This One Unbelievable New Mexico Waterfall Is Hiding In Plain Sight... No Hiking Required
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Juliet White
Author
Near the town of Jemez Springs lies a waterfall like no other. Soda Dam Falls doesn’t just cascade over river rocks. Instead, it gushes through a unique, natural dam that is made from calcium deposits.
There are several natural springs in the area – although there used to be many more. The dam has formed where one of these carbonate springs comes to the surface.
This surreal formation dates back roughly 5000 years. It’s 300 feet long, 50 feet tall, and 50 feet wide at the base. And it's still growing.
This surreal formation dates back roughly 5000 years. It’s 300 feet long, 50 feet tall, and 50 feet wide at the base. And it's still growing.
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That being said, water continues to erode the supports holding up this rock dome. So the dome may eventually collapse.
But for now, you can walk across the top of the dome or clamber into the small cave near the waterfall.
But for now, you can walk across the top of the dome or clamber into the small cave near the waterfall.
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As you can see, this is not a tall waterfall. But, unlike many seasonal waterfalls in New Mexico, I’ve never seen Soda Dam dry up.
It does sometimes freeze during winter months.
In warmer weather, the pool below this waterfall is a refreshing swimming hole. (There is a mild sulfur odor.)
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Reaching Soda Dam Falls couldn’t be easier. You can see it from Highway 4, although it’s definitely worth parking and approaching for a closer look.
After all, how many times do you have an opportunity to see something like this?
After all, how many times do you have an opportunity to see something like this?
If you’re wondering what the inside of Soda Dam looks like, check out this video of two men kayaking through it, for a unique perspective on this rock formation.
After viewing this waterfall, head to Jemez Springs. For a small town, it has a lot to offer.
Have you been to Soda Dam?
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