Jemez Falls Campground is located in a stunning Ponderosa Pine ? and forest meadow environment. The campground elevation is 7,880 feet above sea level ?. We visited in July and experienced warm days and cool nights.
We were traveling through Santa Fe (which we will review later) and chose Jemez Fall campground to explore Bandelier National Monument (we will review later) and hike the trails in the Santa Fe National Forest. The Valles Caldera National Preserve along the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway made this an ideal location to enjoy ? New Mexico.
The campground contains 51 overnight tent and RV/trailer campsites. There is paved access from the highway and paved internal roads to individual campsites. There are no RV hook-ups at the campground. Drinking water ? is provided from spigots conveniently located throughout the campground. Vault toilets provide basic sanitation needs. A campground host is on duty during the summer camping season and was very helpful to advise about the hikes and visiting the falls.
Jemez Falls is located in Santa Fe National Forest, near Jemez Springs in the Sandoval County of New Mexico. Many people who visit Jemez Falls say that this is the most stunning waterfall in New Mexico. The unique thing about this waterfall is there is no development close by and many people feel like they are lost in nature, but in a good way.
The height of Jemez Falls is 70 ft. with a healthy flow of water cascading down. The hike to the waterfall is about 1/2 a mile round trip and a great way to relax to the sounds of the rushing water.
The trails are great for all levels of hikers, with a few different viewpoints along the way. We spoke to our camp host and decided to do the 5 mile hike to McCauley hot springs.
We recommend staying in the campground and you can begin this hike from behind campsite 28. It adds a little extra mileage but the walk through a meadow of flowers ? is worth the extra steps.
We hiked from the Jemez Falls Campground to McCauley Springs Hot ? Springs. The hike was a little under 5 miles and was all down hill on the way to the Springs. So on the way back it is all up hill.
Protip: one may skip the hike and park at the road and walk a short distance to reach the spring… but who wants that.
We packed a lunch and our bathing suits and once we arrived at the springs we ate and soaked in the waters for a little over an hour. The water was comfortable; albeit, once you exit the chills will run through you.
The reason we believe Jemez Falls Area is such a great location is because if you’re visiting Santa Fe… the Jemez Mountain National Scenic Trail byway will relax you as you climb into the clouds, the Valles Caldera National Preserve will amaze you as you wind through the mountain and valleys, the hikes are breathtaking, and a grand waterfall in New Mexico to dazzle you… We loved Jemez area and look forward to coming back.
Quick link to Jemez Fall Campground Website
This is one of those places on earth where you receive total tree immersion.
Flying a drone through a ponderosa Forest ?
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