12 Best Waterfalls in New Mexico, From Local Favorites to Hidden Gems

When you think of New Mexico, waterfalls are surely not the first natural wonders that come to mind. Instead, you may think of the desert landscape, the mountains, or the Rio Grande. But 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.

Ready to explore more waterfalls beyond the state border? From jaw-dropping cascades to swimmable emerald ponds, there are countless magnificent waterfalls found across the United States to explore.

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, Chama

• Location: Chama, New Mexico
• Popularity: A hidden gem behind a lodge in Chama.
• Need to know: This waterfall is seasonal and flows between mid-April and mid-May for about 2 to 3 weeks. You can only see the waterfall from the grounds of Corkins Lodge, which is only open to guests.

Cascading off the Brazos Cliffs that rise over 2,000 feet, 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 the exceptional Corkins Lodge if you want to see the tallest waterfall in New Mexico when it's flowing in the spring.

2. Upper Frijoles Falls, Bandelier National Monument

• Location: Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico
• Popularity: This is a hidden gem that requires a moderate hike to get to.
• Need to know: This gorgeous waterfall is located within the Bandelier National Monument, 85 miles north of Albuquerque. There is an entry fee, or you can use your National Parks Pass.

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, go to Bandelier National Monument and take the aptly named Falls Trail. This 2.7-mile, moderate trail is open year-round and leads to the beautiful seasonal Upper Frijoles Falls. At 90 feet, it's another seasonal waterfall that's best seen in spring when there's runoff. Surrounded by the rugged canyon, it's a wonderful place to take photos.

3. Sitting Bull Falls, Carlsbad

• Location: Carlsbad, New Mexico
• Popularity: This is quite a popular waterfall, especially in warmer weather.
• Need to know: This waterfall is located in Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area in Carlsbad via a short trail. Swimming and wading are allowed in the pools below the falls.

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? Head to the U.S. Forest Service website for Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area hours and passes.

Best Waterfall Hikes in New Mexico

If you enjoy hiking, then pack your hiking gear and head out to find the most extraordinary cascades on the following waterfall hikes in New Mexico. From short, easy hikes to challenging (but worthwhile) treks, here are our favorites.

4. Clear Creek Falls, Cimarron

• Location: Cimarron, New Mexico
• Popularity: The trail to this waterfall is quite popular among hikers, but you may be able to find some solitude on weekdays.
• Need to know: This waterfall is in the Colin Neblett State Wildlife Area.

If you enjoy exploring wilderness hiking trails, the Clear Creek Trail is for you. The moderate 4.1-mile trek runs alongside Clear Creek to three distinct waterfalls, including the lovely Clear Creek Falls. This hike has an elevation gain of nearly 1,100 feet, so come prepared with your hiking gear and plenty of water. You'll walk past stunning greenery, bubbling streams, and all sorts of wildlife as you head to the modest cascade.

5. Jemez Falls, Jemez Springs

• Location: Jemez Springs, New Mexico
• Popularity: The trail to Jemez Falls is popular among hikers.
• Need to know: The trail to Jemez Falls is in the Santa Fe National Forest. The trailhead is by the Jemez Falls Campground and is rocky in some areas, so exercise caution.

If you want to take your kids to chase a waterfall, the trail to Jemez Falls is an easy one to get to. At just under one 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. It's a great place to visit in the summertime when the weather is hot. You won't regret a short walk to this beautiful cascade.

6. Bridal Veil Falls, High Rolls

• Location: High Rolls, New Mexico
• Popularity: The trail is a fairly popular hike to Bridal Veil Falls, the trail's highlight.
• Need to know: This waterfall is by Salado Canyon in the Lincoln National Forest. Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen, especially in the warmer months, as it gets hot and dry.

If you prefer a more challenging waterfall hike, take the Bridal Veil Falls and Grand View Trail through Salado Canyon to Bridal Falls. Set aside at least 3 hours to enjoy the 6.1-mile trail and the waterfall it leads to. You'll also encounter a few viewpoints, so stop and take in the views and some photos. The red rock is absolutely gorgeous, but keep in mind that it can get pretty sunny out there with little shade around. So wear cool clothes and sunscreen!

