See One Of The Tallest Waterfalls In New Mexico At Sitting Bull Recreation Area
Jessica Wick
Author
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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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.
Here’s The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring New Mexico’s Waterfalls
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Waterfalls In New Mexico
What are some waterfall hikes in New Mexico?
There are plenty of long and short hikes that lead to impressive waterfalls in New Mexico. Here are a few of our favorite waterfall hikes in New Mexico that we think you'll enjoy, too:
- Nambe Falls, Nambe Pueblo, NM: About 45 minutes from Santa Fe you'll find this stunning set of waterfalls. The top tier drops an impressive 100 feet and the lower falls is around 75 feet. Maybe Falls bursts out of a massive canyon wall in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. On a hot day, you can lounge around the pool at the lower falls, and have a little picnic between wading sessions under the waterfall. The trail leading to the falls is only about a quarter mile long, so they are easy to get to other than some steep rocky sections.
- Frijoles Falls, Bandolier National Monument, NM: This big bold hidden gem is pretty remote so you may not be able to reach the falls very easily. The hike to the falls is only about 1.5 miles through an old section of the Rio Grande that is no longer underwater. Upper Frijoles Falls is still accessible, but the trail to Lower Frijoles Falls has been washed out and may not be traversable any longer. That only makes the upper falls more special.
- Jemez Falls, Jemez Springs, NM: Head to the Jemez Falls Campground to find the trail leading to this impressive waterfall in the Santa Fe National Forest. The hike to the falls will treat you to several waterfalls and a refreshing pool to cool off in. Take the quarter-mile Jemez Falls Trail off of the East Fork Trail to an overlook that lets you enjoy the tallest waterfall in the Jemez Mountains. There are a few other longer trails in the area so you can take a day to explore.
Check out more of our favorite New Mexico hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and scenic views all over the state. Grab a map from AllTrails+ before you go!