Notes:
 Elevation
at Spence Springs at 7350 feet.
Lock
valuables in trunk, or do not leave them in plain sight.
Do
not leave vehicles overnight.
Natural
pools can be reached by hiking downhill, across the Jemez
River and hiking uphill to the spring.
This
area is heavily used and nudity is very common, though prohibited.
The
water quality is not monitored so there are possible health
hazards. Visitors should avoid getting water in their nose
to minimize the risk of contracting an amoeba called Naegieria
Fowleri, which may cause meningitis. This disease is extremely
rare, but the parasitic amoeba is commonly found and preferes
warm waters like hot springs.
The symptoms of this fatal disease include severe fontal
headache, nausea, vomiting, high fever, stiffness in the back
of the neck and spine, and drowsiness. Since these symptoms
are common to other diseases, misdiagnosis can cause a fatal
delay in treatment. Also watch for poison ivy.
Pets
must always be on a leash or restrained while in the area.
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