Editor’s Note: As of May 2022, Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area is closed due to extreme fire danger in the area. While you can still learn about the area below, we will not be updating the information in this article at the present time. If you are searching for more New Mexico swimming holes, check out our list of several that are scattered around the state. 

On scorching summer days, there’s nothing more refreshing than a dip in a natural swimming hole. But what if you could slide into a pool of cool water under a cascading waterfall? Well, in New Mexico you can do just that.

Wikimedia Commons/NMMIMAJ
Sitting Bull Falls is an oasis in the desert of Southern New Mexico. It’s tucked away in a section of the Lincoln National Forest that is near the city of Carlsbad.
Wikimedia Commons/NMMIMAJ
The drive to Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area is scenic and remote. But what lies ahead more than justifies the travel time.

Once you arrive at the recreation area, a short walk along a well-developed trail takes you to the base of the waterfall.
Flickr/Dan Lang
Given the arid conditions of the surrounding landscape, you don’t expect to see a sight like this.
Yelp/Angie C.
Sitting Bull Falls is a spring-fed waterfall that tumbles 150-feet over mossy rocks, into a pool below. The water in this swimming hole is extremely clear yet has an appealing green tint.
Flickr/Paul David Gibson
The water is bracing but you’ll appreciate that in the height of summer.

Splash around and have some fun.
Flickr/Bob Schoenherr
Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area is only open for day-use. Make the most of your visit by hiking to the top of the falls.
Flickr/Bob Schoenherr
Wikimedia Commons/By NMMIMAJ (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Savor a picnic at one of the covered picnic tables that the Civilian Conservation Corps built as part of the New Deal. Basic amenities are available.
Flickr/Dorian Wallender
Wikimedia Commons/NMMIMAJ

To reach Sitting Bull Falls start on US-285, then go west on NM-137. You remain on this road for approximately 20 miles before making a right onto CR-409. Keep going until you reach the parking lot for the recreation area.

Tip: The parking lot nearest to the falls is small and fills up fast. While there is an overflow lot, it’s much less convenient. Go early to secure one of the better spaces.

Watching this video will help you imagine that you’re already there!

The combination of a swimming hole and waterfall certainly make Sitting Bull Falls special. But New Mexico does have other swimming holes in natural settings where you can beat the heat.

Even if you can’t make it to this gorgeous waterfall this summer, definitely add this mini-oasis to your New Mexico bucket list.

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