Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area is a desert oasis located about an hour away from Carlsbad, New Mexico. After driving 42 miles through what appears to be barren desert, visitors will arrive to discover a plethora of covered picnic areas, BBQs, and multiple small waterfalls!
In addition, photographers and cave enthusiasts who have the foresight to acquire a permit can explore the photogenic Sitting Bull Caves nearby.
If you are looking for the best thing to do on a visit to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, grab your swimsuit and spend a day swimming and relaxing at Sitting Bull Falls State Park.
⚠️ Tips for Visiting Sitting Bull Falls
- Be sure to bring cash as there is a $5 parking fee per vehicle.
*Accurate as of January 2023. - Sitting Bull Falls park opens at 8:30am and closes at 5pm. However, no new visitors will be permitted from 4pm onward.
- Reach out ahead of time if you want to visit the caves as permits are required. You will need to contact the Guadalupe Ranger Station in Carlsbad.
- Bring sunscreen and a swimsuit if you want to enjoy the swimming hole at the base of the falls.
- Bring beverages in cans and plastic as glass is not allowed.
- Arrive early on weekends as parking can be limited and Sitting Bull Falls is a favorite destination for locals.
🏜 About Sitting Bull Falls
Sitting Bull Falls is a desert oasis with two small cascades and a swimming hole located in a canyon in the Lincoln National Forest. Because the falls are spring-fed, they are classified as perennial waterfalls (meaning there is water year-round.)
Most visitors are locals, or people who are in the area primarily to explore Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
The region is maintained by the National Forest Service which collects $5 per vehicle parking fees to help maintain the area. The picnic areas are always kept pristine and there are usually rangers present to assist with overflow parking and to answer questions.
While the waterfalls are not particularly large at 150 feet tall, they are bigger than one might expect to find in such a dry and barren landscape.
There are also some beautiful caves to explore nearby, but permits are required. Additionally, they can be difficult to get at the moment as the bat populations in the region have been obliterated by “white nose disease” and all precautions are being taken at this point. I
If you would like to try for a permit and get more information, contact the Carlsbad Ranger Station.
🥾 Sitting Bull Falls Hike
- Distance: 0.25 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Gain: None
The hike to Sitting Bull Falls is an easy quarter-mile with no elevation change and is wheelchair-accessible.
There is a trail to the top of the waterfall for visitors who wish to make the climb. The hiking distance to the top of the falls is only 0.5 miles, but requires a steep climb in the desert heat. The view is not as pretty, but it’s a good option for those who would like to do a bit more walking.
🕐 Sitting Bull Falls Hours of Operation
The park opens each day at 8:30am and entry is permitted until 4pm, at which point the entry gate will be closed to new visitors.
The park closes to all visitors at 5pm.
An automated arm bar prevents vehicle access before opening and after closing.
📍 How to Get to Sitting Bull Falls
To get to Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area from the city of Carlsbad, you will take Hwy 285 through town, then turn onto Road 137.
An alternate route to avoid driving through the city of Carlsbad is to take Road 524 on the outskirts of town until it connects to Hwy 285, at which point you will once again be looking for Road 137.
If you are coming in from the east and do not want to go through Carlsbad at all, you can shortcut the route by taking the George Shoupe Relief Route which will connect you to Hwy 285 on the north end of town.
All roads mentioned above are paved and well maintained, though there may be some dirt patches where construction is ongoing. There are other roads that will take you to the falls, but some of these are not paved and unmaintained.
🌵 Other Things to do Near Sitting Bull Falls
While you’re in the area, it is well worth taking the time to discover a couple other local destinations.
🐱 Living Desert State Park
For just $5, you can explore see all variety of desert life and learn about how creatures and plants survive in this harsh climate.
This is one of the best zoos in the Southwest and all reports show ethical practices.
🦇 Carlsbad Caverns National Park
If you are in Carlsbad, I’m sure this one is already on your radar. However, you may want to check out our comprehensive guide to Carlsbad Caverns National Park to help you prepare for your journey.
🙋♀️ FAQs About Sitting Bull Falls
🕐 What time is Sitting Bull Falls open?
