Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Rio Puerco Falls
Hike Statistics
Nearby City / Locale:
Coyote
Hike Difficulty:
Difficult
Total Length of Hike:
4.2
Max to Min Elevation:
860 ft
* Total Ascent / Descent:
1565 /
1617 ft
Estimate based on track data
Logistics: Out-and-back
Exposure Type: Mixed sun/shade
Seasons :
spring
"Wow" Factor: New favorite NM waterfall for hike leader
Authors last hiked: 2026-04-29
More!
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On-line directions to the trailhead:
Google Directions
Scroll down to see photos and additonal information. Click on photos for enlarged view. Red segments on the elevation chart indicate slopes of 18 degrees or higher.
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TRAIL TIPS!
FR 103 is almost always in good condition for any vehicle, but after turning onto FR103W the road can be a challenge - AWD is recommended for traveling over some large ruts. Follow the road around the private property farm to the end of the road, and park near the logging road that is the beginning of the hike.
This is the new favorite NM waterfall for the leader of Central New Mexico Explorers. Many nearby trails shown on maps are too overgown to follow, but this track works well. From Forest road FR103 near Rio Puerco Campground, turn east on FR103W (AWD quality road) and follow to the end. The hike consists of old logging roads most of the way to Rio Puerco. Carefully follow the GPS track from the trail head 877 feet down to Rio Puerco, cross to the south side and bushwhack upstream to the falls (about 37 feet tall). To get to the top of the falls, continue around on the south side.
This hike was done on April 8, 2026 (a super warm dry spring) which is about a month earlier than the best month to visit falls in this area.
Adjacent canyons to the southeast, northwest and north are worth exploration.