Rio Grande del Norte National Monument | New Mexico
The RÍo Grande del Norte National Monument is comprised of rugged, wide-open plains at an average elevation of 7,000 feet, dotted by volcanic cones, and cut by steep canyons with rivers tucked away in their depths. The RÍo Grande carves an 800-foot-deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash. Among the volcanic cones in the Monument, Ute Mountain is the highest, reaching to 10,093 feet.
This area has attracted human activity since prehistoric times. Evidence of ancient use is found throughout the area in the form of petroglyphs, prehistoric dwelling sites, and many other types of archaeological sites. More recent activity includes abandoned homesteading from the 1930s.
The Monument is an important area for wintering animals and provides a corridor by which wildlife moves between the two mountain ranges. The unique setting of the Monument also provides a wealth of recreational opportunities. Whitewater rafting, hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and camping are some of the more outstanding activities that can be enjoyed in the Monument.
NEW MEXICO STATE TRUST LAND
Any public use of New Mexico State Trust Lands is strictly under the jurisdiction of the New Mexico State Land Office and requires a recreational access permit. For more information visit the New Mexico State Land Office.
Photos
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
Know Before You Go
Fees
Facilities
- Río Grande Gorge Visitor Center
- Wild Rivers Zimmerman Visitor Center
Nearby Amenities
- The Río Grande Wild and Scenic River is 74 miles long. To find the nearest location to acquire food, gas, and water plan ahead or check the other webpages for the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument BLM sites.
Seasons/Hours
- Open year-round.
- Winter conditions can be severe and make hiking/boating conditions difficult.
Special Rules
- Pets must be on a max 6-foot leash at all times.
- Pets are not permitted on Big Arsenic Trail or in springs.
- No E-bikes are allowed on the trails.
- At Wild Rivers and Orilla Verde Recreation Areas, campfires are only allowed in grills or fire pans, and firewood collection is prohibited. Do not leave fires unattended. Camp stoves are recommended throughout the National Monument.
- Camping – Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- No fireworks, discharge or use of firearms, or any other weapons.
- Practice Leave No Trace. Please make sure to carry out or dispose of any litter.
- Cultural Resources – Sites and artifacts dating back many centuries are located within the Monument.
- Removal or disturbance of these artifacts destroys valuable information about our past and is punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.
Brochures, Maps, and Publications
- Rio Grande del Norte National Monument Printable Map
- StoryMap: Traveling to Taos
- Río Grande del Norte National Monument Orilla Verde
- Rio Grande del Norte National Monument Wild Rivers Trail Map
- Rio Grande Segment Descriptions
Wildlife in Area
- Bats
- Bighorn Sheep
- Beavers
- Coyotes
- Elk
- Northern pike
- Pronghorn
- River otters
- Trout
- Waterfowl
- Wading birds
Contact Us
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
The RÍo Grande del Norte National Monument, Wild Rivers Zimmerman Visitor Center is located in Questa, NM, at 1120 NM-378. Go north from Questa on NM 522 and turn left on State Road 378; the Visitor Center (VC) is about 17 miles from the turn off.
The Rio Grande gorge Visitor Center is located at 2873 NM-68, Taos, NM 87571. signs for the VC will be seen a mile before the entrance.
Fees
Yes