It is 38 miles from Carlsbad RV Park and about an hour drive...but well worth it. Geologically, this area is a remnant of the Capitan Reef from the Permian Period (250 million years ago). The primary point of interest is a series of waterfalls located in a canyon with pools of water, where wading and swimming is permitted. There is a day-use fee of $5/vehicle that is self-pay at the picnic area. The recreational area opens at 8:30 am and closes at 4 pm for incoming and 5 pm for outgoing traffic.
The Civilian Conversation Corps built stone buildings (1940) that remain in use today, although repairs were made to some (2011-12) after a destructive wildfire.
Pavilions, picnic tables, and access to many trails can be found in the area next to the large parking lot. We checked out the trail map to determine where we wanted to hike.
But first, we followed the .4 mile paved walkway to the falls overlook. And, got our first look at the falls.
After a rain, the waterfall is much more spectacular but we realized there were multiple areas where the springs from the above canyon cascade into pools here.
Steps from the overlook enable visitors to explore the area. There are multiple falls and pools here.
This is a popular swimming/wading pool, and our sweet doggie, Sadie, loved it!
We retraced our steps along the paved overlook trail to begin the ascent to the top of the fall on the Sitting Bull Falls Trail. The rock formations along the way were amazing. When we saw the top part of the falls, we knew we had reached the canyon where the spring flows to the cliff.
The trail follows the spring through the canyon, with more small waterfalls along the way.
The trail continues along this huge slab of rock. And, the jet stream in the sky above the mountains was strangely beautiful.
When we came to this portion of the spring, Sadie jumped right in and laid down to cool off.
The trail crossed over the spring with rocks and wood providing stepping stones. John and Sadie crossed led the way across the spring. When I stepped on a log (while grabbing John’s hand), I lost my balance and stepped into the mud...sinking up to my thighs! Fortunately, John pulled me out while I saved me camera from the mud and water! The hike back (1.5 miles) and ride home (1 hour) were not very enjoyable!
Nonetheless, we loved this place. There are lots of hiking trails in Lincoln National Forest and they are all dog friendly. If you are in SW New Mexico, this place is a great place to enjoy a picnic and hike.
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