It's always amazing to me what you can find just by traveling on foot. You see a lot more than if you were in a car. That's why I enjoy hiking sometimes. Depending on the trail, you may encounter a historic site, some beautiful wildflowers, or even a waterfall. For those of you who love a good waterfall chase even once in a while, take the Fillmore Canyon Trail. It's one of the best waterfall hikes in New Mexico!
Located at Organ Mountain within the Desert Peaks National Monument, the Fillmore Canyon Trail is a moderately challenging trek with 449 feet of overall elevation gain. At 2.1 miles, it should take only about an hour to complete.
When you arrive at the waterfall, hopefully it will look like this. Stick around for a while, relax, take pictures, and revel in the beauty of nature here!
While the waterfall is flowing at times, that won't always be the case. Depending on the time of year and if there was recent rainfall, you may see just a trickle or nothing at all. Plan your visit accordingly, and still appreciate the beauty of this trail.
Ready to embark on one of the best waterfall hikes in New Mexico? You can find trail details for the Fillmore Canyon Trail on AllTrails. I also think you should download the ultra-handy AllTrails+ app to guide you out on this and any other trail you plan to hike.
Although New Mexico has quite a few waterfalls, reaching them often involves a lengthy hike. That’s not the case with Jemez Falls, a 70-foot-high waterfall hidden in the Jemez Mountains. The overlook is only a short jaunt away from the road and one of our favorite places to go camping in New Mexico.
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The campground makes a perfect base for exploring this spectacular area. This is also one of the few spots in New Mexico where you can camp, admire a waterfall, and then wade in the clear natural pools surrounding it. Talk about a unique place to spend the night!
Use this Jemez Falls Campground map to plot your next camping adventure.
Jemez Falls Campground is situated just off NM-4, which is part of a scenic byway called the Jemez Mountain Trail. It’s between Los Alamos and Jemez Springs (significantly closer to the latter).
Ponderosa pine trees tower over the Jemez Falls Campground, providing shade to the 52 mixed-use sites (which can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length). Each spot is equipped with a grill, fire ring, and picnic table.
While we don't recommend cliff jumping - it's really dangerous - this clip gives you a glimpse of the beauty surrounding Jemez Falls.
Have you ever enjoyed a little tent camping in New Mexico at the Jemez Falls Campground or visited this waterfall?
The small town of Jemez Springs is nearby and offers a surprising amount of attractions, given its diminutive size. If you continue along the scenic byway in that direction, be sure to pause at Soda Dam and the Gilman Tunnels.
When you think of New Mexico, surely waterfalls aren't the first natural wonders that come to mind. Instead, you may think of the desert landscape, the mountains, or the Rio Grande. However, there are quite a few stunning cascades if you look in the right places. Ready to chase some of the best waterfalls in New Mexico? From the tallest to the most beautiful, here is your waterfall-chasing guide.
Some waterfalls are over 200 feet here in the Land of Enchantment. But no matter what height a waterfall may be, they are all, in a word, enchanting! Here is the tallest waterfall in New Mexico along with a few other tall cascades:
Need to know: This waterfall is seasonal and tends to flow between mid-April and mid-May for approximately 2-3 weeks. You can only see the waterfall from the grounds of Corkins Lodge which is only open to guests.
Cascading off of the Brazos Cliffs, Brazos Falls is a seasonal waterfall that's beyond impressive to those lucky enough to see it in time. It has a jaw-dropping 1,300-foot drop! Make sure you get a reservation at Corkins Lodge if you want to see the tallest waterfall in New Mexico when it's flowing in the spring.
Need to know: This gorgeous waterfall is found within the Bandelier National Monument, 85 miles north of Albuquerque.
This hidden waterfall in New Mexico is certainly worth finding, and I believe you should add it to your waterfall-chasing bucket list! To find it, make your way to Bandelier National Monument and take the aptly named Falls Trail. At 90 feet, this is another seasonal waterfall best seen in spring when there's runoff. Surrounded by the rugged canyon, it's a wonderful place to take photos.
Popularity: This is quite a popular waterfall, especially in warmer weather.
Need to know: This waterfall is located in Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area in Carlsbad via a short trail.
If you enjoy chasing waterfalls, you must head to Carlsbad to see Sitting Bull Falls in person. As one of the tallest waterfalls in New Mexico, it cascades approximately 180 feet into a stunning pool below. If you come here during the summer you can take a dip in the swimming hole below the waterfall. What could be better on a hot day?
Best Waterfall Hikes In New Mexico
If you enjoy hiking, then pack your hiking gear and head out to find one of the most extraordinary falls on one of the following waterfall hikes in New Mexico:
Popularity: The trail to this waterfall is quite popular among hikers but you may be able to find some solitude on weekdays.
