Is swimming allowed at Nambe Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Nambe Falls.

Live Conditions · 11 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Nambe Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Nambe Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Nambe Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Nambe Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $0.00. A permit is also required. A permit is required to access Nambe Falls, which is included in the entry fee to the recreation area.

New Mexico

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Nambe Pueblo TRIBL · DESG

Photo Credits (5)

CaZen CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

alicia.garbelman CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Nambe Falls

Nambe Falls is a stunning two-tiered waterfall located on the Nambe Pueblo in New Mexico. It is a popular destination for its scenic beauty and peaceful surroundings, offering visitors a chance to enjoy nature and the unique landscape of the region.

The Setting

Nambe Falls sits at 6,722 feet within Nambe Pueblo, in the high mountains of New Mexico.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Nambe Falls is short and relatively easy, making it accessible for most visitors. There are two main routes: one that leads to the base of the falls and another that provides a view from above. The trail is well-maintained but may have some rocky sections.

What to Expect

Swimming is permitted.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Nambe Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $0.00
Permit required
A permit is required to access Nambe Falls, which is included in the entry fee to the recreation area.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Nambe Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Nambe Falls is during the spring and summer months when water flow is typically at its peak. 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).

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the water, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and follow all posted guidelines. Respect the cultural significance of the area and adhere to Nambe Pueblo regulations.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Low

11 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2 3 9 13

Based on 46 years of record

0.74 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

RIO NAMBE BELOW NAMBE FALLS DAM NEAR NAMBE, NM

USGS 08294210

0.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 34 sq mi

Altitude: 6,540 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge RIO NAMBE BELOW NAMBE FALLS DAM NEAR NAMBE, NM (0 km away).

High confidence

Low right now

11 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

12 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

14 cfs

4/10

Sat

Moderate

13 cfs

4/10

Sun

Moderate

13 cfs

4/10

Mon

Moderate

12 cfs

5/10

Tue

Moderate

11 cfs

8/10

Wed

Low

9 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tue — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to late July, peaking in June.

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 Rio en Medio 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.

The ground through the falls loses about 269 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 6,741 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 80 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 157 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Nambe Falls near Rio en Medio, New Mexico, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Nambe Falls near Rio en Medio, New Mexico, showing about 269 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 6,741 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 269 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Nambe Falls is located on the Nambe Pueblo, approximately 25 miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Visitors can access the falls by driving to the Nambe Falls Recreation Area, which is managed by the Nambe Pueblo.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Nambe Falls Recreation Area. A fee is typically required for entry and parking.

Hours

Elevation

6,722 feet above sea level

Coordinates

35.845583° N, -105.906410° W

Land Management

Nambe Pueblo TRIBL

Managed by TRIB

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and holidays. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes, as some sections of the trail may be uneven. Respect the rules and guidelines set by the Nambe Pueblo.

This trail sits at 6,722 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 27% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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

Black Canyon Campground (Santa Fe National Forest, NM)

4.1 miles away · 36 sites

Reservable

Overview At 8475 feet in elevation, Black Canyon Campground is in a great location to experience some of the finest mountain scenery the Southwest has to offer. The facility is newly renovated and provides access to a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Campers can enjoy warm days and cool weather in the summer months, providing a scenic getaway from the desert heat. Recreation Hikers enjoy a pleasant hiking 1.5-mile trail that loops around the campground and into the surrounding forest.

Book on Recreation.gov