Download Rio Grande Gorge Visitor's Guide

The Wild Rivers Recreation Area has been set aside to allow visitors to experience the beauty of two national Wild and Scenic Rivers protected by Congress. Here the Rio Grande and Red River are preserved in their natural, free-flowing state for present and future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

The Rio Grande or "Great River" has sliced an 800-foot deep volcanic canyon through the high plains of northern New Mexico, rich with history, rugged beauty, and exciting recreational opportunities. This natural wonder is intensively used, yet 90 percent remains in a natural condition; the other 10 percent is developed for concentrated recreational use. Whitewater access draws visitors to the riverbank. The Wild Rivers Backcountry Byway, winding its way along the rim of the Rio Grande gorge, offers access to spectacular overlooks, including the confluence of the Red River and the Rio Grande at La Junta Point -- possibly the most dramatic vista statewide, and it is wheelchair accessible.

The canyon ecosystem descends 800 feet from rim to river, creating a unique diversity in plant and animal life. Ancient pinon and juniper forests are home to 500 year-old trees. Watchable wildlife opportunities include mule deer, red-tailed hawk, mountain blue-bird, and prairie dog.

The climate is semi-arid with summer thunderstorms common in July and August, and snow possible from November through March. Summer temperatures range from 45 to 90F and in winter from -15 to 45F.

Activities

• Camping/Picnicking – Wild Rivers has five developed campgrounds and a picnic area, each with tables, grills, drinking water and restroom facilities. 22 developed campsites are along the Gorge Rim. Four trails access 16 designated primitive r iver campsites, requiring a hike in, also are available. Park in a designated day-use parking area located at each trailhead. Camping is permitted in designated sites only. To protect vegetation, please use hardened tent sites only. No disorderly conduct or motor vehicle freeplay allowed.
• Swimming – Swimming is dangerous in the river and not recommended due to swift currents and cold temperatures. To protect water quality, swimming is not allowed in freshwater springs.
• Boating –Rio Grande Segment Descriptions
  Boating within the Recreation Area can be extremely hazardous, requiring superior whitewater skills and specialized equipment. All boaters must register or obtain a permit at the Visitor Center or Little Arsenic Trailhead prior to launching.
• Fishing – Rio Grande anglers are challenged by northern pike, native brown and German brown trout. The Red River supports a fishery of rainbow trout stocked by the Red River Fish Hatchery located upstream of the Recreation Area. All anglers must have a valid New Mexico fishing license and a Wildlife Habitat Improvement Validation in their possession. Fishing Licenses are sold in Questa. To improve trout fisheries, Special Fishing Regulations are in effect on all river sections within the Recreation Area. The daily bag and possession limit is 4 fish per license holder.
• Hiking – The following twenty-two miles of rim and river trails offer a variety of hiking options in the Recreation Area. Most trails begin from campgrounds where day use parking areas are available. See the Rio Grande Gorge Visitor's Guide for exact trail locations. Trails are steep and hiking can be strenuous. Good physical condition, sturdy shoes, and plenty of drinking water are required. For more information on other trails in the recreation area, please stop by or call the visitor center.

	Hiking Trails
	Wild Rivers Nature Trail	Easy interpretive loop along the canyon rims of the Red River and the Rio Grande at La Junta Point. Trail is approximately 1/2 mile long and takes approximately 1/2 hour to complete.
	La Junta Trail	1.2 miles one-way Elevation drop 800 feet Moderate to difficult Spectacular views of confluence of Red River and Rio Grande
	Little Arsenic Springs Trail	0.7 miles one-way Elevation drop 760 feet Moderate to difficult Good views of gorge; access to river.
	Big Arsenic Trail	1.0 miles one-way Elevation drop of 680 feet Moderate to difficult Great views of river; cold-water springs; petroglyphs nearby
	River Trail	2.5 miles one-way Relatively level; slight elevation change Easy to moderate Pleasant walk along river; trail connects with three other trails into gorge, making loop hike possible
	Rios Bravos Trail	0.25 miles one-way Level Easy Self-guided interpretive trail with informational brochure.  Views of gorge
	El Aguaje Trail	0.7 miles one-way Elevation drop 560 feet Moderate Popular fishing spot
	Guadalupe Mountain Trail	2 miles one-way Elevation Gain 1000 feet Moderate Great views of Taos Plateau and mountains; tall pines, wildflowers, cooler temperatures
	Rinconada Loop Trail	6.1 miles (loop) Level Easy Walk in sage, woods near rim of gorge
	Chiflo	0.5 miles one-way Elevation drop 320 feet Moderate Shorter access to river