Need to know: This waterfall can be found within the Colin Neblett State Wildlife Area.
If you enjoy exploring hiking trails in the wilderness, Clear Creek Trail is for you. The moderate 4.1-mile trek leads you to several waterfalls including the lovely Clear Creek Falls.
Popularity: The trail to Jemez Falls is popular among hikers.
Need to know: The trailhead is by the campground and is rocky in some areas.
If you want to take your kids to chase a waterfall, the trail to Jemez Falls is an easy one. At just under a mile round-trip, Jemez Falls Trail is shaded by tall trees as it leads to the cool waters of the serene waterfall. Feel free to wade in the swimming hole -- this is something that kids and adults alike love!
Popularity: This is a fairly popular hike to Bridal Veil Falls, which is the highlight along the trail.
Need to know: This waterfall is by Salado Canyon in the Lincoln National Forest. Make sure to bring plenty of water with you and wear sunscreen, especially in the warmer months as it gets hot and dry.
If you prefer a more challenging waterfall hike, take the Grand View Trail through Salado Canyon to Bridal Falls. Set aside at least 3 hours to enjoy the 6.1-mile trail as well as the waterfall it leads to. You'll also encounter a few viewpoints, so stop and take in the views as well as some photos.
Accessible Waterfalls In New Mexico (No Hiking Required)
Not everyone can hike and not everyone wants to hike. Luckily there are a few waterfalls in the state that don't require much of a hike or any walking at all. Take a look at the following accessible "waterfalls near me:"
Need to know: You can find this waterfall along the Dry Cimarron Scenic Byway in Raton. It is located on private land and no trespassing is allowed.
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Located in northeastern New Mexico, Folsom Falls on the Cimarron River requires no hike to see. You can see it from the Dry Cimarron Scenic Byway but since it's on private land, there's no trespassing. You'll just have to enjoy it from a distance and, hopefully, you have a telephoto lens to get some close-up shots.
Popularity: This is a peaceful place by the Jemez Mountains that can get busy at times, especially on the weekend.
Need to know: You can take the super short and easy Soda Dam Trail to get to Soda Dam and its waterfall.
If you're someone who loves waterfalls and geological wonders, you've come to the right place! Welcome to Jemez Soda Dam! This natural dam looks otherworldly and is massive on top of that measuring 300 feet in length with a height of 50 feet. It's origins date back nearly 7,000 and it was formed by calcium carbonate deposited by the area's 15 hot springs over time. Its formation is ever-changing. With the dam comes a small waterfall that seems dwarfed by the dam but it's still a lovely sight. One thing about visiting Soda Dam is that just a short walk is involved and you're there! During your visit, feel free to enjoy the hot springs.
Popularity: This is a popular spot to view such a tall and beautiful cascade.
Need to know: At this park, you'll be able to see Canada Del Buey Falls.
Also known as White Rock Falls, Canada Del Buey Falls can be seen from an overlook. This tall waterfall is gorgeous, to say the least, and best of all, no hiking is required!
Best Waterfalls near Santa Fe
I don't know about you but I just love the city of Santa Fe! The city itself is gorgeous but there is also plenty of beauty to be found around the city itself. This includes waterfalls.
Popularity: This is a hidden gem in the Santa Fe area.
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Need to know: You'll find this waterfall hidden away in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness Area of the Santa Fe National Forest.
It's amazing what you can find around Santa Fe including the remote Resumidero Falls. Hiking is required to find this cascade which can be reached by hiking along the Rio Puerco. Bring your swimwear so you can take advantage of the swimming hole when you reach the falls.
Popularity: This is a bit of a hidden gem even for locals!
Need to know: This waterfall is found within the Nambe Falls Recreation Area at the Nambe Pueblo.
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Nambe Falls is located on the outskirts of Santa Fe and is a hidden waterfall in New Mexico worth finding. This tall natural waterfall tumbles into a pool below, and, guess what? You can go swimming here! Escape the summer heat and the city one day and head to Nambe Falls Recreation Area to find this magical waterfall with a swimming hole.
Popularity: This is a fairly popular state park to escape to from the city of Santa Fe.
Need to know: This state park offers camping, hiking, views, and waterfalls.
Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is the small but mighty 350-acre Hyde Memorial State Park. Take the aptly named Waterfall Trail, a 1.5-mile out-and-back trek to a hidden waterfall. You'll have to cross over the stream a few times so come prepared with the proper footwear and prepared to get wet! But it's absolutely worth it to see the waterfall on this trail.
So, which of these best waterfalls in New Mexico have you been to? What are your favorites? Let us know! To guide you on your waterfall hiking adventures, make sure you download the AllTrails+ app. Happy waterfall-chasing!