Sitting Bull Falls park is Day-use only. The entry gate opens at 8:30am and will be closed to new visitors at 4pm. The exit gate closes at 5pm.
🥾 How long is the hike to Sitting Bull Falls?
The hike to the waterfall is only 1/4 of a mile. A half-mile trail to the top of the falls is also available for those interested in viewing from above.
💰 What is the entry fee for Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area?
There is a $5 per vehicle parking fee, but no entry fees beyond that.
🤿 Can you swim at Sitting Bull Falls?
Sitting Bull Falls is an excellent place for a swim in the arid New Mexico desert and is a favorite swim hole for Carlsbad locals.
🧭 How do you get to the Sitting Bull Caves?
You first need to contact the Guadalupe Ranger Station in Carlsbad to inquire about a permit. They will give you directions on how to find and access the caves.
📏 How tall is Sitting Bull Falls?
The main waterfall at Sitting Bull Falls is 150 feet high.
🚽 Are there bathrooms available at Sitting Bull Falls?
Full service restrooms are available, as well as covered picnic areas and some trash cans.
🚘 How far is the drive to Sitting Bull Falls (from Carlsbad)?
The drive to the waterfall parking area is about 1 hour and 43 miles from the city of Carlsbad.
🐶 Can you bring dogs to Sitting Bull Falls?
Yes! Dogs are welcome at the Sitting Bull Falls, though they are required to remain on a leash.
🏜 More Southwest & Nearby Destination Guides
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below 🙂
If you enjoyed the photos and writing in this guide, you may also find some of the following resources helpful:
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park: EVERYTHING You Need to Know
- Big Bend National Park Pictures: A Guide to Photographing Big Bend
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park: The Ultimate Guide
- White Sands National Park (New Mexico): Photography Guide
- White Sands NP Ultimate Park Guide
💬 Final Thoughts on Visiting Sitting Bull Falls
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below 🙂
While this little gem was not the most amazing waterfall I’ve ever visited, there was something special about its existence in a place you’d least expect.
As I only needed a day to explore the Carlsbad Caverns when I had planned a whole weekend, I was excited to discover this oasis nearby.
If you have not already, be sure to check out our other regional guides and, as always, please provide any corrections or feedback in the comments below!
📌 Enjoyed This Guide to Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area? Pin It! 🙂
My father was a helicopter pilot that flew for forest service in the mid 70 s this was my summer playground as a kid you did not mention the pools at the top of the falls nor the huge rattle snake population I explored /found caves that where not on any maps one was a 150 vertical descend that required no ropes it opened up into a huge cavern with a lake in the lake we found brine shrimp and fish their eyes were bulging and black they where blind we would catch them with our hands fond memories
Hi Tim! This is all very good information and some of the most adventurous will certainly find it useful, but it goes beyond the scope of the falls themselves. This guide was designed for visiting the waterfalls only – most other exploration requires permits and a visit to the forest service office.
We are headed to the falls, coming from Midland, Texas with the grandparents. (The accessibility will be perfect for our older family members.) It’ll be difficult to get there early. Any suggestions for a backup plan if the park is at capacity when we arrive? Would love an email reply. Thx!
Hi Stacey! Carlsbad Caverns is the biggest thing in the area, and the Living Zoo State Park near there is very fun too!
Where is the cave that 150ft down that open to a lake?
Sept. 2021. A few things left out. Narrow 2 lane road with sharp turns. Park closes at 4 p.m. Tire pokers were up before 4 p.m at entry to falls. Also seems to be automatic gate arm before entry. Took road on southside of Carlsbad to falls (sign). Seemed to be country road, cows crossing road, some gravel, no sign at T showing which way to falls. Took 137 back which is best way to falls. Know better now will try again in future. From Indiana. Go early so you have plenty of time to enjoy.
This is great information David, thank you for providing it! We have updated the guide accordingly.
I lost a very special pendant there on April 21, 2023. I have pictures of myself wearing it while there. I wonder if there is any sort of lost and found? I know it’s a long shot but….;(
Honestly you would have to contact the ranger’s office in Carlsbad to inquire – we are not directly associated with the falls :(. Good luck Yvonne!