Is swimming allowed at Upper Frijoles Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Upper Frijoles Falls.

Live Conditions · 260 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Upper Frijoles Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Upper Frijoles Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Upper Frijoles Falls.

New Mexico

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Bandelier National Monument NM · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Bandelier National Monument CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Jesse Varner CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Bandelier National Monument CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Zruda CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

mouser-nerdbot CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

400 ft

About Upper Frijoles Falls

Upper Frijoles Falls is a scenic waterfall located within Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico. It is part of the Frijoles Creek and is surrounded by rugged canyon landscapes and historical Puebloan ruins.

The Setting

Upper Frijoles Falls sits at 5,804 feet within Bandelier National Monument, in the high mountains of New Mexico.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 400 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Upper Frijoles Falls is a moderately challenging hike that descends into Frijoles Canyon. The path includes switchbacks and some rocky sections, offering stunning views of the canyon and surrounding landscapes. The waterfall is located at the end of the trail, cascading into a serene pool.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful hike with opportunities to see wildlife, unique geological formations, and the beautiful Upper Frijoles Falls. The trail may be steep in sections, so proper footwear is recommended.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Upper Frijoles Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $25.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Frijoles Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically stronger due to snowmelt. Fall offers cooler temperatures and beautiful 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 the National Park Service website for current conditions.

Safety Information

The trail can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Watch for loose rocks and stay on marked paths. Carry plenty of water, as the area can be hot and dry.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Low

260 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

409 804 1.4k 2.8k

Based on 55 years of record

2.33 ft

Water depth at gauge

78°F

Comfortable

Pleasant for swimming

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. The water is a comfortable 78 degrees F, pleasant for swimming. Expect murky visibility with reduced clarity.

Water Quality

37.3 FNU

Water Clarity

Murky

Reduced visibility

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

RIO GRANDE AT OTOWI BRIDGE, NM

USGS 08313000

10.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 14,300 sq mi

Altitude: 5,492 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge RIO GRANDE AT OTOWI BRIDGE, NM (16 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

260 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

296 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

312 cfs

4/10

Fri

Moderate

306 cfs

4/10

Sat

Moderate

294 cfs

4/10

Sun

Moderate

303 cfs

4/10

Mon

Moderate

309 cfs

4/10

Tue

Moderate

320 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, scattered showers and thunderstorms (trip score 4/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to early July, 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 White Rock hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Upper Frijoles Falls is accessed via Bandelier National Monument, which is located near Los Alamos, New Mexico. Visitors typically start at the Visitor Center and follow the Falls Trail.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Bandelier National Monument Visitor Center. During peak seasons, a shuttle system may be required to access the trailhead.

Elevation

5,804 feet above sea level

Coordinates

35.763360° N, -106.259749° W

Land Management

Bandelier National Monument NM

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early in the day to avoid crowds and heat, especially during summer. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Check for trail conditions at the Visitor Center before starting your hike.

This trail sits at 5,804 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 23% 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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.5 miles and 400 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

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

Juniper Campground (NM)

2.5 miles away · 56 sites

Reservable

Overview Juniper Family Campground is the ideal place to camp on the Pajarito Plateau. Located just inside the main park entrance, the campground is a short drive from the Bandelier Visitor Center, the Frijoles Canyon Shuttle bus system (mid-May to mid-October), and the adjacent towns of Los Alamos and White Rock. Juniper Family Campground is the perfect "home base" to explore the Pajarito Plateau, Jemez Mountains, and all of north central New Mexico! The campground is divided into 3 loops: Abe

Book on Recreation.gov