Our Favorite Waterfalls in New Mexico
You may not think of waterfalls when you think of New Mexico, but the high desert is full of hidden gems in the waterfall department. Whether you’re in the mood for a good hike, a quick dip, or just want to enjoy the soothing sight and sound of a good waterfall, here are our top picks!
The Best New Mexico Waterfalls
Best for soaking: San Antonio Hot Springs
Best for views: Nambe Falls
Best for hiking: Williams Falls
1. San Antonio Hot Springs
Located near Los Alamos, New Mexico, San Antonio hot springs features a small waterfall as well as three tiered soaking pools. During the summer months, vehicles with four-wheel drive can access the springs through a short one-mile hike at the end of a forest road. During the cooler months, the road is blocked off and visitors can hike about six miles to the spring. Much of the six-mile hike is a flat stretch along the road, with the last mile or so an uphill climb.
If you’re planning on soaking, bring a swimsuit and make sure to budget in some extra time to spend relaxing in the pools. The hike can get a little crowded on weekends, but if you go on a weekday there’s a chance that you could have the falls and the pools all to yourself!
2. Nambe Falls
Nambe Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls in northern New Mexico. It’s located on the land of the Pueblo of Nambe in the foothills of the Sangre de Christo Mountains, just a short drive from Santa Fe. It’s a short quarter-mile hike to the falls, and then you’ll be treated to the beautiful sight of the falls. Parking for the day is $15, or $30 for a basic campsite if you want to stay the night and camp out.
3. Soda Dam
The Soda Dam falls are located near the town of Jemez Springs in northern New Mexico. They’re located along Route 4, and there’s a place to pull over and park to get out and explore. The water runs through some cool rock formations, left over from hot springs deposits for over 7000 years. The water is too rough to wade or swim in, but it’s a super cool formation to explore! It’s also a great pit stop on the way to Jemez Springs, San Antonio Hot Springs, or Los Alamos.
4. Jemez Falls
If you’re tired of hot Santa Fe summers and looking for a breath of fresh air, a trip to the Jemez Falls might be just the ticket. The falls are located in the Jemez Mountains in the midst of tall evergreen forests. A short quarter-mile hike will take you from the beginning of the trailhead to the falls. From there, there are plenty of other hiking trails that branch off to explore, and you can also camp overnight at a nearby campsite.
5. Sitting Bull Falls
The Sitting Bull Falls is an oasis of greenery and water in the middle of the desert near Carlsbad, New Mexico, home of the famous Carlsbad caverns. Millions of years ago, the area formed the edge of an inland sea. Today, it’s a great place to view the falls and explore nearby hiking trails. There are pavilions, picnic areas, and restrooms near the site, along with a $5 entry fee. Sitting Bull Falls is about a five-hour drive from Santa Fe, and makes a great stop on the way to see the caverns or as a destination in and of itself.
6. Williams Falls
Williams Falls is a waterfall and lake located near Taos, New Mexico. The falls are sometimes also known as Lake Fork Falls or Frazer Falls. They’re in the midst of a stunning alpine forest setting, and feature a challenging climb starting from the trailhead that is best tackled by experienced hikers. Once you get to the top, the beautiful views are definitely worth the climb! From there, you can head on to other trails in the area or climb back down.
7. Resumidero Falls
Resumidero Falls is located to the northeast of Santa Fe. The falls are located near a large alpine meadow, and there are also campgrounds and additional hiking trails nearby. These falls consist of three separate tiers and are sometimes also called the Resumidero Box Falls. Nearby, the river also feeds into Lichen Falls, which are a short hike away if you’re looking to experience two different waterfalls in one go!
8. Catwalk Trail Waterfalls
The Catwalk Trail Waterfalls are located in southern New Mexico in the Gila National Forest. The falls get their name from the plank walkway that used to bring water to a nearby mining town. While the town is now abandoned and the walkway long gone, the trail leads to picturesque pools and waterfalls. There’s a $3 fee for day parking and camping available nearby.
9. Upper Frijoles Falls
The Upper Frijoles Falls are located in Bandelier National Monument, a short drive from Santa Fe. The trail starts out near the parking lot by the visitor’s center, and descends about a mile and a half down to the falls. The trails is accessible year-round, but can be icy and slippery during the winter months. This is a great trail to explore while spending some time in the historic Bandelier area.
Hiking in New Mexico
No matter what waterfall you choose to hike to, there are a few things you should keep in mind when hiking in New Mexico. Most of these trails have an elevation of over 7,000 feet, so if you're not used to the elevation you should be sure to take it slow and pace yourself. High altitudes can make it harder to breathe, and you may find yourself getting tired and your muscles getting sore faster.
It’s also easier to become dehydrated at high elevations, especially during hot, dry weather. Be sure to take plenty of water with you and take water breaks often! The New Mexico sun can be very strong, so it’s a good idea to bring a hat and wear sunscreen. Happy hiking!
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