The Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About The Falls
The Falls is a little-documented seasonal waterfall in the Zuni Mountains of western New Mexico, near the Timberlake Ranch area north of Ramah. Creeks here usually run only during spring snowmelt and after summer storms. Land in this area is a mix of Cibola National Forest and private property, and no published route or public trailhead was found.
Trail & Hike Details
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at The Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at The Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring snowmelt is the most likely time to see water flowing.
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).
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Rio Nutria, 8.1 miles away, not on The Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
0 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 54 years of record
7.99 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 NUTRIA NEAR RAMAH, NM (13 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
3/10Sat
Low
0 cfs
3/10Sun
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
0 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to early May, peaking in March.
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 Timberlake hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is The Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
The Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 61°F to 37°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 0 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 146 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 7,299 feet.
The ground changes about 110 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 46 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
- 7,299 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 146 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
Elevation
7,320 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.207809° N, -108.443129° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Confirm land ownership on a current map before going, since private subdivisions and Cibola National Forest land are intermixed in this part of the Zuni Mountains.
This trail sits at 7,320 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 29% 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
Inn at Halona
Best Western Gallup West
Knights Inn Gallup at 3208 W Hwy 66
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gallup - PET FRIENDLY
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
McGaffey Campground
12.1 miles away · 0 sites
This campground is situated in what was once the historic railroad logging and sawmill town of McGaffey. McGaffey Campground was built in 1937 and lies west of the Continental Divide in the Zuni Mountains, at an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet. It is the largest of the Mt. Taylor Ranger District campgrounds and has a volunteer host on site. Mature ponderosa pine trees provide scenic settings and shade, while small hills provide some privacy. Follow the road past the entrance, staying to
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Gallup, New Mexico
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Gallup, New Mexico on SoakingSprings.
Explore New Mexico springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
El Morro National Monument, El Malpais National Monument and McGaffey Campground in the Cibola National Forest are within a short drive.
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