Jemez River
🌲 Nat. Recreation Area
Sandoval Co. · 40 mi · Class I–II
29.5CFS/ 3.47 ft
Below Optimal→Stable
Water temp: 53°F — Hypothermia risk, wear a drysuit
Optimal: 50–300 CFS · USGS #08324000
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Santa Fe National Forest · Jemez National Recreation Area
The Jemez River flows through the Jemez Mountains of north-central New Mexico, past natural hot springs and through red rock canyon country. The river passes near Jemez Pueblo and through the Santa Fe National Forest, offering gentle paddling in a geothermally active volcanic landscape.
Trip sections
Upper Jemez — Class I, mountain valley near hot springs
Jemez Canyon — Class I–II, red rock narrows
Lower Jemez to Rio Grande — Class I, wide valley
Outfitters
Jemez Valley Adventures
Guided Jemez River and hot springs trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.