Petrero Waterfall
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About Petrero Waterfall
Petrero Waterfall is a little-documented waterfall in the Carson National Forest north of the village of El Rito in northern New Mexico. No published trail description, height or route was found for it, and the name may be a variant spelling of potrero. Flow in this area depends on snowmelt and summer rain, so it is likely to be low or dry in late summer and fall.
The Setting
Petrero Waterfall sits at 7,543 feet within Carson National Forest, in the high mountains of New Mexico.
Trail & Hike Details
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Petrero Waterfall?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Dogs are allowed on Carson National Forest land but must be leashed in developed recreation sites; keep them under control elsewhere.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Petrero Waterfall?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall is more likely to have water flow during these seasons.
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 Carson National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as flash floods, extreme heat, and limited cell service. Always inform someone of your plans before heading out and carry sufficient supplies.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Rio Ojo Caliente, 9.8 miles away, not on Petrero Waterfall's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
176 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 93 years of record
3.27 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.
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 RIO OJO CALIENTE AT LA MADERA, NM (16 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
176 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
176 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
188 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
176 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
190 cfs
3/10Sun
Barely Flowing
183 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
188 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early June, peaking in April.
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 El Rito hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Petrero Waterfall Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Petrero Waterfall is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 61°F to 34°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 180 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
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 115 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 7,529 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 195 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 25 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 7,529 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 115 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
No official trailhead or route to this waterfall is published. Check a current Carson National Forest map or the El Rito Ranger District before going, and expect unpaved forest roads.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
7,543 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.406962° N, -106.205858° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, as the trail can be rocky and exposed to the sun. Check weather conditions before visiting, as flash floods can occur in the area. Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly.
This trail sits at 7,543 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 30% 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
Lake View Domes LLC
The Grand Hacienda Inn with Breakfast
Tres Piedras Glamping Tipis for a Nature Escape near Taos
Cute Tipi in Tres Piedras for New Mexico Glamping Escapes
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.
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