Three Rivers Petroglyph Area Waterfall
- Hike
- 0.5 mi each way
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Not allowed
Three Rivers Petroglyph Area Waterfall only runs after rain or snowmelt. Three Rivers Petroglyph Area Waterfall is a waterfall in Otero County, New Mexico. Reaching it is a 0.5 mi hike each way.
Closures and warnings
Petroglyph Trail is rugged half-mile route linking rock-art panels; stay on marked paths to protect cultural resources. As of September 30, 2026.
The falls
| Flow | Only after rain or snowmelt |
|---|---|
| Flow note | Seasonal drainage feature in the Three Rivers Valley recreation area; primary visit is petroglyph viewing, not a developed plunge-falls destination |
| Swimming allowed | No |
|---|
Access
| Hike | 0.5 mi each way |
|---|---|
| Road | Paved |
| Road note | 17 miles north of Tularosa on US-54; east 5 miles on County Road B30 to the site |
| Parking | Three Rivers Petroglyph Site visitor parking |
| Hours | Visitor center 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Managed by | Bureau of Land Management (Three Rivers Petroglyph Site) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
|---|---|
| Drinking water | Yes |
| Picnic sites | Yes |
| Note | Shelter picnic sites with tables and grills; drinking water at restrooms |
Rules
| Dogs | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Camping | Allowed |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Three Rivers Petroglyph Area Waterfall open?
Petroglyph Trail is rugged half-mile route linking rock-art panels; stay on marked paths to protect cultural resources. As of September 30, 2026. Hours: Visitor center 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Tuesday and Wednesday).
Can you swim at Three Rivers Petroglyph Area Waterfall?
No, swimming is not allowed at Three Rivers Petroglyph Area Waterfall.
How long is the hike to Three Rivers Petroglyph Area Waterfall?
It's a 0.5 mi hike each way. The road in is paved. 17 miles north of Tularosa on US-54; east 5 miles on County Road B30 to the site. Parking: Three Rivers Petroglyph Site visitor parking.
Do you need a reservation for Three Rivers Petroglyph Area Waterfall?
No reservation or permit is required.
When is Three Rivers Petroglyph Area Waterfall flowing?
It only runs after rain or snowmelt, so it is often dry. Seasonal drainage feature in the Three Rivers Valley recreation area; primary visit is petroglyph viewing, not a developed plunge-falls destination.
What facilities are at Three Rivers Petroglyph Area Waterfall?
Restrooms, drinking water, and picnic sites. Shelter picnic sites with tables and grills; drinking water at restrooms.
What are the rules at Three Rivers Petroglyph Area Waterfall?
Dogs are not allowed and camping is allowed.
Nearby
Sources
1
- https://www.blm.gov/visit/three-rivers-petroglyph-site (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager / access.parking / access.roadNote / access.roadSurface / access.hikeDistanceMi / access.hours, access.permitRequired / waterfall.ephemeral / flowNote, swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed, rules.dogs, hazardNote / access.hikeDistanceBasis, identity Three Rivers Petroglyph Area Waterfall, Otero County)
More: New Mexico waterfalls