Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area
4.8(658)google
CampingDesertSwimmingWaterfall
Overview
Sitting Bull Falls is a series of waterfalls located in a canyon in the Lincoln National Forest southwest of the city of Carlsbad, New Mexico. The United States Department of Agriculture's Forest Service maintains a popular recreation area for day use at the location of the falls. The falls are fed by springs located in the canyon above.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1.5-3 hours
Best TimeA magnificent 150-foot desert oasis waterfall cascading over moss-draped limestone cliffs inside the Lincoln National Forest. A weekday morning visit between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM is top-tier; early front-lighting illuminates the canyon canyon pools flawlessly, providing pristine conditions to swim in the cool natural springs without heavy crowds.
Getting ThereTucked inside a remote canyon hidden inside the Lincoln National Forest. No cell service exists; offline mapping and driving are mandatory. From Carlsbad, travel north on US-285 N, turn left southwest onto NM-137 S for about 23 miles, and look for the brown recreation signs to turn right onto County Road 401 straight to the free paved visitor lot.
Travel Tips
- The USFS day-use site enforces strict capacity caps; gates close automatically by 10:00 AM on weekends, requiring early morning arrival.
- Rocks around the canyon falls are moss-covered and slick; closed-toe water shoes are mandatory for wading, and diving from canyon ledges is illegal.
- Situated deep within a desert canyon canyon, expect a total cell blindspot for 15 miles; download offline Google Maps data while in Carlsbad.
Reviews
Positive
- In the middle of arid canyon badlands hides a spectacular 150-foot oasis waterfall; the splash pool looks emerald and fully lives up to its name.
- The rock-built picnic cabanas are excellently laid out, complete with sturdy iron charcoal grills for premium shaded dining next to the stream.
- The accessible boardwalk leading to the falls base is flat and wide, under 5 minutes from the lot, perfect for strollers and senior family members.
- Managed beautifully by the US Forest Service for a tiny per-vehicle day fee; the water is crystal clear and represents an unbelievable value treasure.
Heads up
- Due to a tight footprint and massive fame, the lot packs completely out before 10 AM weekends, forcing arriving cars into grueling lines on the grade.
- To safeguard the fragile desert water table, swimming and wading are now strictly illegal in the pool, disappointing travelers hoping to splash.
- Restrooms rely on primitive subterranean vault toilets; high summer heat makes odors intensely pungent, and they frequently run out of sanitizer.
- The canyon occasionally faces sudden flash floods that trigger temporary park shutdowns; with zero cell signal on the highway, fetching alerts is tough.