Sitting Bull Falls
New Mexico • 150 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Sitting Bull Falls
Sitting Bull Falls is a stunning 150-foot waterfall located in the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico. It is a unique desert oasis surrounded by rugged canyon terrain, offering visitors a refreshing escape in an otherwise arid environment.
The Setting
Sitting Bull Falls sits at 4,859 feet within Lincoln National Forest, in the mountains of New Mexico. At 150 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in New Mexico.
Height: 150 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Sitting Bull Falls (#68), a 0.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 100 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
SITTING BULL FALLS #68
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
3.06 miTrail Description
The trail to Sitting Bull Falls is a short, paved path leading directly to the waterfall viewing area. It is well-maintained and accessible for most visitors, including those with limited mobility. The trail offers scenic views of the surrounding canyon and desert landscape.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 150 feet. Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Sitting Bull Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Sitting Bull Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit due to mild temperatures. Summer can be hot, but the falls provide a refreshing escape. Winter visits are possible, but the area may experience closures due to weather conditions.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Watch for flash flood warnings during monsoon season (July through September). Check with Lincoln National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the water and watch for flash flooding during rainy periods. Always stay on designated trails and avoid climbing on the falls.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 24.5 miles away
14 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 22 years of record
4.09 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
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge BLUE SPRINGS ABOVE DIVERSIONS NR WHITES CITY, NM (39 km away).
Today
Roaring
16 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
15 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
14 cfs
9/10Mon
Roaring
16 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
17 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
16 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
15 cfs
9/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
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 Happy Valley 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 297 feet of descent through Sitting Bull Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 150 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 4,827 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 67 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 150 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,827 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 297 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Sitting Bull Falls is located approximately 42 miles west of Carlsbad, New Mexico. Visitors can access the falls via Sitting Bull Falls Road (Forest Road 276), which is well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the falls with ample space for visitors. Parking is located close to the picnic area and trailheads.
Elevation
4,859 feet above sea level
Coordinates
32.243263° N, -104.697356° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early, especially during weekends and holidays, as the area can become crowded. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes if you plan to explore beyond the main viewing area. Be mindful of the desert environment and pack out all trash.
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For this easy 0.4 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Quality Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area
La Quinta by Wyndham Carlsbad
Comfort Suites Carlsbad
Sleep Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area
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
Sunset Reef Campground
17.7 miles away · 0 sites
Sunset Reef Campground is a reclaimed well pad with 11 developed campsites; five RV spaces and six tent sites. Each site has a shaded picnic table, fire pit and grill for your camping convenience with a vault toilet on site. Visitors can dry camp at this campground for a maximum of five nights for free. If on the hunt for a great place to camp while exploring the two national parks in the area, this is the place to stay! Carlsbad Caverns is a 25-minute drive (14 miles) to the north and Guadalupe
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Sitting Bull Falls, New Mexico
Mosley Spring
Mosley Spring discharges at 68 °F in Eddy County at 3,802 feet elevation — barely 2.6 degrees above the local annual air temper...
Indian Big Spring
Indian Big Spring surfaces at 79 degrees Fahrenheit in Eddy County, southeastern New Mexico, running 13.6 degrees above the loc...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Sitting Bull Falls, New Mexico on SoakingSprings.
Explore New Mexico springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park are all within driving distance.
Wildlife
The area is home to various desert wildlife, including lizards, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot unique plant species like yucca and agave.
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