Sitting Bull Falls Loop Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Cave · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

This run features ridge traverses and canyon scrambles threading through picturesque semi-desert terrain and vegetation including prickly pear, cholla, juniper, algerita and cottonwood. Runners will enjoy a diversity of trails consisting of smooth creekside running, high rocky trail, and a bit of forest service road.

This loop is ~75% runnable but includes many steep ascents/descents and a bit of scrambling through the springs and creek beds. The trail is often spotted with stones. Quick feet and strong legs will be necessary for a complete run.

This large loop encompasses the Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area. It includes T.68, T.214, T.217, FSRD 525, and T.226.

Starting at the parking area at Jct. A, the trail ascends 0.6 miles to Jct. B, with an optional route to Queen, NM TH or a 2.7 mi loop through Jct. C and returning back to Jct. B. The Jct. B-C-D loop is very nice with a trek deep in the canyon and returning along the ridge.

T.217 from Jct. D-E is a 1.1 mile technical ascent out of the canyon cresting at the Overlook Trail (T.215). Take the overlook or continue on the easily tunable Forrest Service Road 525, return northerly and at the end of the ridge the trail will exit the road to the left and descend into the canyon toward White Oaks Spring.

At the spring, the trail is overgrown, but follow the spring downstream toward Jct. F / Last Chance Canyon Trail (T.226). Here is a very nice creek-side camping spot. Continue down the canyon on Last Chance Canyon Trail (T.226) to return to the main park road and Jct. G parking or continue a short distance further on to Jct A Main parking.

The trail is a very technical run. It is well marked with signage at all junctions and cairns are frequent.