10 Best Waterfalls in New Mexico (2026 Updated)
Of the 14 named waterfalls in New Mexico, these 10 earn the strongest visitor ratings, led by Jemez Falls, Upper Frijoles Falls, and Sitting Bull Falls. The list spans the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Guadalupe Mountains and the Pecos Valley, and Northeastern Plains and Western Plateaus.
How We Picked
We ranked the 4 publicly accessible New Mexico waterfalls with at least five Google reviews by a weighted rating that balances score against review volume, so a 4.9 from a dozen reviewers counts for less than a 4.8 from thousands. Remaining spots go to falls with documented USGS history. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Jemez Falls
Jemez Pueblo, NM · Sandoval County · Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Why it made the list
It holds a 4.8-star Google rating and is the 3rd most reviewed in the state, with 93 reviews. 83% of reviewers give it five stars. It is one of 8 named falls in the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains region. The nearest town is Jemez Pueblo, about 15 miles to the southwest.
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2. Upper Frijoles Falls
White Rock, NM · Sandoval County · Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Why it made the list
It holds a 5.0-star Google rating and is the 4th most reviewed in the state, with 7 reviews. Older records also call it Poqwigepojemuge * and Frijoles Canyon Waterfall. It is one of 8 named falls in the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains region. Lower Frijoles Falls is only 0.2 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is White Rock, about 5.4 miles to the northeast.
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3. Sitting Bull Falls
Carlsbad, NM · Eddy County · Guadalupe Mountains and the Pecos Valley
Why it made the list
It is the most reviewed waterfall in New Mexico, holding 4.7 stars across 450 Google reviews. 84% of reviewers give it five stars. Google's listing sums it up as: "Peaceful spot around a series of waterfalls & natural pools, popular for hikes, swims & picnics." Reviews most often mention walk to the falls, leeches, peaceful atmosphere, and oasis. It is one of 2 named falls in the Guadalupe Mountains and the Pecos Valley region. The nearest town is Carlsbad, about 30 miles to the northeast.
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4. Nambe Falls
Nambe, NM · Santa Fe County · Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Why it made the list
It holds a 4.5-star Google rating and is the 2nd most reviewed in the state, with 187 reviews. 79% of reviewers give it five stars. Reviews most often mention awesome ranger, cash only, hike to the falls, and lower trail. Older records also call it Potshuk'aetabege * and Potshuwaje *. It is one of 8 named falls in the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains region. The nearest town is Nambe, about 5.4 miles to the northwest.
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5. Catfish Falls (historical)
Santa Rosa, NM · Guadalupe County · Guadalupe Mountains and the Pecos Valley
Why it made the list
Name history: inundated by Santa Rosa Lake. It is one of 2 named falls in the Guadalupe Mountains and the Pecos Valley region. The nearest town is Santa Rosa, about 8.1 miles to the south.
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6. Petrero Waterfall
Ohkay Owingeh, NM · Rio Arriba County · Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Why it made the list
It is one of 8 named falls in the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains region. The nearest town is Ohkay Owingeh, about 26 miles to the south.
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7. Pecos Falls
Mora, NM · Mora County · Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Why it made the list
It is one of 8 named falls in the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains region. The nearest town is Mora, about 13 miles to the east.
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8. Rio Quemado Falls
Chimayo, NM · Rio Arriba County · Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Why it made the list
It is one of 8 named falls in the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains region. The nearest town is Chimayo, about 17 miles to the west.
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9. The Falls
Thoreau, NM · Cibola County · Northeastern Plains and Western Plateaus
Why it made the list
It is one of 4 named falls in the Northeastern Plains and Western Plateaus region. The nearest town is Thoreau, about 18 miles to the northeast.
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10. Big Falls
Gallup, NM · McKinley County · Northeastern Plains and Western Plateaus
Why it made the list
It is one of 4 named falls in the Northeastern Plains and Western Plateaus region. The nearest town is Gallup, about 14 miles to the northeast.
When to Visit New Mexico's Waterfalls
Two seasons matter in New Mexico. Snowmelt from the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountains usually brings peak flow from roughly April to June, with higher-elevation falls like Pecos Falls peaking later and access trails sometimes holding snow into late spring. The North American monsoon then arrives, typically in early July and lasting into September, bringing afternoon thunderstorms that can revive streams but also create dangerous flash floods and lightning above treeline. Autumn is often dry and clear, with golden aspens in the northern mountains from late September into early October, though flows are low. Sitting Bull Falls is spring-fed and runs year-round, but summer heat in the Guadalupe foothills can be intense. Winter brings cold and snow in the mountains and closures of some forest roads.
Before You Go
New Mexico's falls are managed by a patchwork of agencies and communities. Jemez and Pecos falls are in the Santa Fe National Forest, Sitting Bull Falls is a Lincoln National Forest day-use area with a fee, and Frijoles Canyon is in Bandelier National Monument. Nambe Falls is on Nambe Pueblo land; access and hours are set by the Pueblo and may change, so confirm before visiting and follow tribal rules, including any restrictions on photography. Hazards include altitude, intense sun and dehydration, monsoon flash floods in narrow canyons, lightning on exposed ridges, and slick volcanic tuff or travertine near falls. Many forest roads are unpaved and can become impassable after heavy rain. Wildfire seasons occasionally bring forest closures in late spring and early summer.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out.
Explore More New Mexico Waterfalls
See all 14 waterfalls in the New Mexico waterfall guide, or browse by town: Jemez Pueblo, White Rock, Carlsbad, Nambe, Santa Rosa, Ohkay Owingeh, Mora, Chimayo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best waterfall in New Mexico?
Jemez Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.8-star rating from 93 Google reviews. It is near Jemez Pueblo in Sandoval County.
How was this list made?
We ranked the 4 publicly accessible New Mexico waterfalls with at least five Google reviews by a weighted rating that balances score against review volume, so a 4.9 from a dozen reviewers counts for less than a 4.8 from thousands. Remaining spots go to falls with documented USGS history.
How many waterfalls are in New Mexico?
Our directory lists 14 named waterfalls in New Mexico. See them all, sorted by town, in the New Mexico waterfall guide.
What is the most popular waterfall in New Mexico?
Sitting Bull Falls in Eddy County, in the Lincoln National Forest west of Carlsbad, has the most reviews in our directory. It is a spring-fed fall with pools and picnic areas.