• Biking – Unless signed otherwise, all roads on BLM lands are available for mountain biking.  Please stay on roads or designated trails and yield to hikers. Taos and Wheeler Peak (1:100,000) maps, showing public land roads, are available for $4 at the visitor center. Mountain bike trails in the area include the following (bike rentals are available in Taos):

	Mountain Bike Trails
	Rinconada Loop Trail	6.1 miles loop Gravel trail Easy This mostly level trail goes through sage and pinyon-juniper woodlands near the rim of the gorge
	Red River Fault Trail	5 miles loop Dirt road; mostly level, bumpy and rocky in places Moderate This trail travels through pinon-juniper forest and open sage flats with views of Guadalupe Mountain
	Guadalupe Mountain Trail	2 miles one-way Old roadbed, steep climb, rocky and bumpy Difficult Great views of the Taos Plateau and other mountains; tall pines, wildflowers, cooler temperatures

• Scenic Driving – The 13-mile, paved Wild Rivers Backcountry Byway provides the visitor with access to the many scenic views and recreational opportunities in the Recreation Area.  

Facilities
The Wild Rivers Recreation area has five developed campgrounds, picnic tables, grills, drinking water, and restrooms, and a visitor center.

Two group shelters also are available -- La Junta, which accommodates up to 50 people; and El Aguaje, which accommodates up to 30 people. Fees are $30.00 per day, $40 per night. For reservations, call 575.758-8851.

Wild Rivers Visitor Center – The Visitor Center provides information not only about the recreation experiences to be had in the area but also about the geological and natural history of this diverse and interesting area.

Located in Cerro, NM , at 1120 Cerro Road. Go north from Questa on NM 522 and turn left on State Road 378; the Visitor Center is about 17 miles from the turn off. The Visitor Center is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., and additional hours as staffing permits. After Labor Day, the Visitor Center is open as staffing permits. For more information, contact the Visitor Center at 575.770.1600 or the Taos Field Office at 575.758.8851.

Location / Access
From Taos, follow NM 68 north 7 miles. Take NM 522 approximately 20 miles to Questa. Travel 3 miles past the stoplight in Questa to NM 378. Turn left onto NM 378 and follow the signs about 12 miles west to Wild Rivers Recreation Area. Also see Wild Rivers Recreation Area Map.

Fees Self-service pay stations are located at developed camping, picnic and trailhead areas. • Day Use: $3.00/day per vehicle to use the area for 30 minutes or more. An annual day use pass, good for the calendar year, is available for $20.00.  • Camping: $7.00/night for one vehicle, $10.00 for two. Maximum 2 vehicles and 10 people per site. (Additional vehicles may park in day use parking areas at $3.00/day.) Change is available at the Visitor Center or from a Park Ranger or Camp Host. Annual day use passes do not apply to camping fees.   River Campsites: $5.00/night.   Group Shelters: $30.00 per day, $40 per night. Season/Hours • Open year-round. • Day Use Hours -- 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. An overnight camping fee will be required for anyone choosing to remain in the recreation area after the specified day use hours. Please observe quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Noise levels on radios should be kept to minimum to not disturb others. Recreation Guidelines • BLM Recreation Guidelines Special Rules • Campfires – Campfires are allowed in grills or firepans only. Campstoves are recommended. Firewood collection is prohibited. Firewood is available for purchase at the Visitor Center or from a Camp Host. Please do not leave your fire unattended. • Pets – Pets must be kept under control and on a leash at all times. Pets are not permitted on Big Arsenic Trail or in freshwater springs. • Fireworks & Firearms – Discharge of fireworks is prohibited within the Recreation Area. Discharge of firearms is prohibited within one mile of a recreation site. Most of the Recreation Area is closed to hunting (except for the Guadalupe Mountains area); hunters are responsible for knowing where and when they are permitted to hunt. • Litter – Separate receptacles for trash and aluminum cans are located at all campgrounds and picnic areas along the rim; please use them and help us keep Wild Rivers clean. Pack out what you pack in! • Cultural Resources – Sites and artifacts dating back many centuries have been found within the Recreation Area. Please protect these valuable resources of the past. Removal or disturbance of these artifacts destroys valuable information and is punishable by fines and/or imprisonment. Maps • BLM: Taos • See Contact Information below to obtain maps or visit the Public Lands Information Center. Contact Information Taos Field Office 226 Cruz Alta Road Taos, NM  87571-5983 575.758.8851