Nambe Falls

Located about 30 minutes north of Santa Fe, Nambé Falls is a recreation area managed by the Nambé Pueblo, with a waterfall, reservoir, and picnic areas set against the Sangre de Cristo foothills.

What to Do

A short walking trail leads to the base of the falls, where water flows through a narrow rocky canyon before entering a reservoir below. The waterfall is smaller than Jemez Falls; the recreation area otherwise offers swimming, paddle boating, fishing, picnic shelters, and seasonal camping at the reservoir.

How Much Time to Spend

Plan on an hour or two. That’s enough time to walk to the falls and back and spend some time at the reservoir. It’s an easy half-day trip if you add swimming, boating, or a picnic.

Getting There

The recreation area is reached via paved roads from Santa Fe through Nambé Pueblo, and there’s a $20 per-car fee collected at the entrance. Access and hours are set by the Pueblo and can vary, so it’s worth confirming before you go, especially during ceremonial closures.

Nambé Falls is a low-key stop for a waterfall and some water recreation without driving all the way into the mountains.