Nambe Falls is a tiered waterfall on the Rio Nambe in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, dropping about 100 feet in three steps on Nambé Pueblo land. It is the centerpiece of the Pueblo's Nambé Falls and Lake Recreation Area north of Santa Fe, and two short trails lead to it.
The falls
Lidar data shows three plunging tiers of roughly 12, 45 and 40 feet. The dam itself stands upstream: it was built above the falls in 1976 as part of the San Juan-Chama project to supply irrigation water, and the lake behind it is now part of the same recreation area.
Getting there
The falls are on tribal land managed by Nambé Pueblo, which runs the recreation area from a ranger station at 544 Poechunu Poe. Day use costs $20 per vehicle, cash or card. The area is open Thursday through Sunday from 7 a.m. and closed Monday through Wednesday; no one is admitted after 6 p.m., and day visitors must leave by 6:30 p.m.
From the Ramada Area, two trails of about a quarter mile each reach the falls. The upper trail climbs a hill to a view down onto the waterfalls; the lower trail follows the river, and partly runs through it, to a beach at the lowest pool.
The recreation area closed in late August 2026 because of the Frijole Fire. The Pueblo reopened the falls and campgrounds for Labor Day weekend while keeping the lake closed, with regular hours in effect. Call the ranger station at (505) 455-2304 before driving out.
When to go
River height changes with the season, which decides how wet the lower trail is. Summer temperatures are often high.
On site
Expect to get wet on the lower trail. Carry drinking water; the ranger station sells water, soda, snacks and ice. Leashed pets are welcome, and owners must clean up after them. Fire restrictions posted after the reopening banned campfires, charcoal and fireworks; gas and propane grills were allowed. Camping, fishing and boating on the lake carry separate fees.
Nearby
Rio Quemado Falls is about 17.1 miles away, and Pecos Falls about 20.5 miles. Upper Frijoles Falls and Lower Frijoles Falls are about 20.6 miles away.
Distances are straight-line.