The highest waterfall in the Jemez Mountains at about 70 feet, a short walk from a Santa Fe National Forest trailhead.
Jemez Falls drops about 70 feet on the East Fork of the Jemez River, making it the tallest named waterfall in the Jemez Mountains, inside Santa Fe National Forest. The Jemez Falls Trail is short and easy — under a mile round trip with modest elevation change — leading from the trailhead to a viewing area above the falls.
The trailhead sits near Jemez Falls Campground, in ponderosa pine forest at close to 7,900 feet elevation along the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway, making it an easy add-on to a drive through the area. As of recent seasons the Forest Service charges a day-use fee at the trailhead; check current rates before visiting.
Know before you go
Off NM-4, Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway, Santa Fe National Forest, NM.
Generally accessible spring through fall; check for winter road conditions.
Jemez Falls Trail, under 1 mile round trip, easy.
Day-use fee at the trailhead; check current Forest Service rates.
Not accessible; short natural-surface forest trail.
2026-10-11. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
- USDA Forest Service — Jemez Falls Trailhead, Santa Fe National Forest ↗
- USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) ↗
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
