Tularosa Falls: A Hidden Waterfall Near Alamogordo
Published 6 November 2026
Yes, there is a waterfall near Alamogordo. Tularosa Falls is a privately owned canyon park and campground at 23391 US Highway 70, about six miles east of Tularosa, where a 25-foot waterfall fed by mountain springs flows all year. It is open Friday through Sunday and on holidays, and everyone needs a reservation, even for a quick visit to the falls.
Debbie here. I love finding places like this for newcomers and military families who ask me, "What is there to do around here?" This one is a real surprise in the desert, so here is what to know before you go.
What is Tularosa Falls?
Tularosa Falls, which also calls itself Desert Oasis and Tularosa Falls RV Resort, sits in a desert canyon between the Tularosa Basin and the Sacramento Mountains. According to the Tularosa Falls website, the 25-foot waterfall is fed by mountain springs and runs year-round, with about half a mile of creekside canyon park shaded by cottonwoods.
The owners, Daniel and his wife Tina (Thuy), have been building the park by hand with their family. Their site says they are still under construction and refining their plans, but they are already taking reservations.
Here is what you will find there:
- A 25-foot waterfall and a creek you can wade in
- Two easy trails: a 0.5 mile creek trail, and a 1.5 mile trail to some ruins and an upper viewpoint of the falls
- Picnic tables with shade umbrellas and hammocks around the canyon
- Open-air massages in a creekside gazebo
- Dry camping sites for tents, vans and RVs, plus a dump station with free filtered water
How much does it cost to visit Tularosa Falls?
These are the starting prices listed on the Tularosa Falls website when I checked on 6 November 2026. Prices start at these amounts, so check the booking page for your date.
| What | Price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Waterfall day pass | From $10 per person | 2 hour time slot, reservation required |
| Tent or van site | From $40 a night | Dry camping, back-in, 27 by 35 feet |
| Standard RV site | From $50 a night | Dry camping, back-in, 27 by 50 feet |
| Large RV site | From $60 a night | Dry camping, back-in, 27 by 70 feet |
| Dogs | $5 per dog a night | Up to 2 dogs per site, on a leash |
| Extra campers | $10 per guest a night | Sites cover up to 4 guests |
| Creekside massage | $150 for 60 minutes, $200 for 90 minutes | Hot stones, aromatherapy, deep tissue |
Check-in is 3 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m. Electric hookups are planned but not available yet.
When is Tularosa Falls open, and do you need a reservation?
Tularosa Falls takes camping reservations and waterfall passes Friday through Sunday and on holidays, and the owners say they plan to open seven days a week in the future. Reservations are required for everyone, including day visitors, because they limit how many people are at the falls at one time.
The canyon park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. The park may close for rain upstream, possible flooding or high winds. If that happens you can reschedule, or cancel for a refund minus a 20 percent fee.
Is it a good outing in November?
It can be a lovely cool-weather outing. November is a nice time for the creek trail, a picnic and photos of the falls with the fall cottonwoods. Swimming and wading are allowed at your own risk, but I would think of the swimming hole as a summer plan and the canyon walk as the fall plan. Bring a jacket, since canyons cool off quickly once the sun drops.
If you are making a full day of it, the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is also north of Tularosa, and my latest Weekend in Alamogordo guide has more to do this weekend.
What should I know before I go?
Before you go:
- Reserve first. Book through the Tularosa Falls website before you drive out, even for a day pass.
- There is no sign yet. Look for a black mailbox with the Tularosa Falls logo painted on a large rock below it, and use Google Maps to find the turnoff.
- Coming from Tularosa? The site says to make a U-turn on the highway at Virden Road.
- Fridays to Sundays only for now, plus holidays.
- No wood or charcoal fires. Propane fire pits and grills are allowed.
- No alcohol in the canyon or at the falls, and no outdoor smoking or vaping anywhere on the property.
- Bring water shoes if you plan to wade, and keep kids under close watch. There is no lifeguard, and jumping and diving are not allowed.
- No camping in the canyon. Campsites are kept away from the falls because of flash flood risk.
The falls are partly visible from the parking lot, and the owners say there is often a smooth spot a short distance away where guests with limited mobility can view them.
What does this mean for people moving to Alamogordo?
One of the things I love about living here is how much there is within an easy drive, from White Sands to the mountains, and now a spring-fed waterfall. If you are relocating, especially with the military, places like this make the first few months feel like an adventure. My Holloman AFB relocation guide and Moving to Alamogordo page can help you get settled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a waterfall near Alamogordo?
Yes. Tularosa Falls has a 25-foot spring-fed waterfall at 23391 US Highway 70, about six miles east of Tularosa.
Do you need a reservation for Tularosa Falls?
Yes. Reservations are required for everyone, including day visitors, and day passes are sold in 2 hour time slots.
How much is a Tularosa Falls day pass?
Waterfall day passes start at $10 per person for a 2 hour slot. Check the Tularosa Falls website for the price on your date.
Can you camp at Tularosa Falls?
Yes. It offers dry camping for tents, vans and RVs starting at $40 a night, with a dump station and free filtered water.
Are dogs allowed at Tularosa Falls?
Yes. Up to 2 dogs per site are welcome for $5 per dog per night, and they must stay on a leash.
Details come from the Tularosa Falls website, including its rates, park rules and FAQ, checked on 6 November 2026. Prices, hours and rules can change, so confirm with Tularosa Falls before you go.