Best Waterfalls in New Mexico: 12 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
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.
Tallest Waterfalls In New Mexico
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:
1. Brazos Falls
Corkins Lodge, 750 NM-512, Chama, NM 87520, USA
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.
2. Upper Frijoles Falls
Upper Frijoles Falls, New Mexico 87547, USA
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.
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3. Sitting Bull Falls
742 Sitting Bull Falls Rd, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
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?
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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:
4. Clear Creek Falls
Cimarron, NM 87714, USA
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.
5. Jemez Falls
Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USA
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!
6. Bridal Veil Falls
High Rolls, NM 88310, USA
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:”
7. Folsom Falls
Folsom Falls, New Mexico 88419, USA
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.
8. Soda Dam
19219 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USA
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.
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9. White Rock Overlook Park
Overlook Park, 580 Overlook Rd, White Rock, NM 87544, USA
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.
10. Resumidero Falls
Resumidero, Rito, New Mexico, USA
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.
11. Nambe Falls
Nambe Falls, New Mexico 87506, USA
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.
12. Hyde Memorial State Park
Hyde Memorial State Park, 740 Hyde Park Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
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!
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