Last updated: December 9, 2025
Place
Stop 1: Sulphur Creek Trailhead
NPS
Quick Facts
Amenities
2 listed
Parking - Auto, Trailhead
Welcome to the self-guided Sulphur Springs Geology Tour! Sulphur Springs is an active geothermal area within Valles Caldera National Preserve where hot and cold springs, mudpots, and fumaroles are common. We will talk more about these features as you walk through the area.
Sulphur Springs is about 0.5 miles up the road after you pass through the gate. The total hike, including the loop within Sulphur Springs, is about 1.5 miles. This area is off limits to pets due to safety concerns. Pets could be injured by the hot acidic water present.
Always watch your step and stay a safe distance from the features. The terrain is uneven, and some areas may have a thin crust over a thermal feature. Don’t risk falling into water that could cause severe burns.
Please bring drinking water with you. Be aware that you will probably not have cell phone service there.
As you walk along the road toward Sulphur Springs, you may hear water running. This is Sulphur Creek. It is to your left as you walk toward Sulphur Springs from the gate, and then it will cross under the road. The headwaters – or beginning - of Sulphur Creek is within Valles Caldera National Preserve. Sulphur Creek is somewhat acidic due to the acidic spring water that flows into it. Sulphur Creek eventually flows into the Jemez River outside of the Preserve.
Sulphur Springs is about 0.5 miles up the road after you pass through the gate. The total hike, including the loop within Sulphur Springs, is about 1.5 miles. This area is off limits to pets due to safety concerns. Pets could be injured by the hot acidic water present.
Always watch your step and stay a safe distance from the features. The terrain is uneven, and some areas may have a thin crust over a thermal feature. Don’t risk falling into water that could cause severe burns.
Please bring drinking water with you. Be aware that you will probably not have cell phone service there.
As you walk along the road toward Sulphur Springs, you may hear water running. This is Sulphur Creek. It is to your left as you walk toward Sulphur Springs from the gate, and then it will cross under the road. The headwaters – or beginning - of Sulphur Creek is within Valles Caldera National Preserve. Sulphur Creek is somewhat acidic due to the acidic spring water that flows into it. Sulphur Creek eventually flows into the Jemez River outside of the Preserve.
¡Bienvenido al recorrido geológico autoguiado de Sulphur Springs! Sulphur Springs es una zona geotérmica activa dentro de la Reserva Nacional Valles Caldera, donde son comunes los manantiales calientes y fríos, los pozos de lodo y las fumarolas. Hablaremos más sobre estas características a medida que recorra la zona.
Sulphur Springs se encuentra a unos 800 metros después de pasar la entrada. La caminata total, incluyendo el circuito dentro de Sulphur Springs, es de unos 2,4 kilómetros. Esta zona está prohibida para las mascotas por motivos de seguridad. Las mascotas podrían sufrir lesiones por el agua caliente y ácida presente.
Preste siempre atención por dónde pisa y manténgase a una distancia segura de las fuentes termales. El terreno es irregular y algunas zonas pueden tener una fina capa de costra sobre las fuentes termales. No se arriesgue a caer al agua, ya que podría sufrir quemaduras graves.
Lleve agua potable consigo. Tenga en cuenta que es probable que no tenga cobertura para el celular en esta zona.
Mientras camina por la carretera hacia Sulphur Springs, es posible que escuche el sonido del agua corriendo. Se trata del arroyo Sulphur Creek. Se encuentra a su izquierda mientras camina hacia Sulphur Springs desde la entrada y luego cruza por debajo de la carretera. El nacimiento, o inicio, de Sulphur Creek se encuentra dentro de la Reserva Nacional Valles Caldera. Sulphur Creek es algo ácido debido al agua ácida del manantial que fluye hacia él. Sulphur Creek desemboca finalmente en el río Jemez, fuera de la reserva.
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- Duration:
- 2 minutes, 27 seconds
The density of geothermal features in Sulphur Canyon reveals the volcanic origins of Valles Caldera. Hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles adorn this fascinating area along the park’s western boundary. Learn more about the geothermal activity at Valles Caldera National Preserve in this Caldera Chat with Ranger Topher!