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All the United States New Mexico Jemez Springs Jemez Springs Soda Dam

Jemez Springs Soda Dam

The 7,000-year-old calcium carbonate formation creates a magnificent natural bridge.

Jemez Springs, New Mexico

Added By
Rick Brown
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Closer view of the Soda Dam.   rickbbiking / Atlas Obscura User
Closer view of the Soda Dam.   rickbbiking / Atlas Obscura User
Jemez Springs Soda Dam- photo by Leslie Driskill   LeslieDriskill / Atlas Obscura User
Photo showing most of the length of the Soda Dam.   rickbbiking / Atlas Obscura User
  1just4looks / Atlas Obscura User
  1just4looks / Atlas Obscura User
Jemez Creek busting through the dam.   wisemand / Atlas Obscura User
Natural arch over the waterfall passing through the Soda Dam.   rickbbiking / Atlas Obscura User
Jemez River downstream from the Soda Dam.   rickbbiking / Atlas Obscura User
Second view of the arch and waterfall.   rickbbiking / Atlas Obscura User
A look inside the dam   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
  1just4looks / Atlas Obscura User
View from the top. The outer section is still growing. But perhaps not at a pace to keep up with degradation.   wisemand / Atlas Obscura User
Back side of the soda dam   LeslieDriskill / Atlas Obscura User
Scenic marker at the Soda Dam.   rickbbiking / Atlas Obscura User
Front part of the soda dam   LeslieDriskill / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Situated along the east side of New Mexico State Route 4, just north of the Village of Jemez Springs, is the fascinating Jemez Springs Soda Dam. This unusual geologic feature—essentially a hot springs deposit—is estimated to be 7,000 years old. 

The dam is primarily composed of calcium carbonate and travertine. It extends more than 300 feet in length across the Jemez River Valley. In addition, the Soda Dam is 50 feet in height and 50 feet wide at the bottom. Where the river flows through the dam, it creates a unique natural soda bridge over the stream and a scenic waterfall. 

Sadly, according to the Forest Service website, when State Route 4 was constructed through this area, a portion of the Soda Dam was destroyed to make way for the road. In doing so, the natural plumbing was disrupted and re-routed, which is leading to its gradual disintegration.

Related Tags

Geology Geological Oddities Nature Natural Wonders Dams

Know Before You Go

Access to the site is quite easy since it is located along the state highway and there is no fee to visit it. Caution should be taken when parking along the shoulder of State Route 4. Precautions should also be taken when visiting the site due to potentially slippery conditions and fast flowing waters. 

Community Contributors

Added By

rickbbiking

Edited By

1just4looks, mikewalker, wisemand, LeslieDriskill

  • 1just4looks
  • mikewalker
  • wisemand
  • LeslieDriskill

Published

October 15, 2019

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Sources
  • https://theknow.denverpost.com/2018/12/07/jemez-springs-new-mexico-travel-guide/201688/
  • https://www.lpi.usra.edu/science/treiman/greatdesert/workshop/sodadam1/index.html
  • https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r3/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=stelprdb5195088
Jemez Springs Soda Dam
19219 NM-4
Jemez Springs, New Mexico, 87025
United States
35.792038, -106.686548
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Jemez Historic Site

Jemez Springs, New Mexico

miles away

Jemez Springs Library Human Sundial

Jemez Springs, New Mexico

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The Goblin Colony

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Jemez Springs

Jemez Springs

New Mexico

Places 4

Nearby Places

Jemez Historic Site

Jemez Springs, New Mexico

miles away

Jemez Springs Library Human Sundial

Jemez Springs, New Mexico

miles away

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Ponderosa, New Mexico

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Jemez Springs

Jemez Springs

New Mexico

Places 4

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