Soda Dam
Jemez Springs, NM
A natural mineral dam of travertine that has built up across the Jemez River beside NM-4. The river flows through a hole in it; roadside pullouts.
Soda Dam is a natural mineral formation on the Jemez River, about a mile (1.6 kilometers) north of Jemez Springs, New Mexico, on Highway 4. Over centuries, minerals from geothermal springs have built up a natural travertine dam that blocks the river, and its stone is among the oldest in the Jemez Valley.
You can see a waterfall, caves and a small mineral spring nearby. According to Frommer's, the site is sacred to Native Americans. In the warm months it is a popular swimming spot.
Soda Dam combines well with other stops along Highway 4, such as the Jemez Historic Site in Jemez Springs. For parking, access rules and possible swimming restrictions at the dam, ask locally before you go.
- Nearest town
- Jemez Springs, NM
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 35.7917, -106.6861
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
© Skarz · CC BY-SA 4.0Jemez Historic Site
© Craig Martin https://www.inaturalist.org/people/craigmartin · CC0Valles Caldera National Preserve
© Tom Cunningham · CC BY-SA 4.0Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument
© Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA · CC BY 2.0Bandelier National Monument
Campsites nearby
- Jemez Falls CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Soda Dam
- Banco Bonito Campground (Special Use Permit Required)Campsite5 mi from Soda Dam
- Vista Linda CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Soda Dam
- Redondo CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Soda Dam
- Rio De Las Vacas CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Soda DamTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Los Pinos Trailer ParkMotorhome stopover23 mi from Soda DamMotorhomes
All campsites in New Mexico · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Soda Dam?
Soda Dam is in Jemez Springs, NM, at GPS 35.7917, -106.6861. It is about 22 mi from Cuba.
Can you camp near Soda Dam?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Jemez Falls Campground, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 28 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Soda Dam?
Soda Dam is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Jemez Mountain Trail: Bandelier, Valles Caldera and Jemez Springs.
What is there to see near Soda Dam?
Places worth a stop nearby: Jemez Historic Site (1 mi), Valles Caldera National Preserve (12 mi), Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (18 mi) and Bandelier National Monument (23 mi).
When is the best time to visit Soda Dam?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)