Sitting Bull Falls

Sitting Bull Falls is technically a waterfall and has a nice swimming hole with clear, cool water. Located in the Guadalupe Mountains southwest of Carlsbad, Spring-fed water drops about 150 feet over limestone into a series of clear pools.

What to Do

A short paved path leads from the parking area to the base of the falls. Several spring-fed pools below the waterfall are open for wading and swimming, and the water stays cold even in summer. Bring water shoes because the pool bottoms are rocky. If you want more than a quick swim, trails climb above the canyon toward Sitting Bull Spring and the surrounding ridges.

How Much Time to Spend

Plan on about an hour if you just want to see the falls and walk around. Give yourself 2 to 3 hours if you want to swim, picnic, or hike beyond the developed area.

Getting There

Sitting Bull Falls is about 42 miles west of Carlsbad. From town, take US-285 north for about 12 miles, turn west onto NM-137, then follow it through the Guadalupe foothills to Forest Road 276/County Road 409. The final 7 miles follow the paved road to the recreation area at the end of the canyon. The entire route is paved and suitable for any normal vehicle, with a developed parking area near the falls.

This is one of the few places in New Mexico where you can swim beneath a real waterfall, making it an easy add-on to a Carlsbad Caverns trip.