About Rio Quemado Falls
Rio Quemado Falls is a named waterfall in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, located about 17 miles east of Chimayo. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Truchas Peak 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°59′02″ N, 105°39′08″ W (35.98377, -105.65217). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Middle Truchas Peak (summit, 0.8 mi), Trampas Lakes (lake, 1.1 mi), and North Truchas Peak (summit, 1.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Pecos Falls, 6.2 miles to the southeast.
More Photos
4 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Rio Quemado Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Rio Quemado Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in Denver time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
—
At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Rio Quemado Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Rio Quemado Falls holds a 5.0 average from 1 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Rio Quemado Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Middle Truchas Peak — summit, 0.8 mi
- Trampas Lakes — lake, 1.1 mi
- North Truchas Peak — summit, 1.1 mi
- San Leonardo Lakes — lake, 1.2 mi
- Truchas Lakes — lake, 1.3 mi
- Truchas Peak — summit, 1.5 mi
- Hidden Lake — lake, 1.7 mi
- Jose Vigil Lake — lake, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 35.98377, -105.65217. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Rio Quemado Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rio Quemado Falls located?
Rio Quemado Falls is in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, about 17 miles east of Chimayo. Its coordinates are 35.98377, -105.65217 (35°59′02″ N, 105°39′08″ W).
What town is closest to Rio Quemado Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Chimayo, NM, about 17 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Rio Quemado Falls?
The closest is Pecos Falls (6.2 mi southeast). Others within reach include Nambe Falls (17 mi), Upper Frijoles Falls (37 mi), and Lower Frijoles Falls (37 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Rio Quemado Falls?
Rio Quemado Falls appears on the USGS Truchas Peak 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.