A less adrenaline-fueled way to enjoy the water here is at one of several hot springs that seep up next to the river, by-products of the seismic upsets. The easiest ones to find are those at the old John Dunn Bridge.

To reach them, backtrack to the old blinking light and then head north on Highway 522. After about six miles, the road dips to the Rio Hondo; immediately after the bridge, turn left on County Road B-005, which runs along the north side of the arroyo. Drive slowly through this village, as the dirt roads are bumpy and there are often children playing.

It’s hard to imagine now, but this is where the New Buffalo commune was in the late 1960s—all traces of hippie influence seem to have evaporated. The road crosses the small Hondo River, then climbs a hill and descends again, winding toward the Rio Grande, where you cross John Dunn Bridge to reach the west side; turn left and then park at the first switchback. From there, it’s a quarter-mile hike down the rocks and downstream to the springs.

Don’t crowd in if several people are already in the spring, and never leave trash behind.