Jemez Falls
New Mexico • 70 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Jemez Falls
Jemez Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in New Mexico, located in the Santa Fe National Forest. It features a picturesque cascade surrounded by pine forests and is accessible via a short hike.
The Setting
Jemez Falls sits at 7,789 feet within Santa Fe National Forest, fed by the Jemez River, in the high mountains of New Mexico. The falls drop 70 feet.
Height: 70 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows East Fork (#137), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain with grades of +5-8%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
EAST FORK #137
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
9.20 miTrail Description
The trail to Jemez Falls is a well-maintained path that winds through a forested area with gentle elevation changes. It is suitable for most visitors, including families with children. The trail ends at a viewing area overlooking the falls.
What to Expect
The falls drop 70 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Jemez Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Jemez Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Jemez Falls is in late spring or early summer when the snowmelt enhances the waterfall's flow. Fall is also a great time to visit for cooler weather and colorful foliage.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Watch for flash flood warnings during monsoon season (July through September). Check with Santa Fe National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the waterfall viewing area, as the rocks can be slippery. Stay on designated trails to avoid accidents. Be prepared for sudden weather changes in the mountains.
Current Water Conditions
11 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 68 years of record
3.16 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge JEMEZ RIVER NEAR JEMEZ, NM (21 km away).
Today
Moderate
13 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Moderate
15 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
14 cfs
6/10Sun
Moderate
14 cfs
6/10Mon
Moderate
13 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
13 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
12 cfs
8/10Best window: Mon — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early June, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near La Cueva hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar measures about 135 feet of descent through Jemez Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 70 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 7,785 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 97 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 68 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 7,785 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 131 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Jemez Falls is located off NM-4 in the Jemez Mountains, approximately 1.5 hours from Albuquerque. The trailhead is accessible via a well-maintained road leading to the Jemez Falls Campground.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Jemez Falls Campground, which serves as the trailhead for the hike to the falls. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
7,789 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.812660° N, -106.606539° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be uneven in some sections. Bring water and sunscreen, especially during summer months.
This trail sits at 7,789 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 31% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
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Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This easy 1.5 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Los Alamos Entrada Park by IHG
Serene 70s Retreat Near San Antonio Hot Springs
Mountain-Side Getaway w/ Grill in Jemez Springs!
Wingate by Wyndham Los Alamos
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
JEMEZ FALLS CAMPGROUND
0.3 miles away · 51 sites
Overview Jemez Falls Campground is located in a stunning Ponderosa Pine and forest meadow environment. The campground elevation is 7,880 feet above sea level. Come prepared for warm days and cool nights. The Cerro Pelado Area closure prohibits members of the public from entering Trail 137 from access points South of the East Fork Trailhead. Entry is allowed North from the East Fork Trailhead to Las Conchas Trailhead. Please remember that this campground is special. Help keep it clean and beautif
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Chupadero, New Mexico
Mccauley Hot Springs
McCauley Hot Springs emerges at 99 °F within Santa Fe National Forest at a notable 7,360 feet elevation in the Jemez Mountains....
Spence Hot Springs
Spence Hot Springs emerges at 7,332 feet in the Santa Fe National Forest with 100°F water — 52°F above the local average. Total...
Soda Dam Hot Springs
Soda Dam Hot Springs consists of fifteen separate thermal vents that have built a massive travertine dam across the Jemez River...
Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs delivers 189°F water inside the Valles Caldera National Preserve at 8,267 feet elevation -- dangerously hot and...
Jemez Springs
Jemez Springs reaches 169 degrees Fahrenheit, one of New Mexico's hottest thermal discharges, with USGS measurements confirming...
San Antonio Hot Spring
San Antonio Hot Spring emerges at 129°F in the Santa Fe National Forest at 8,369 feet, producing water 83.7°F above the local a...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Chupadero, New Mexico on SoakingSprings.
Explore New Mexico springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Jemez Historic Site, Valles Caldera National Preserve, and Soda Dam.
Wildlife
The area is home to wildlife such as deer, squirrels, and various bird species. Visitors should be cautious of bears and other larger animals in the region.
Cities near Jemez Falls
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