Rio Grande Gorge

The Rio Grande Gorge cuts a deep basalt canyon across the high mesa west of Taos. The gorge is one of the most recognizable landscapes in northern New Mexico, with the Rio Grande running hundreds of feet below a flat volcanic plain. The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is the main attraction, spanning a roughly 600-foot drop to the river below.

What to Do

Park at the bridge rest area to see the gorge, walk to the overlooks, and access short trails along the rim. The bridge itself is currently closed to pedestrians due to suicide concerns, but you can still get good views of both the bridge and canyon from the rest area and nearby rim trails. The best part is looking north and south along the gorge rather than just at the bridge itself. The views of the bridge, canyon, and Sangre de Cristo Mountains should not be missed. Vendor booths near the rest area often sell local crafts, jewelry, and food.

If you want more than a quick overlook, trails follow sections of the rim and offer quieter views away from the parking area. The gorge is also part of the larger Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, which protects a long stretch of the canyon, surrounding volcanic mesas, and nearby mountains.

How Much Time to Spend

This is usually a 20 to 45 minute stop. That gives you time to walk between the overlooks, take photos, and spend a few minutes looking into the canyon. Plan closer to an hour if you want to walk farther along the rim or spend more time photographing the bridge and mountains.

Getting There

The gorge is located on US-64 about 10 miles northwest of Taos, with paved parking right at the rest area. Morning and late afternoon usually give the landscape more depth, while midday light can flatten the canyon walls. Wind can also be strong on the exposed mesa, especially outside summer.

It’s an easy add-on to a stop at the nearby Greater World Earthship Community or a drive across the Taos Plateau. Even if you’re only passing through, this is one of the easiest places in northern New Mexico to get a dramatic view with almost no effort, it should not be missed!