Overview
Las Conchas Trail follows the East Fork Jemez River through a narrow canyon of volcanic tuff in the Jemez Mountains section of Santa Fe National Forest. The canyon walls are formed from pale rhyolite tuff, the compressed ash from the ancient Valles Caldera eruption, and the river has carved pools and small waterfalls into the pale rock. At only 3 miles round trip with 400 feet of elevation gain, this is one of the most accessible significant landscapes in the forest.
The trail is flat for most of its length, following the river closely through pools and narrow canyon sections. In summer, the pools are popular for wading and light swimming, providing a cool destination when temperatures in the lower Jemez Valley are hot. The canyon retains moisture from the river year-round, giving it a distinctly different character from the surrounding high desert: cottonwood, willow, and alder line the banks, and the sound of moving water is present throughout the walk.
This trail makes a good first stop when arriving in the Jemez Mountains from Santa Fe or Albuquerque before tackling longer routes like the Jemez Mountain Trail.
The Route
Miles 0 to 1: Trailhead to Canyon Narrows. The trail begins at the Highway 4 bridge over the East Fork and immediately follows the river upstream through the canyon. The tuff walls rise quickly on both sides. The first swimming holes appear at around mile 0.5 in a section where the river widens into pools. The canyon narrows at mile 1, where the walls constrict to within 30 feet and the light takes on a pink cast from the surrounding rhyolite.
Miles 1 to 1.5: Canyon Narrows to Trail End. The trail continues through the narrowest section and emerges at a broader valley floor at mile 1.5 where the canyon opens toward the upper Jemez drainage. This is the turnaround point. Strong hikers can continue on informal paths upstream, but the maintained trail ends here.
When to Visit
April through October. Spring high water makes the canyon dramatic but can submerge portions of the trail. Summer is the most popular season for the swimming holes. Fall color peaks in late September with cottonwood gold lining the river corridor. Winter is possible for those comfortable on potentially icy terrain.
Fire restrictions in the broader Jemez area can affect trail access in dry springs. Check current conditions before visiting.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry the following for Las Conchas:
- Water shoes or sandals if planning to wade in the river
- Towel and extra clothes for river stops in summer
- Sunscreen (the canyon is partly shaded but the open sections have direct sun)
- Water (treat any drawn from the river)
Practical Details
No permit is required (as of 2026). The trailhead has a restroom. Parking is free. The trail is managed by the Jemez Ranger District of Santa Fe National Forest. Dogs are permitted on leash.
Getting There
From Santa Fe, take US-285 north to Pojoaque, then Highway 502 west through Los Alamos to Highway 4. Continue on Highway 4 south through the Jemez Mountains. The Las Conchas Trailhead is at a bridge crossing of the East Fork Jemez River, well-signed on Highway 4, approximately 7 miles north of Jemez Springs. Drive time from Santa Fe is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. From Albuquerque, take I-25 north to Bernalillo, then Highway 550 north to Highway 4; drive time is approximately 1 hour.