You don’t just have to admire these four waterfalls in New Mexico—you can dive right in.
When the summertime sun casts its warm glow over the Land of Enchantment, New Mexicans across the state set out on adventures to cool off in serene surroundings. The landlocked state may not contain any sandy beaches or ocean shores, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t home to a wealth of swimming spots.
You could visit a few of its natural swimming holes, like the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, a spring-fed pool boasting 100 feet of visibility into the earth’s interior, but if it’s Mother Nature in action that you seek to commune with, there’s nothing like taking a refreshing dip near the gentle trickle of a waterfall. Luckily for those living in New Mexico, the state is home to four publicly accessible waterfalls whose gurgling waters provide the perfect setting for your next summer swim.
What to know before diving in
Before you set out on your waterfall-chasing excursion, consider a few safety precautions: As the Outdoor Swimming Society warns, swimming near a waterfall carries its own unique risks. If you spot water that appears white, foamy, or seems to be falling, stay away, as air may have mixed with the water, leading to a loss in buoyancy. If you find yourself sinking or being dragged down into the waterfall itself, avoid the urge to panic and exit the water stream sideways before attempting to back up.
Another aspect to keep in mind is the weight of the water tumbling down from the fall itself—be mindful of the rate at which the waterfall flows, and understand that the more powerful the flow, the heavier the water will feel against your body. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service also warns against jumping off waterfalls or diving into their wading pools, as heavy objects like logs and rocks may be hiding just below the water’s surface.
Feeling ready to experience some of the most enchanting waterfalls in New Mexico? Read on to discover your next summertime destination:
1. Sitting Bull Falls
It appears almost like a mirage: The rushing waters of Sitting Bull Falls transform a desert landscape west of Carlsbad into the state’s most refreshing oasis. Located within Lincoln National Forest about 15 miles north of the border with Texas, Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area is home to a series of spring-fed waterfalls whose streams cascade 150 feet down into a large wading pool.
Slip into your sturdiest pair of water shoes and wade in to beat the summer heat—visitors report that the water usually feels ice-cold, with temperatures hovering in the low 60s. Some hazards to keep in mind: Visitors say the water is much deeper than it appears, and the sharp rocks along the wading pool floor and its surrounding, slippery areas can cause injury, especially for children and anyone going barefoot.
After splashing around in the wading pool, take advantage of the recreation area’s amenities by enjoying a picnic lunch or grilling out. Sitting Bull Falls is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is $10 per vehicle.
2. Nambé Falls
Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Nambe Falls is a scene of breathtaking beauty located within the Pueblo of Nambé. Drive just 15 miles north from Santa Fe to find the pair of waterfalls, one reaching more than 100 feet in height, and another about 75 feet tall.
To reach the falls, visitors can choose one of two routes: The higher-elevation Upper Falls Trail traverses through rocky dirt to reach an overlook above the falls, while the Lower Falls Trail leads along a creek through a narrow canyon directly into a wading pool. No matter which mile-long trail you choose, hiking boots, water shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water are recommended supplies.
The site of Nambé Falls is considered sacred ground for the people of Nambe Pueblo, one of six Tewa-speaking pueblos located in the northern part of the state. Before European settlement, the area was used for ceremonial gatherings, and today, the Nambe people manage its conservation and visitor access, ensuring the site’s maintenance for future generations.
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, Nambé Falls is open Thursdays through Mondays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $20 per vehicle, or $40 and up for a campsite.
3. Aquatic Dwellings Waterfall
Situated in the tiny mountain town of High Rolls, about 80 miles northeast of Las Cruces, Aquatic Dwellings Waterfall is a peaceful, less trafficked spot to commune with Mother Nature. You’ll need to pack your hiking gear as well as your bathing suit for this adventure, as the waterfall can only be reached from a steep, moderate trek along the Lincoln National Forest’s Tunnel Vista Trail.
From the parking lot, look for a sign reading, “Turn lights on,” and then take the small path just to its left. You’ll climb over massive rocks and gain 134 feet in elevation as you go, but the sweat all becomes worth it when you reach the picturesque waterfall, its steady flow framed by a rock grotto.
Trade your hiking boots for water shoes before you venture into the wading pool, as visitors note the surrounding area is slippery. This natural area doesn’t close at any given time, but exiting the forest by sunset is recommended for your safety.
4. Jemez Falls
About 15 miles northeast of the Pueblo of Jemez, Jemez Falls is a serene scene within the Santa Fe National Forest that deserves more than a quick visit.
To reach Jemez Falls, take the East Fork Trail, an easy and pine-tree-shaded 0.8-mile path leading directly to the falls. Take a moment to enjoy the entire scene from the trail’s lookout point before descending into the long but shallow wading pool. You’ll be nearly 8,000 feet above sea level when you reach the falls, so prepare for hotter-than-usual days and a steep decline in temperature as the sun sets.
If one afternoon spent splashing around in the cool waters doesn’t feel like enough, you’re in luck: Jemez Falls is one of the few destinations in this area containing campsites. The Jemez Falls Campground contains more than 50 sites complete with picnic tables and fire rings for cool nights. Online camping reservations can be made in advance.
