degree water… staying hydrated is what’s important. Follow our lead and make some fruit infused water the night before... or bring along some orange juice and champagne in non glass bottles.
On this excursion we booked a back to back session in a private pool. I believe you can only do three sessions in a row or if you feel like you want more time you can always take a dip in the common areas. They request that you arrive 20-30 mins before your scheduled session as you’ll need time to check in, pay up, and shower before entering your designated pool.
Once you’re pool ready you’re asked to wait by the gazebo and an attendant will come get you when your pool is ready. When you arrive to your private pool, which isn’t that long of walk between the office, shower area, and gazebo, you’re reminded to lock the door behind you. Private areas are clothing optional and you also don’t want people walking in and out of your booked room. Ten minutes before your session is up they’ll quietly knock on the door alerting you your time is almost up and to vacate the area. The pools have shower heads above them that’ll let cold water fall if you get over heated.
Other than the pool rules and not overheating, you’re set to relax.
You can’t go wrong with an outing at Riverbend Hot Springs.
But don’t take my word for it, try it for yourself!!!
I AM WATER
by anchormysoul14
I want to be like water,
flowing freely with the current.
I want to be like water,
infiltrating Life into the seeds buried deep.
I want to be like water,
forcefully falling down then peacefully swaying to the tune of the serenity sea.
I want to be like water,
rushing and relaxing when need be.
I want to be like water,
making its way through the cracks even when the barrier’s concrete.
I want to be like water,
riding with the tide and tumbling over rocks.
I want to be like water,
quenching the thirst of the dryest areas on earth.
I want to be like water,
rippling the influence of the Rock’s first splash.
I want to be like water,
reflecting the beauty of a sunset that ignites every eye.
I want to be water,
resourceful for all.
I want to be water,
cleansing out impurities from within.
I want to be water,
sometimes uncontrollable sometimes in control.
I want to be like water,
connecting the world from distances too far.
I want to be like water,
flowing wherever You are.
I want to be like water,
transforming in motion yet ever the same.
I am like water.
I am free.
I am love.
I am,
Life
I ever flow....