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Nature|Waterfalls

The Clear Creek Trail In New Mexico Is A 4-Mile Out-And-Back Hike With A Waterfall Finish

Clear Creek Trail in Cimarron Canyon State Park offers a picturesque hike with waterfalls and scenic views.

Published Feb 2, 2021

Written by 

Monica Spencer

Ready to take a hike? You'll find all kinds of trails in New Mexico with spectacular scenery, from cool creeks to enchanting mountain views to rushing waterfalls. One hike that manages to combine all of those stunning sights? Clear Creek Trail. Read on for more on why you don't want to miss this adventure.

Tucked away in the mountainous landscape of northern New Mexico's Cimarron Canyon State Park, Clear Creek Trail is one spectacularly picturesque hike.

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Jupi/AllTrails

Towering trees, verdant scenery, and multiple waterfalls are just a few of the sights to see along the way.

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The trailhead sits just off U.S. Route 64 at milepost 292.

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Natsha Famiglietti/AllTrails

For just over four miles, it follows the meandering Clear Creek through the forest on a well-defined trail.

This hike features a steady incline and a few areas where you may need to scramble up a rocky landscape or cross the creek on a makeshift bridge, but it is otherwise a family-friendly trek.

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Daniel Holcomb/AllTrails

The trail boasts not one, but two notable waterfalls along the creek. The first is found a little over one mile into the hike.

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Daniel Holcomb/AllTrails

The second waterfall can be found a little more than a half-mile after and is larger.

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Ben Orfanos/AllTrails

Some people end their hike shortly after this waterfall; following this, the hike gets significantly steeper as it heads up a peak for views. If you're not ready for the brisk workout, you may want to consider turning around shortly after the second waterfall.

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Have you hiked along this trail before? What was your experience like?

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Patrick Alexander/Flickr

The Clear Creek Trailhead is located approximately 6.5 miles east of Eaglenest at milepost 292 along U.S. Route 64 in Cimarron Canyon State Park.

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Google Maps

Trail details can be found at the AllTrails website or the New Mexico State Parks website. And when hiking, be sure to follow basic hiking etiquette and leave no trace.

Coordinates: 36.52586, -105.17687

Details: AllTrails

Details: New Mexico State Parks

Clear Creek Trail is just one of a handful of spectacular waterfall hikes you can find around the state. If you're looking for others a little closer to you, be sure to read The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In New Mexico Who Loves Waterfall Hikes for some of our favorite trails.

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Nature|Waterfalls

The Fillmore Canyon Trail Is One Of The Best Waterfall Hikes In New Mexico

Published Aug 1, 2024

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

It's always amazing to me what you can find just by traveling on foot. You see a lot more than if you were in a car. That's why I enjoy hiking sometimes. Depending on the trail, you may encounter a historic site, some beautiful wildflowers, or even a waterfall. For those of you who love a good waterfall chase even once in a while, take the Fillmore Canyon Trail. It's one of the best waterfall hikes in New Mexico!

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Located at Organ Mountain within the Desert Peaks National Monument, the Fillmore Canyon Trail is a moderately challenging trek with 449 feet of overall elevation gain. At 2.1 miles, it should take only about an hour to complete.

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Dustin Barilow/AllTrails

When you arrive, you will have to pay a fee at the Visitors Center and then drive west to the La Cueva picnic area where you'll find the trailhead.

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Jason Floyd/AllTrails

Along the 1.1-mile trek to the waterfall, you'll encounter a creek. However, depending on the time of year, it may or may not have water.

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Tanya Rhude/AllTrails

You'll also see a historic site that was once part of Eugene Van Patten's Mountain Camp. This was where the mercantile, livery, and chicken coop were.

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Maria Mota/AllTrails

When you arrive at the waterfall, hopefully it will look like this. Stick around for a while, relax, take pictures, and revel in the beauty of nature here!

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Tanya Rhude/AllTrails

While the waterfall is flowing at times, that won't always be the case. Depending on the time of year and if there was recent rainfall, you may see just a trickle or nothing at all. Plan your visit accordingly, and still appreciate the beauty of this trail.

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Jayne & Jeff Griese/AllTrails

Ready to embark on one of the best waterfall hikes in New Mexico? You can find trail details for the Fillmore Canyon Trail on AllTrails. I also think you should download the ultra-handy AllTrails+ app to guide you out on this and any other trail you plan to hike.

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Nature|Waterfalls

This Magical Waterfall Campground At Jemez Falls In New Mexico Is A Beautiful Retreat

Jemez Falls in New Mexico offers a unique camping experience with easy access to a 70-foot waterfall and natural pools.

Updated Jun 6, 2024

Written by 

Juliet White

Although New Mexico has quite a few waterfalls, reaching them often involves a lengthy hike. That’s not the case with Jemez Falls, a 70-foot-high waterfall hidden in the Jemez Mountains. The overlook is only a short jaunt away from the road and one of our favorite places to go camping in New Mexico.

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The campground makes a perfect base for exploring this spectacular area. This is also one of the few spots in New Mexico where you can camp, admire a waterfall, and then wade in the clear natural pools surrounding it. Talk about a unique place to spend the night!

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Google Maps

Use this Jemez Falls Campground map to plot your next camping adventure.

Jemez Falls Campground is situated just off NM-4, which is part of a scenic byway called the Jemez Mountain Trail. It’s between Los Alamos and Jemez Springs (significantly closer to the latter).

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Andy Langager / Flickr

Ponderosa pine trees tower over the Jemez Falls Campground, providing shade to the 52 mixed-use sites (which can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length). Each spot is equipped with a grill, fire ring, and picnic table.

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lovesthesun / TripAdvisor

After you’ve set up camp, grab your hiking or wading shoes and take the 0.7-mile, out-and-back trail to the falls overlook.

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M J / TripAdvisor

While there are dispersed sites to enjoy free camping in Jemez, the Jemez Falls Campground offers more modern conveniences.

The path meanders through a cool forest and emerges opposite Jemez Falls, providing a great photo op.

The pools at the top of the falls are shallower...

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Andy Langager / Flickr

...While those downstream are quite a bit deeper.

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NMMIMAJ via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re feeling energetic, add a hike to one of the hot springs in the area, such as McCauley Hot Springs.

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NMMIMAJ via Wikimedia Commons

Its temperature is warm rather than toasty, making it pleasant in the summer as well as the cooler months.

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Shari Garland via Wikimedia Commons

While we don't recommend cliff jumping - it's really dangerous - this clip gives you a glimpse of the beauty surrounding Jemez Falls.

Have you ever enjoyed a little tent camping in New Mexico at the Jemez Falls Campground or visited this waterfall?

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The small town of Jemez Springs is nearby and offers a surprising amount of attractions, given its diminutive size. If you continue along the scenic byway in that direction, be sure to pause at Soda Dam and the Gilman Tunnels.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-mexico/best-tiny-town-nm/

Another amazing place in New Mexico is the Bisti Badlands - take a look at this beautiful natural area in this video:

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