Healing Waters Trail is a 3-mile loop that brings you through the historic mineral springs spas in downtown Truth or Consequences (T or C for short), to the Veterans Memorial Park, and winds through the desert to the Rio Grande and back downtown.

Enjoy beautiful views of the mountains, bird watching, and learn about the history of Truth or Consequences, formerly known as Hot Springs, New Mexico.

 

Healing Waters Trail

7 Quick Facts About Truth or Consequences

1. Population: 6,475 (2010 census)
2.  First healing bathwaters spa created in late 1800’s
3.  Native Americans visited the healing waters long before settlers
4.  Located on the Rio Grande in southern New Mexico
5.  Incorporated as Hot Springs New Mexico in 1916
6.  Name changed to Truth or Consequences on March 31, 1950
7.  Popular with tourists due to mineral hot springs

 

 

Why is it Called Truth or Consequences?

In 1950 a popular radio show called Truth or Consequences, hosted by Ralph Edwards, announced that the show would broadcast its 10th anniversary show from the first town that changed its name to Truth or Consequences.

Hot Springs New Mexico changed its name on March 31, 1950 and Ralph Edwards broadcast the show from there on April 1, 1950.

Truth or Consequences is usually shortened to “T or C” by locals. It doesn’t matter what the town is called Hot Springs – T or C – Truth or Consequences – it’s a groovy little town in the New Mexico desert with a bunch of mineral springs.

 

 

Back in the 1930’s there were dozens of hot springs spas in Truth or Consequences. Some of the spas have free flowing springs, such as La Paloma. Other spas draw their water from a well.

 

 

I found the locals friendly and interesting to talk to in Truth or Consequences. There’s a relaxed vibe in T or C and I felt safe walking around town by myself, day or night.

I highly recommend doing the Healing Waters Trail, or at least a portion of the trail.

 

 

Healing Waters Trail Info

Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
Type of hike: Loop
Difficulty: Easy

 

 

Healing Waters Trail is part nature walk and part historic and cultural walking tour in Truth or Consequences New Mexico.

Watch for the signs posted around town with the map of Healing Waters Trail and points of interest along the way.

 

 

I first spotted the trail sign in front of the Geronimo Springs Museum on Main Street. The museum is definitely worth a visit.

Entering the Geronimo Springs Museum and talking with an Apache gentleman named Harold, over two hours passed before I left. Harold has a lot of interesting stories to tell and I am grateful that he took the time to share some of his wisdom with me.

 

 

For me, the most interesting exhibits at the museum are not the pioneer stuff, but rather the information about the Native Americans. It’s refreshing to visit a museum with photos and information about individual Indians, rather than general information only from the American or European settler perspective.

Walking the downtown portion of the trail in the historic district you can stop and get something to eat at Passion Pie Cafe – to sustain you during your hike :)

From the historic area to Veterans Memorial Park on S Broadway St there is not too much to see but you can walk off that delicious homemade pie you ate at Passion Pie Café.

 

 

After visiting Veterans Memorial Park, the trail meanders through the desert with beautiful views of the mountains, including Turtle Back Mountain.

 

 

The trail is well marked, and you’ll see desert plants and maybe a few of the animals and birds in the area. While walking along the overlook of the Rio Grande I saw a beautiful Great Blue Heron flying close to the river.

I didn’t get a chance to get a photo of the heron but if you have a decent telephoto lens you may have better luck!

 

 

Bring binoculars for a better bird watching experience. I haven’t bought binoculars yet, but I will get a pair soon.

I’ve missed too many opportunities to see birds and wildlife because I didn’t have binoculars.

 

 

Along Riverside Drive watch for the cool and funky art work hanging from the fence and gate. It’s a wonderful outdoor art display.

 

 

Back in town and the historic area you can relax and enjoy a soak in one of the spas. Then get dinner at one of the local restaurants – my recommendation is Latitude 33 for delicious Asian inspired cuisine.

 

 

Enjoy visiting Truth or Consequences New Mexico – the Healing Waters Trail is the perfect introduction for first time visitors to T or C.

While in New Mexico you should also visit White Sands National Park – America’s newest national park! And spend some time exploring beautiful Santa Fe