New Mexico
Nature|Waterfalls

See One Of The Tallest Waterfalls In New Mexico At Sitting Bull Recreation Area

Sitting Bull Recreation Area is a unique desert oasis in New Mexico featuring picnic pavilions, walking paths, natural pools, and a 180-foot waterfall.

Updated Apr 1, 2024

Written by 

Jessica Wick

If you've ever driven on one of the desolate state routes west of Carlsbad, you know it feels like being in the middle of nowhere -- and it is. But if you drive down State Route 137 for about an hour, you'll encounter a peaceful oasis so pretty, you might think you're hallucinating. But Sitting Bull Recreation Area is very real, and it's very worth checking out.

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Sitting Bull Recreation Area is a unique sanctuary in the middle of the desert.

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ryan o / TripAdvisor

It offers picnic pavilions, walking paths, natural pools, and one of the tallest waterfalls in New Mexico.

It may feel like it takes forever to reach Sitting Bull Recreation Area, but it doesn't take long to spot the waterfall.

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Honey H / TripAdvisor

Sitting Bull Falls is pretty spectacular.

The waterfall cascades down about 180 feet into the pools below.

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MickeyW1967 / TripAdvisor

And although the water flow varies, it trickles down all year long.

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From this beautiful recreation area, you'll have 360-degree views of the desert.

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Scully62 / TripAdvisor

This is the perfect place to reconnect with nature.

Summers are obviously popular here, with many guests cooling off by swimming in the pools.

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Genia M / TripAdvisor

And honestly, we can't imagine a more relaxing, enjoyable swim than this.

Spend your afternoon hiking, then relax and take in the beauty of Sitting Bull Falls.

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Skiers4Ever / TripAdvisor

It may require quite a trek to get here, but it's worth making the pilgrimage.

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Sitting Bull Recreation Area is open year-round Thursday through Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Amy D / TripAdvisor

The entrance fee is $10 per vehicle.

Another incredible natural wonder in New Mexico is the Bisti Badlands. You'll think you have been transported onto another planet after you watch this quick video:

Have you ever enjoyed an up-close-and-personal look at this Sitting Bull Recreation Area waterfall? Add this desert oasis to your spring and summer bucket list.

If you're as obsessed with these peaceful natural wonders as we are, check out this weekend itinerary that takes you to seven of New Mexico's waterfalls.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-mexico/weekend-waterfalls-itinerary-nm/

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Nature|Waterfalls

The Fillmore Canyon Trail Is One Of The Best Waterfall Hikes In New Mexico

Published Aug 1, 2024

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

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!

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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.

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Dustin Barilow/AllTrails

When you arrive, you will have to pay a fee at the Visitors Center and then drive west to the La Cueva picnic area where you'll find the trailhead.

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Jason Floyd/AllTrails

Along the 1.1-mile trek to the waterfall, you'll encounter a creek. However, depending on the time of year, it may or may not have water.

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Tanya Rhude/AllTrails

You'll also see a historic site that was once part of Eugene Van Patten's Mountain Camp. This was where the mercantile, livery, and chicken coop were.

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Maria Mota/AllTrails

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!

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Tanya Rhude/AllTrails

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.

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Jayne & Jeff Griese/AllTrails

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.

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Nature|Waterfalls

This Magical Waterfall Campground At Jemez Falls In New Mexico Is A Beautiful Retreat

Jemez Falls in New Mexico offers a unique camping experience with easy access to a 70-foot waterfall and natural pools.

Updated Jun 6, 2024

Written by 

Juliet White

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!

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Google Maps

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).

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Andy Langager / Flickr

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.

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lovesthesun / TripAdvisor

After you’ve set up camp, grab your hiking or wading shoes and take the 0.7-mile, out-and-back trail to the falls overlook.

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M J / TripAdvisor

While there are dispersed sites to enjoy free camping in Jemez, the Jemez Falls Campground offers more modern conveniences.

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The path meanders through a cool forest and emerges opposite Jemez Falls, providing a great photo op.

The pools at the top of the falls are shallower...

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Andy Langager / Flickr

...While those downstream are quite a bit deeper.

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NMMIMAJ via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re feeling energetic, add a hike to one of the hot springs in the area, such as McCauley Hot Springs.

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NMMIMAJ via Wikimedia Commons

Its temperature is warm rather than toasty, making it pleasant in the summer as well as the cooler months.

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Shari Garland via Wikimedia Commons

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.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-mexico/best-tiny-town-nm/

Another amazing place in New Mexico is the Bisti Badlands - take a look at this beautiful natural area in this video:

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