Rio Grande Gorge, Taos
HeyTaos · Rio Grande Gorge
Rio Grande Gorge, Taos
A 50-mile volcanic canyon slicing up to 800 feet deep through the Taos Plateau. The gorge bridge, the rim trails, the hot springs, the rafting, and the national monument that protects it all.
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge spans 1,280 feet across the gorge, 565 feet above the river. It is the fifth-highest bridge in the United States and one of the most photographed locations in New Mexico. US-64 carries two lanes of traffic across it. Pedestrian walkways on both sides allow you to walk out and look straight down.
Locally it is called the High Bridge. It is free, open at all hours, and takes about 20 minutes to cross both ways at a slow pace. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for light and photography. Summer midday can be windy and exposed. The bridge is about 10 miles west of Taos Plaza on US-64.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | US-64, approximately 10 miles west of Taos Plaza |
| Admission | Free |
| Span | 1,280 feet |
| Height above river | 565 feet |
| Parking | Free parking area with restrooms on the west side of the bridge |
Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
Designated a national monument in 2013, Rio Grande del Norte covers 242,500 acres of volcanic plateau and canyon country in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. The BLM manages it. The monument protects the gorge, the sagebrush and juniper mesa, and the Wild Rivers area near Questa where the Red River meets the Rio Grande.
The monument has no entrance fee for most access points. The Orilla Verde Recreation Area south of the bridge charges a $3 vehicle fee. The Wild Rivers Recreation Area near Questa also charges a small day use fee. Both have camping, restrooms, and river access.
| Area | What it offers | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Gorge Bridge Visitor Area | Free access, parking, restrooms, West Rim Trail access | Free |
| Orilla Verde Recreation Area | River access, camping, hiking trails, petroglyphs, picnic areas | $3/vehicle · 575-758-0940 |
| Wild Rivers Recreation Area | Rim hiking, canyon overlooks, camping, bighorn sheep viewing | 575-833-8900 |
Rim Trails
The West Rim Trail runs south from the gorge bridge along the canyon edge for about 9 miles one-way. It is flat, open, and exposed with consistent gorge views the entire length. No shade. Open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The first mile south of the bridge is the most accessible and most visited. A car shuttle between the bridge and the Taos Valley Overlook makes a one-way hike possible.
The Rift Valley Trail is a 9-mile loop north of the Pilar area with mesa views and occasional gorge overlooks. More varied terrain than the West Rim and easier to combine with a river visit at Orilla Verde.
Activities in the Gorge
| Activity | Where | More Info |
|---|---|---|
| Whitewater rafting | Taos Box: John Dunn Bridge to Arroyo Hondo. Racecourse: Pilar area. | Rafting Guide |
| Hot springs | Black Rock Hot Springs near John Dunn Bridge. Manby Hot Springs via County Road B007. | Hot Springs Guide |
| Fishing | Rio Grande is designated a Gold Medal fishery in sections. Brown and rainbow trout. New Mexico fishing license required. | NM Game and Fish: 505-894-9101 |
| Birdwatching | Raptors including peregrine falcons and golden eagles nest on the gorge walls. Best in spring and fall. | Orilla Verde area |
| Rock climbing | Basalt climbing routes in the lower gorge near Pilar. Intermediate to advanced. | BLM Taos: 575-758-0940 |
Access and Planning
The gorge bridge is the easiest access point and the right starting place for a first visit. From there the West Rim Trail heads south, the hot springs are accessible north via the John Dunn Bridge road, and rafting trips put in and take out at various river access points.
The mesa west of Taos is open and exposed. Bring water for any activity. Summer temperatures on the mesa are hotter than in town. Wind is consistent and can be strong. There is no cell coverage on large portions of the monument.
Sources: BLM Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, Federal Highway Administration bridge data. Access conditions and fees subject to change.