Jemez Falls

Jemez Falls drops about 70 feet through a narrow basalt gorge in the Santa Fe National Forest, making it tallest waterfall in the Jemez Mountains. The walk in is short, which makes it a popular pull-off on NM-4.

What to Do

From the Jemez Falls Trailhead, a short trail drops through ponderosa pine to an overlook facing the falls, roughly 0.4 miles one way. Scrambling down to the base is technically possible but steep and slick with spray, and people get hurt trying it every year. You can continue on the connecting trail toward McCauley Warm Springs, 2.25 miles further, which turns the outing into a half-day, roughly 4.5-mile round trip past Battleship Rock.

How Much Time to Spend

Budget 30 to 45 minutes for the walk down to the overlook and back. Add McCauley Warm Springs and you’re looking at 3 to 4 hours round trip with the extra elevation and stream crossings (but it’s a beautiful hike).

Getting There

Jemez Falls sits directly on NM-4, the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway. Watch for the signed Jemez Falls Campground and Group Picnic Area turn and follow the gravel forest road about a mile to the trailhead parking lot. The trail starts right at the lot.

Jemez Falls is a no-brainer stop on a drive through the Jemez Mountains, with a short walk, a big payoff, and an easy location right off NM-4.