Hot springs aren’t always in the most convenient places. Such was the case with Chinati Hot Springs. During a stop for lunch on our way out of Big Bend a fellow traveler recommended the a stop at Chinati. Finding the springs on the map was a challenge. However, once located we could see that we were going to have to make a deliberate effort to reach the them.
- Our Camping Site
From Marfa Texas there are two routes to the Hot Springs. The first being mostly paved highways and the second taking you through the mountains on a dirt road.
- Communal Kitchen
The dirt route is via County Road 2810 and Pinto Canyon Road. Via this route it is about 50 miles to the hot springs from Marfa and it is recommended for high clearance vehicles. This beautiful, rugged way, which is unpaved for about 20 miles, takes about an hour and 45 minutes.
- Communal Kitchen
The mostly paved route takes you from Marfa to Presidio about 59 miles on 67 South. Headed west out of Presidio on highway 170 it is another 36 miles to Ruidosa where there are signs for the Hot Springs. About a half mile outside Ruidosa, Hot Springs Road will take you seven miles to the gate.
- Private Soaking Rooms and Cabin
We drove to the hot springs via Presidio which was a scenic drive along the Rio Grande. Be sure to leave Presidio with a full tank. Leaving the hot springs we took the Pinto Canyon road which did offer some fantastic views.
- Private soaking tub
Once at the hot spring registration is a simple process. Both camping and cabins are available. For our stay we camped in one of the clean pleasant camp sites.
- Restrooms
The hot springs has a clean communal kitchen and dining area. There are a number of private soaking tubs as well as a communal outdoor soaking pool. In the summer months there is also a cool water pool available.
- Outdoor soaking pool
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Chinati Hot Springs, the only problem for us is it is a LONG WAYS for a return visit. We used both the outdoor pool and one of the private soaking tubs. The water was pleasant, though not as hot as some of the springs we have visited.
If you have the time I would highly recommend a stop at Chinati Hot Springs, but call ahead to be sure there are cabins or camping available.
http://www.chinatihotsprings.com/home.html