The Wild Rivers Recreation Area, managed by the BLM as part of Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, sits about 3 miles west of Questa on NM-378. This is where the Red River enters the Rio Grande inside a dramatic confluence canyon with walls up to 800 feet deep. The rim trails offer some of the best gorge overlooks in the monument, and the canyon descent trails reach the river at the confluence.

Bighorn sheep are regularly spotted on the canyon walls. Bald eagles use the confluence area in winter. The fishing at the confluence is productive for brown and rainbow trout. Camping is available at the rim and at river level. The day use fee is $3 per vehicle.

Questa is a working northern New Mexico village with basic services including a gas station, a small grocery, and a few local restaurants. It is not a tourist destination in itself. The Molycorp molybdenum mine that operated outside Questa for decades and shaped the local economy has closed, and the community continues to navigate that transition.

The junction of NM-522 and NM-38 in Questa is the turn for the Enchanted Circle going clockwise. The road east on NM-38 toward Red River runs up the canyon along the Red River and is scenic on its own before reaching the ski area.

Questa is 22 miles north of Taos on NM-522. Drive time is about 30 minutes. It is the junction town for the Enchanted Circle clockwise route and for the Wild Rivers access road. Fuel up here if running low before heading east on the Enchanted Circle or west to Wild Rivers.

• Enchanted Circle
• Rio Grande Gorge
• Red River
• Rafting