NPS Photo by Sally King

Upper Falls in Autumn

The Falls Trail starts at the end of the Backpacker's Parking Lot near the visitor center. The trail descends 700 vertical feet in its 2.5 mile length passing two waterfalls and ending at the Rio Grande. A beautiful trail in any season, this trail is not cleared of snow in the winter. There are steep dropoffs along the trail and places where hikers must hop the creek. Keep children close at all times and watch for wildlife. Take plenty of water. Water from the creek should not be drunk without first treating it.

THIS TRAIL IS NOT ACCESSIBLE TO WHEELCHAIRS OR STROLLERS.

The Falls Trail was affected by a flashflood in late August, 2007. Several bridges were destroyed and the trail was washed out in many places. In the months that followed trail crews, some paid and some volunteer, worked to repair the damage. Now, there are only a few reminders of the devastation caused by this short-term but powerful event.

A second flashflood in late January affected the area of the Falls Trail below Lower Falls.  If hiking in this area, watch for blue flagging to stay on the trail.

photo by sally king

Feral cattle have been encountered on the Falls Trail near the Rio Grande.

A group of feral cattle, including several large bulls, have been encountered in the area at the mouth of Frijoles Creek (where the Falls Trail ends at the Rio Grande). These bulls have exhibited some aggressive behavior. As with native wild animals, do not approach them. Please report any hostile behavior.