For one month, I stayed a few miles from the Rio Grande Gorge and spent a lot of time in it. It turns out that there’s quite a bit to do around it for only being a gorge – which is just a big hole in the ground. I hiked it many times, rafted through it, walked across the bridge, and even had a few relaxing spa days at the hot springs. The gorge is a spectacular New Mexico character.
The Rio Grande Gorge is 50 miles of fun trailing through New Mexico. The gorge offers a bevy of summer delight with various views and things to do. Here’s what you need to know.
The Rio Grande Gorge begins near Colorado. It runs from northwest to southeast of Taos, New Mexico. The Rio Grande River runs through the bottom.
1. Raft the Rio River
The Rio Grande River is unusual. It did not carve the gorge but started flowing through it later. The gorge “rift valley” formed first as separation and then a fault in the earth’s crust. The river, seeing its opportunity, started flowing from snowmelt years later—the path of least resistance and all.
The Rift Valley is more than 160,000 square miles from Colorado to Big Bend National Park in Texas. I was down in Big Bend a few months ago, and the river there is so shallow it’s nearly a creek. In New Mexico, though, I could go white water rafting. Here the river has a series of class III rapids, which, depending on water levels, can be intense but manageable. You can also go tubing, kayaking or swimming in the gorge and there are plenty of tour company to go with or rent equipment.
2. Walk the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Travel west on US Hwy 64 to reach the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. It’s the second-highest bridge on the U.S. Highway System and one of the top 10 highest in the United States. The gorge bridge is 1,280 feet long. It is a sight to behold and a great photo opportunity.
You can get the best view of the gorge and the river via the sidewalk observation platforms at the gorge bridge. Up 650 high, the river looks like a thin ribbon at the bottom. There’s a picnic area on the southwest side of the highway. It’s an excellent place to enjoy that view; watch out for the Longhorn Sheep.
Not Fun Fact: According to the Durango Herald, about 125 people have jumped to their death from the bridge over the last 25 years.
3. View the Sheep in New Mexico
There are two types of sheep you’ll see in New Mexico. The Desert Bighorn Sheep and Rocky Mountain Bighorn. There are nearly 3,000 of these guys roaming around the state according to the DNR. At the gorge, it’s the Desert Bighorn you’re likely to see. I saw about a dozen of them there on more than one visit. So pay attention to your surroundings. They travel in packs, and you’ll spot them on the most precarious outcroppings.
These guys are not tame, so don’t be fooled by their apparent friendliness. I saw a massive Bighorn sheep stand in confrontation with a tourist who was getting too close.
I saw another sheep jump a 5-foot fence from a standstill. They are not to be trifled with. But they’re great to look at … from a distance … with binoculars.
4. Soak in the Gorge-ous Hot Springs
Early in the formation of New Mexico, there were earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It happened over 10 thousand years ago, but there is still heat from geologic activity. Lucky us, this activity shows up in hot spring pools along the Rio Grande. I’ve been to the Manby and the Black Rock Hot Spring pools. Both hikes are short and easy. The Black Rockpool is superior and warmer. Go early or late to avoid the crowds. While there, soak up the hot, mineral-rich solution.
5. Hike the Gorge
There are dozens of hiking trails in and around the gorge. They offer mild to challenging treks but have one thing in common: gorgeous views. I use the AllTrails app to find the best hikes. The Manby and the Black Rock Hot Springs are short, easy winners, as is the trail along the river’s west rim behind the rest area at the bridge visitor’s center.
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