The lush, wondrous waterfall at Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area is a must-see if you’re riding near Carlsbad Caverns or Lincoln National Forest in Southeastern New Mexico. The Sitting Bull Falls motorcycle ride takes you through an expansive desert and twisty canyon before arriving at the hidden oasis.
At Law Tigers, we love motorcycles just as much as you do. We enjoy sharing our favorite spots around the country. The Sitting Bull Falls motorcycle ride, southwest of Carlsbad, NM, is much-loved among our nationwide network of motorcycle attorneys.
The Sitting Bull Falls Ride at a Glance
Before gearing up, check out the ride’s most important details:
Distance: 38 miles from Carlsbad
Weekly schedule: Open Wednesday through Sunday
Operational hours: Entry from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and access until 5 p.m.
Entry fees: $5 per vehicle
Restrictions: No overnight parking or camping
Water: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Picnic tables: Yes
Parking: Yes
Busiest season: Summer (best time to visit is spring or fall)
Sitting Bull Falls Ride Description
The Sitting Bull Falls motorcycle ride begins in a standard flat desert where you can gaze at the expansive horizon while tearing down the road on your bike at incredible speeds. After about 10 miles, the desert widens into a canyon. The road traverses the canyon, offering exhilarating tight turns and cliffside drop-offs that will make your heart race.
As you get closer to the falls, you’ll enjoy more lush views of the pine-covered mountains consuming Lincoln National Forest. The greenery rolls over the hills extending in the distance, creating a picturesque view that will make you want to stop every few minutes to gape at the scene.
Finally, when you break through the trees, you’ll get your first glimpse of the awe-inspiring waterfall. The 130-foot falls cascade down the red desert rocks and into a crystal clear pool.
Getting to Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area
Beginning in El Paso, head East on U.S. Route 62 to Guadalupe Pass. If you’d like to see the tallest peak in New Mexico, we recommend stopping at Guadalupe Pass National Park. Next, continue driving on U.S. Route 62 to Carlsbad, where you’ll turn left onto U.S. Highway 285.
From Carlsbad, follow U.S. Highway 285 northwest for 11 miles, then turn West onto NM State Road 137 (Queens Road).
After turning onto Queens Road, you’ll reach the flat, desert portion of the drive. Continue following SR 137 for about 23 miles, then turn right onto Sitting Bull Falls Road. In 7.6 miles you should reach the falls.
Additional New Mexico Rides To Add to Your Itinerary
New Mexico has many once-in-a-lifetime rides for any motorcycle enthusiast. We recommend adding the following drives to your itinerary:
White Sands National Park Dunes Drive: In South Central NM, the White Sand Dunes are one of New Mexico’s top attractions, displaying endless milky dunes stretching into a mountainous horizon. The eight-mile-long Dunes Drive takes you through the center of the dunes on a packed-down sand road, suitable for any vehicle.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park: In Northwestern NM, Chaco Canyon houses one of the largest Aztec Civilization ruins in the United States. This drive offers views of the ruins and surrounding environment.
The Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway: This 48-mile drive linking Albuquerque and Santa Fe will take you through quaint towns and scenic foothills, allowing you to soak in New Mexico’s unique beauty.
If You Have an Accident, Call Us at Law Tigers
The Sitting Bull Falls, New Mexico, motorcycle ride and the other drives in the state are thrilling and beautiful but can be dangerous. If you have an accident on your bike, call Law Tigers at +1 (888) 863-7216 for a free consultation with our motorcycle lawyers.
