Updated July 2026
El Salto del Agua Falls
El Salto del Agua is a series of waterfalls and caves on the Rio del Salto near Arroyo Seco north of Taos, with the lowest and most accessible fall reachable within roughly a half mile of the parking area. The falls sit on private land and require a permit and signed waiver to visit.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check Private (Martinez/El Salto land grant; permit required) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
No measured height is on record for El Salto del Agua Falls in the land-manager and survey sources this inventory draws on. We list it without a height rather than estimating one.
The El Salto del Agua Waterfall Trail reaches it about 0.5 miles (out-and-back), rated moderate. The nearest town is Arroyo Seco. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with Private (Martinez/El Salto land grant; permit required) for closures and current conditions.
Late spring through early summer (snowmelt). Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More New Mexico waterfalls
- Bluff Springs Waterfall
- Bridal Veil Falls · 45 ft
- Catwalk Falls (Whitewater Canyon)
- Jemez Falls · 70 ft
- Nambe Falls · 100 ft
- Rio en Medio Falls · 20 ft
- Sitting Bull Falls · 150 ft
- Soda Dam · 50 ft
Sources
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