Have you ever been to Sitting Bull Falls? It is a bunch of waterfalls and a recreation area that is located in the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico.
It’s just a short drive from Carlsbad, New Mexico and is worth every minute of your time. The water is so clear you can see all the way to the bottom, which makes for some great photos!
There are also picnic tables nearby where you can have lunch or just enjoy the scenery. If you’re in New Mexico any time soon, be sure to stop by Sitting Bull Falls, you won’t regret it!
You will be able to enjoy nature at its best while enjoying a day with friends and family. Read on to find out everything you need to know about visiting the Falls of the Sitting Bull, let’s dive in!
About the Sitting Bull Falls
Sitting Bull Falls is a relatively unknown waterfall about 5 hours from Albuquerque. It is in the Lincoln National Forest and there are great areas for hiking and camping, so I recommend taking some time to explore the area.
Depending on how much time you have, you can also join the adjacent trail and head out into the countryside for a day.
Just keep in mind that this area is known for snowfall in the winter and there are some steep drops, so I wouldn’t recommend this hike with children unless you are more confident in your walking skills and know how to navigate steep slopes. rocky terrain
As mentioned above, Sitting Bull Falls is also known for camping, so if you’re looking to get away and really enjoy the outdoors, a weekend of hiking and enjoying nature here would be wonderful!
Things to do at Sitting Bull Falls
Hiking
Sitting Bull Falls is a wonderful, secluded spot in New Mexico that is perfect for hiking. Whether you’re looking for a nice afternoon walk with the family, or you’re visiting to explore the countryside and do some hiking, this beautiful wilderness area has it all.
There are a variety of hikes including a trail which is a paved path that will take you to where the falls drop 150 feet into a pool of water below. If you want to experience the full scope of Sitting Bull Falls, you can take one of the many nearby nature trails.
If you are looking for a short walk with great views, I suggest taking a nice 3/4 mile walk on the Trail of Shadows. This is an easy paved trail that takes you to where you can see Sitting Bull Falls in all its beauty. It’s a really scenic trail, so bring your camera!
If you’re looking for a bigger challenge, you can take the 8-mile loop on the Trail of Shadows and Meadow Loop trails. This is perfect for those who want to spend time exploring or hiking through beautiful scenery without overexerting themselves.
To find more trails in Sitting Bull Falls, click here!
Swim
You can swim right in Sitting Bull Falls! There is a sandy beach and the water is absolutely perfect for playing. It’s not too deep as the falls are right there, but you’ll still want your kids close.
There is also a nice shallow pool about 50 meters downstream from the falls that is perfect for children to play in.
This area is also ideal for those looking to cool off on a hot day because it is very shady and secluded under a rocky ledge.
The pool is large enough that it doesn’t feel crowded and you can even sit on some rocks in the sun during your visit.
canyon ride
If you’re short on time, you can still get an amazing view of Sitting Bull Falls just by taking a walk through the canyon. There are paved trails that take you to the top of the canyon so you can get an amazing view of this beautiful waterfall from above.
There really is no better way to end your visit than with a hike on one of these great trails!
If you’re looking for some fun along the way, be sure to stop by and visit the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. This is a popular visitor attraction to Sitting Bull Falls that you can’t miss!
Mountain bike
If you’re looking for some adventure, mountain biking is a great activity to do in Sitting Bull Falls. There are trails that are set up specifically for this and have everything you need including maps, signs, and a bike pump.
Mountain bikers will be able to choose between different options depending on their skill level.
Keep in mind that the trails here are more advanced than many other local parks, so riders will need to be physically fit and know how to navigate technical terrain in order to have fun.
There is also the option of signing up for guided mountain bike tours with experienced guides who know these trails. These tours provide guests with rental bikes as well as knowledgeable guides who lead the way and explain the best parts of the trail along the way. You will have a great time on these fun guided tours!
Or, if you feel confident, you can take out your bike and go mountain biking on your own.
Bird Watching
Sitting Bull Falls is an excellent location for bird watching enthusiasts looking to get away from traffic, noise, and pollution.
You can see a variety of birds here, including hummingbirds, hawks, woodpeckers, and many more. If you’re patient, you might come across a wild boar or two!
How to get to the Sitting Bull Falls
To get to Sitting Bull Falls from I-40, take exit 301 and head east on NM Hwy 371. After a short distance, you will come to Interstate 25. Take this south for 20 miles until you reach exit 114 (NM Hwy 11 ).
Turn left onto NM Hwy 11 heading west towards Carlsbad Caverns. Go about 5 miles and turn right onto County Road B006 / Sitting Bull Rd. Follow this for 6 miles and the park will be on your left.
The best way to get there is to input the location into your GPS device before you go. You can also use these coordinates: 32 . 79412 -106 .39556. You’ll be able to see the park from the highway, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding it!
Sitting Bull Falls hours of operation are as follows: 8:30 am and the gates to enter the park close at 4 pm and the park closes at 5 pm
The best time of year to visit the Sitting Bull Falls
The best time of year to visit Sitting Bull Falls in New Mexico is during the summer months.
This is because it is more likely to be sunny in the summer than in the winter, and there is a better chance that you can walk in the lush green forest at that time.
Ending
If you are looking for a hike and some beautiful scenery, Sitting Bull Falls is the place to go. It’s not too long of a hike either, making it perfect for people who want a peaceful day in nature.
You’ll also find cabins with picnic tables, restrooms, charcoal grills, drinking water, and paved trails through the canyon that end at the falls. We hope you have enjoyed our travel guide to visit this beautiful destination, happy travels!
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