10 Amazing Waterfalls in New Mexico

New Mexico is located in the southwestern part of the United States. It is known as one of the mountain states, familiar to many because of the ‘Four Corners’ between Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. New Mexico is the 36th most populous state in America and the fifth biggest state in size, with incredible nature parks scattered throughout.

New Mexico also has plenty of ‘secret’ waterfalls that go unnamed, which you can discover when visiting the other waterfalls named below. From canyons, mysterious forests, and other desert parks situated throughout New Mexico, you can see the 10 most amazing waterfalls in the state below.

1. Nambe Falls

Nambe Falls is a series of two waterfalls; the highest part of the falls is 100 ft. tall and the lower tier is 75 ft. tall. This waterfall is one of the most anticipated falls in New Mexico, and known as one of the most beautiful ones too.

It is located near Santa Fe in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. You will have views downstream near the Pueblo of Nambe, where you will also see the picnic surroundings and the mountains of Sangre de Cristo.

2. Catwalk Trail Falls

Catwalk National Recreation Trail is a neat place to go that is filled with a ton of history. ‘The Catwalk’ refers to the unprecedented plank walkway that was placed on the top of a steel cylinder, which was used to transport water to a dispensation plant. You can see the ruins of the plant from the parking lot.

When you follow the trail from the parking lot, you will come across a beautiful waterfall, and also take a preview into the historic practicalities of New Mexico. This is a beautiful place to take pictures in between whitewater canyons.

3. Sitting Bull Falls

Sitting Bull Falls, New Mexico — Sitting Bull Falls

Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area is a unique sanctuary that offers pavilions for picnicking, restrooms, pools, and of course Sitting Bull Falls. This area is open year around from 8:00am to 6:00pm, when the gates close. In order to enter the park, you will need to pay an entrance fee of $5.00 per vehicle.

The summer is the busiest time of year and it can get very busy. Sitting Bull Falls is great for spending the day hiking around the area, and relaxing by the falls. You will have 360-degree views of the desert area.

4. Folsom Falls

Folsom Falls features a beautiful waterfall surrounded by greenery, located in the northeastern part of New Mexico. Don’t be surprised if you come across cattle, because they roam free in the area surrounding Folsom Falls.

These falls are created from the edge of an ancient lava flow. You can hike around the falls and surrounding area, and take symbolic photos to make the most out of your visit to Folsom Falls.

Many people debate about swimming here, but it is not recommended because of the currents that are created from the rocks. All in all, this is a great place to visit.

5. Soda Dam

Soda Dam is one of the most exclusive and picturesque places in all of the United States. It is located along the Jemez Mountain Trail in the National Scenic Byway. This place is excellent for natural history lovers, who will be fascinated by the dam and the small waterfall that was created from the underground hot springs.

If you are a photographer, this is the place you need to be, as it is the most photographed abode on the Jemez Mountain Trail. More than a half a million visitors enter this place each year.

6. White Rock Overlook Park Waterfall

White Rock Overlook Park features a beautiful waterfall that is also known as Canada Del Buey Falls or White Rock Sewage Falls. The waterfall is 130 ft. tall and doesn’t smell the best, but the views are rather unique. You will have views of the upper falls and the middle falls, which are around 30 ft. tall.

The reason for the distinctive smell is that it’s the main water source for the Town of White Rocks’ Sewage Treatment Plant. If you can get past the smell, you would really enjoy spending time here because the views are incredible. Again, you can climb down the canyon and experience the falls from a different view…as long as you can handle the smell.

7. Bar Canyon-Soledad Canyon Waterfall

Bar Canyon-Soledad Canyon Waterfall is open year-round and is located on a hiking trail that takes less than a couple of hours to explore round trip. You will come to the waterfall as you walk around the loop. The loop is 3.1 miles and takes you through the bluffs of the Organ Mountains.

Hikers, bikers, and the odd horseback rider often use this trail, as well as other people who come here to look for wildlife. The trail is open from 8am-7pm. The waterfall itself is a narrow stream of water flowing through the canyon and is beautiful on a clear, sunny day.

8. Jemez Falls

Jemez Falls is located in Santa Fe National Forest, near Jemez Springs in the Sandoval County of New Mexico. Many people who visit Jemez Falls say that this is the most stunning waterfall in New Mexico. The unique thing about this waterfall is there is no development close by and many people feel like they are lost in nature, but in a good way.

The height of Jemez Falls is 70 ft. with a healthy flow of water cascading down. There is a campground close by, where I would recommend spending a couple days so that you can fully enjoy the region.

The trails are great for all levels of hikers, with a few different viewpoints along the way.

9. El Salto Falls

El Salto Falls is a 200 ft. tall waterfall. The name of the falls derives from “The Falls” in Spanish. The elevation for El Salto Falls is around 9000 ft. and the falls are composed of 5 separate drops, which makes these falls rather incredible and picturesque.

You can find these falls around 7 miles north of Taos. In order to visit these falls, you will need to pay an entrance fee of $4.00 per person. If you are in the Taos area, make sure you stop and take a quick hike to the falls.

10. Resumidero Falls

Resumidero Falls is a popular area for hiking and camping. It is located in a huge alpine meadow that is great for enjoying a picnic before adventuring through the San Pedro Park to the falls.

During the summer months, there are toilet facilities and places to enjoy a fire. There is no entrance fee into the falls but remember that it does get busy during the summer months, so arriving early is recommended.

There are many different trails around Resumidero Falls, with a few hidden waterfalls scattered throughout. If you are following the trail, it is recommended to hike into the 25 ft. Resumidero Box Falls for ultimate views and an incomparable experience.