Jemez Falls
Hiking, Snowshoeing, Mountain Biking, Fishing
Dog Friendly
Length: 1 mile round trip
Elevation: In excess of 6,200 feet
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Seasonal: 3 Season (Snow in winter)
Driving Distance from Plaza: 60 miles
Overview:
Jemez Falls is a waterfall located in the Jemez Mountains of the Santa Fe National Forest. The falls are located on the East Fork of the Jemez River in an area dominated by Ponderosa Pine forests. Jemez Falls are the highest waterfalls in the Jemez Mountains. There are some smaller falls on the river just above the main falls. The falls are accessible from a trail that starts at the Jemez Falls campground and day use area. There is an overlook at the end of the trail.
This is an easy hike to a beautiful waterfall. The trail is dirt, but there are some exposed rocks; most of these are at the end of the trail. Tall pine trees provide plenty of shady spots. There is a scenic overlook near the end of the trail with a full view of the falls. You can turn around here or continue down to the top of the falls. There is a shallow pond at the top of the falls. Bring your water-shoes and wade in the cool water.
Trail Information:
The Jemez Falls Trailhead is located adjacent to the Jemez Falls Group Area. To get to the trailhead use the Jemez Falls Camground turnoff and follow the road past the campground and day use area.
A short 1/4 mile hike will get you to the Jemez Falls Overlook, the highest falls in the Jemez Mountains.
The trailhead is located midway along the East Fork Trail. Hiking northeast one mile is moderately easy to the East Fork Trailhead and another 5 miles to the Las Conchas Trailhead. Hiking west will lead downhill to the Battleship Trailhead, approximately 4 miles.
Directions:
I-25 North from Santa Fe and/or Albuquerque: 1. Travel north on I-25. 2. Take Exit 282A for US 84 North. 3. Merge onto US 84 North and follow it for 19 miles. 4. Take the exit for NM-502 toward Los Alamos. 5. Turn left onto Los Alamos Highway. 6. Continue onto 502 and follow it for 9.9 miles. 7. Merge onto NM-4 West, following the signs to Bandelier National Monument and White Rock. You will drive about 32 miles on this road, passing through Bandelier and a wildlife preserve before bending into the Jemez Mountains. 8. Continue onto NM-501 W/W Jemez Rd 9. Turn right onto NM-4 W 10. Turn left onto Jemez Falls Rd 11. Follow the road past the campsites to the free parking area. Follow the trail to the end of the fence and turn left. Follow the trail downhill past the turnoff to trail 137.