As you drive the 12 miles from Taos toward the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, the landscape gives little indication of what’s hidden below. You’d never guess that you’re approaching one of the state’s natural wonders: the Rio Grande Gorge in New Mexico.

Flickr/mwwile
The Rio Grande Gorge is approximately 50 miles in length. While it is 200 feet deep near the border, the gorge plunges down 800 feet, farther to the south. It's New Mexico's answer to the Grand Canyon.
Wikimedia Commons/Marissa Bracke
This portion of New Mexico was once covered by gravel and lava from erupting volcanoes. Over many years, erosion by the Rio Grande forged the gorge.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
The Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument was established in 2013. This huge monument encompasses 310,528 acres that extends from the Colorado border down to Pilar, south of Taos.
Flickr/ J. N. Stuart
There are only three bridges crossing the gorge within the monument. One of these, the John Dunn Bridge, is a key launch point for kayakers and rafters.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
Experiencing the gorge from below is certainly different than viewing it from above. There are several rafting outfitters that can take you along the river.

If you’d like to go kayaking on your own, bear in mind that this area has some very challenging rapids. There are no boating fees, but the BLM requires you to register your trip before attempting the tougher runs.
Flickr/John
If rafting doesn't appeal, a short walk from the John Dunn Bridge takes you to Black Rock Hot Springs. There, you can soak in a primitive pool adjacent to the river.
Flickr/jim_mckenzie
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
The Wild Rivers Recreation Area is a part of the national monument that’s definitely worth visiting. The 13-mile long Wild Rivers Backcountry Byway is an easy way to admire the scenery – stop at La Junta Point for some unbeatable views. Wild Rivers also offers 40 campsites spread across five campgrounds for those planning a longer visit. Alternatively, head to one of the seven campgrounds in Orilla Verde Recreation Area.

Related Stories

This Never Before Seen Aquamarine Pool Is Hiding Inside Lechuguilla Cave In New Mexico

This Never Before Seen Aquamarine Pool Is Hiding Inside Lechuguilla Cave In New Mexico

 The Underground Caves In New Mexico That Make You Feel Like You’ve Been Transported To A Different World

The Underground Caves In New Mexico That Make You Feel Like You’ve Been Transported To A Different World

 Off The Beaten Path In New Mexico, Overlook Point Lets You See For Miles

Off The Beaten Path In New Mexico, Overlook Point Lets You See For Miles
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
This national monument is on a significant bird migration path and herds of elk roam across the land.
Flickr/Sarah Richter
Hiking, biking, and fishing are popular activities. The views from the West Rim Trail are especially memorable (you don't have to do the whole nine miles)! The trailhead is located on the west side of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.
Flickr/Rob DeGraff
This steel bridge outside Taos is 1,280 feet across and it stands 565 feet above the Rio Grande. This makes it the seventh tallest bridge in the country.
Wikimedia Commons/Daniel Schwen
Construction on this bridge began in 1963. At that time, funding hadn’t been secured to continue the road on the other side. For a while, this structure was dubbed "The Bridge to Nowhere." But the project was successfully completed in 1965.
Flickr/bruthanick
Flickr/Vaquero Cooper
This is a great, accessible spot from which to admire the gorge - no hiking required.
Wikimedia Commons/byrdiegyrl
Wikimedia Commons/Toddjay

Taos is the town nearest to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Should you choose to extend your stay, you’ll find plenty of things to do in this area.

This monument is massive. To grasp its full scale, check out this aerial video. As you can see, the gorge is stunning in all seasons.

Have you visited this natural wonder in New Mexico? Few places can compete with the actual Grand Canyon, but the Rio Grande Gorge comes pretty close.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Rio Grande Gorge In New Mexico

Leah | April 18, 2020

What are the best hikes with a view in New Mexico?

The best views in New Mexico can be reached on some stellar trails. The Crater Rim Trail, part of the Capulin National Monument, is a relatively relaxing trail that'll give you a view of an extinct volcano as you walk around the rim of it. It is just over a mile in length and an easy loop to complete. Another great hike with a view is the Osha Trail. It is within the Lincoln National Forest and has a breathtaking view of not only the expansive wooded area but also New Mexico's famous White Sands in the distance. Needless to say, there are some fantastic hiking trails in New Mexico.

Does New Mexico have any natural wonders?

Natural wonders in New Mexico are abundant. You can go underground to places like Carlsbad Caverns, which are a thing of pure beauty, or to the highest views like that atop the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The stunningly white gypsum sands of the White Sands National Monument are also wondrous to behold. The Bisti Badlands are another example of New Mexico's natural wonders, located near Farmington. The colorful canyons, hoodoos, and other unusual geological formations there amaze visitors time and time again.

What are the most beautiful places in New Mexico?

Along with the natural wonders and spectacular views, New Mexico has some places that are just full of beauty even if they aren't well-known. Spots like the Valles Caldera is pretty enough to be on a postcard, with mountain valleys full of meadows and meandering streams. The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks are like something from another world, and it's perfect for grabbing some memorable photos. There are certainly many enchanting places in the Land Of Enchantment, and you can find more here.

Related Articles

Explore New Mexico

Featured Addresses
Rio Grande Gorge, New Mexico 87529, USA