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 hiking or walking at all. Take a look at the following accessible and easy-to-get-to waterfalls for an easy waterfall adventure.

7. Folsom Falls, Raton

• Location: Raton, New Mexico
• Popularity: A hidden gem located on private property but can be viewed from afar.
• Need to know: This waterfall is located on private land along the Dry Cimarron Scenic Byway in Raton. Trespassing is not allowed.

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 because it's on private land, there's no trespassing. You'll have to enjoy it from a distance, and hopefully, you'll have a telephoto lens to get some close-up shots. It's a great roadside attraction to check off your list on your next New Mexico road trip.

8. Soda Dam, Jemez Springs

• Location: Jemez Springs, New Mexico
• Popularity: While it's a peaceful spot, the Jemez Mountains can get busy on the weekends.
• Need to know: You can reach Soda Dam and its waterfall by taking the super short and easy 0.1-mile Soda Dam Trail within the Jemez National Recreation Area.

If you love waterfalls and geological wonders, you've come to the right place. Welcome to Jemez Soda Dam—a natural, massive, and otherworldly dam measuring 300 feet in length and 50 feet in height. The site dates back nearly 7,000 years and was formed by calcium carbonate deposited by the area's 15 hot springs. The dam also has a small waterfall, which, despite its size, is a sight to behold. After a short walk there, you can even wade in the hot springs.

9. White Rock Falls, White Rock

• Location: White Rock, New Mexico
• Popularity: This is a popular spot to view such a tall and beautiful cascade.
• Need to know: At this park, you'll be able to see Canada Del Buey Falls.

Also known as White Rock Falls, Canada del Buey Falls can be seen from an overlook in the canyon. This tall waterfall is gorgeous, to say the least, and best of all, no hiking is required. All you have to do is park in the nearby lot and walk over to the overlook area. You'll get a bird's eye view of the flowing river, desert, wild and plant life, and the mountains for miles. It's a super peaceful experience.

Best Waterfalls Near Santa Fe

I don't know about you, but I love the city of Santa Fe. The city itself is gorgeous, but there is also plenty of beauty to be found around it, including waterfalls. Here are some of our favorite nearby waterfalls that warrant a day trip or quick ride out of the city.

10. Resumidero Falls, Rito

• Location: Rito, New Mexico
• Popularity: This is a hidden gem in the Santa Fe area due to its remote location.
• Need to know: You'll find this waterfall hidden away in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness Area of the Santa Fe National Forest.

It's amazing what you can find around Santa Fe, including the remote Resumidero Falls in Rito. This cascade can be reached by hiking along the Rio Puerco, and once you get to the falls, take a dip in the swimming hole at the base. It's a great hike for cooling down in the summertime, or during fall and winter when the seasons and local wildlife begin to change. Even though it's remote, it's still close enough to Santa Fe to reach it in a day.

11. Nambe Falls, Tesuque

• Location: Tesuque, New Mexico
• Popularity: This is a bit of a hidden gem, even for locals.
• Need to know: This waterfall is located within the Nambe Waterfalls and Lake Recreation Area at the Nambe Pueblo.

Nambe Falls, located on the outskirts of Santa Fe, 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. Before you go, check the AllTrails app for trail closures and condition updates near the falls.

12. Hyde Memorial State Park, Santa Fe

• Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Popularity: This is a fairly popular state park to escape the city of Santa Fe.
• Need to know: This state park offers camping, hiking, views, and waterfalls.

The small but mighty 350-acre Hyde Memorial State Park is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Take the aptly named Hyde Waterfall Trail, a 0.6-mile out-and-back trek to a hidden waterfall. To get there, you'll hike the stream a couple of times; come prepared with proper waterproof footwear and gear. All in all, it's absolutely worth the daytrip (and the slightly soggy hike!) to see the waterfall on this trail.

Which of these New Mexico waterfalls have you been to? Are there any on this list you've yet to explore? If you're already dreaming up your road trips and daytrips to get to these stunning cascades, consider using Only In Your State's itinerary planner to help guide your trip. It'll suggest the best nearby dining, sightseeing, and even lodging close to the falls if you plan to stay overnight.