Rio Grande Gorge Visitor's Guide
Campground and Trail Map
Taos Valley Overlook Trail Map
Orilla Verde Recreation Area is nestled along the banks of the Rio Grande, within the steep-walled Rio Grande Gorge. The local terrain is comprised of rugged, wide open mesas and chiseled steep canyons. The elevation along the river is 6,100 feet and rises 800 feet at the gorge rim. The Taos Valley Overlook offers stunning and breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Gorge and Sangre de Cristo Mountains from the mesa top above the river.
Gentle waters with occasional small rapids flow through Orilla Verde, providing an ideal setting for many recreational activities. Because of the dramatic changes in elevation and the diversity of plant life, Orilla Verde draws many species of animals, including raptors (such as eagles and hawks), songbirds, waterfowl, beaver, cougar, ringtail, mule deer, and many more. The Rio Grande also has attracted humans since prehistoric times. Evidence of ancient peoples is found throughout the recreation area in the form of petroglyphs on the rocks and many other types of archaeological sites.
The climate at Orilla Verde is semi-arid, with summer thunderstorms common in July and August, and snow possible from October through March. Summer temperatures range from 45 to 90 degrees, and winter temperatures range from -15 to 45 degrees.
Activities
- Camping / Picnicking – Orilla Verde has seven campgrounds each with tables and fire grills. Two of the camgrounds, Pilar and Rio Bravo, offer RV campsites with water and electric hookups (no sewer). The developed campgrounds have drinking water and shelters available. All campgrounds have restroom facilities. There is a 14-day stay limit. A maximum of 8 people allowed per campsite. Primitive camping is allowed only at designated sites. Maximum of two vehicles per site. Individual campsite checkout time is 10:00 a.m. Group shelter checkout time is 11:00 a.m.
- Swimming – Swimming in the Rio Grande is dangerous due to swift currents and cold temperatures. Swimming is not recommended. Nudity is not allowed in the recreation area.
- Boating – Rio Grande Segment Descriptions
Gentle waters with occasional small rapids through Orilla Verde provide an ideal area for canoeing, kayaking, and non-whitewater rafting. All boaters must comply with State of New Mexico and BLM regulations for boating safety, equipment, and registration. No launching or takeout is allowed other than at designated areas. Designated sites include: Rio Bravo Campground, Arroyo Hondo Campground, Lone Juniper Site, and Taos Junction Bridge (see map). Private boaters must register at the launch site. Please observe Pilar Quiet Zone through the village of Pilar. - Fishing – Anglers along the Rio Grande will be challenged by native brown trout, German brown trout, rainbow trout, and northern pike. All anglers, 12 years or older, must have the following: a valid New Mexico fishing license, a Wildlife Habitat Improvement validation, and a Habitat Management and Access Validation (Only those younger than 18, 100% Disabled Resident Veterans and Resident Anglers 70 and older are exempt from purchasing this validation.) in their possession. Licenses are available at the Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center. To improve trout fisheries, "Special Trout Waters" have been designated north from Taos Junction Bridge to Colorado. Anglers need to be aware of special restrictions which apply in this area (New Mexico’s fishing proclamation is available at the Visitor Center).
- Hiking - There are wonderful hiking opportunities in the area.
- La Vista Verde Trail offers wonderful views up to the gorge rim and down to the Rio Grande. It is a 1.25 mile, easy one-way trail. The trailhead can be found on the north side of NM 567, midslope between the Taos Junction Bridge and the Gorge Rim.
- Las Minas Trail starts from the northeast parking lot of the Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center. This trail is 0.5 miles one-way, moderate to overlook and difficult beyond the overlook.
- The West Rim Trail is an easy to moderate 9 mile one-way trail. There are two access points: the north trailhead located at the rest stop on the west rim of the Rio Grande just off of US 64. The south trailhead located just off of NM 567 at the north end of Orilla Verde Recreation Area.
- Petaca Point Trail is an easy to moderate trail. The trail is 8 miles round trip.
- La Senda del Medio Trail begins at Pilar campground and follows east side of the Rio Grande and links to Pilar, Rio Bravo, Arroyo Hondo and Lone Juniper campgrounds which is 2.0 miles one way.
- Picuris Trail is located east of Taos Junction Bridge 0.8 miles one-way. Hiking is difficult. Follow the old stock route to the east rim of the gorge. The views are spectacular.
- Biking – Biking is allowed on La Vista Verde trail (see above under Hiking). It is also allowed on the closed portion of NM 570, about 0.25 miles one-way. The dirt route travels up the Rio Pueblo canyon. The West Rim trail allows biking for a 9 mile one-way trip or 18 mile round trip. The Peteca Point trail allows biking, 4 miles one way, or 8 miles round trip. The Taos Valley Overlook Trail System on Highway 68 offers great biking opportunities.
Facilities
Seven campgrounds, each with tables, fire grills, and restrooms. Four of the campgrounds also have drinking water and shelters available. Pilar campground and Rio Bravo campground both have RV sites with water and electric hookup (no sewer). Pay showers are also available at Rio Bravo campground.
Group Shelters are available by reservation. Each group shelter accommodates up to 40 people. Fees for the group shelters are $30.00/day use, and $40.00/overnight. For reservations, call 575.758.8851.
Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center – Located in Pilar, NM, at the intersection of NM 570 and NM 68, 2873 North State Road 68. The Visitor Center is open 7 days per week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from May 1 through October. Winter hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 7 days per week. For more information, contact the Visitor Center at 575.751.4899, or the Taos Field Office at 575.758.8851.
Location / Access Download Campground and Trail Map
Located about 16 miles southwest of Taos on NM 68 then turn north at Pilar on NM 570.
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