wild rivers recreation area

Dave02052

Amazing hidden gem - strenuous climb out of the canyon, but worth it. Off season was nice - only saw 2 others on the trail all day.

Mac806

Not many places in the world quite like the gorge. Take a lot of water, and fly rod! Excellent fishing. But be prepared for that wicked climb out of the canyon though. OUCH!

Strider185

The Wild Rivers Recreation Area, which is now part of the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument is one of the most special places in northern New Mexico. Fantastic camping and hiking. Be sure and drink water straight from Arsenic Springs. Was named by a recluse who didn't want people visiting. I'm biased as I was a BLM Ranger there. But I always like to take people there as it's so special.

queencamy

The Wild Rivers Recreation Area is a lot like a mini Grand Canyon. There are lots of trails both on top of the Mesa and down in the Canyon closer to the River. The top trails are appropriate for beginning hikers and the Canyon trails are more intermediate. Note: easy, mostly flat nice paved handicap path to look down into Canyon. Plenty of picnic tables to enjoy being outside.

R1506PGkevinb

Hiking along the upper-Rio Grande, and quite scenic. If in the Taos area and you like to hike and see the wild beauty of nature this is a perfect location. Not too rugged for the young one's, yet rugged enough to get some good exercise for the athletic one's.

GeorgiaO568

I love coming to Wild Rivers. You can hike or picnic or just enjoy the view.One of my favorite spots in the area

Artemis112013

A wonderful place to hike down to the Rio Grande and to get in touch with the "Wild" in all of us. Wild Rivers is definitely a must-see when visiting Taos!

ScubaSteve1671

this was our only hike of our trip but we were happy we did it. don't miss this hike and area if you are into nature hikes.

Mackcampbell1

nicely maintained trails lead from the top of the canyon to the bottom. Don't try this if you are not acclimated to the altitude or climate. Take lots of water and snacks for the long climb back up. Or bike on some of the dirt roads leading out of the campgrounds, You never know what you may find!

B6909GIrobertw

Fantastic scenery and next time I am going to be in shape! Great opportunity for some hiking. Go in the off season and you may get the whole place to yourself!

NomadKevin

....great hiking. Day hikes and overnights. I took my wife here for the first time and we had some great days of hiking, sighting bighorn sheep, chipmunks and coyotes........

22emmettf

This place is a little north of Questa, off of route 522. Small fee to enter. Beautiful scenery where two rivers meet in the gorge. Hiking trails, including more than one down to the rivers (a bit difficult), and at places along the rims. Much more pristine area than at the bridge. Now part of a national monument. Can visit as part of the 'enchanted circle car route'. Very recommended.

Frendt1

When we arrived at the Visitor Center we were told that in 2013 this area was designated Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. It is a lovely area with beautiful views. Many trails lead down into the gorge, but for those of us who are older, the views are spectacular from the top. At the end of the drive you will come to La Junta Point, with a gorgeous view of the confluence of the Rio Grande and Red Rivers. There is also camping in the area. This area is somewhat off the beaten track, but if you have the time it is a beautiful place to visit.

katem71

This was our first backpacking trip and we were a bit unsure of how it would be. We called the ranger station to ask some questions and talked with a super friendly ranger who answered all our questions. We hiked down the Big Arsenic Spring trail and camped by the river under a nice 3 sided metal structure. Beautiful scenery - and up the trail we saw some rock art. We were advised to cache our food and had a hard time finding a suitable tree but finally succeeded. The springs are very lush and clear - the river was too muddy to fish at the time. We are already planning to go back!

SouthwestNomad

The Wild Rivers Recreation Area is located in the Río Grande Del Norte National Monument, for me this is the best part of the Rio Grande Rift. I especially like to camp at the Big Arsenic campground and take the trail from there 800 feet down to the Rio Grande below. Then follow the river south to its confluence with the Red River and climb up to the La Junta overlook and return to Big Arsenic.There are campsites along the bottom of the Gorge. There is also a trail up Guadalupe Mountain which offers an absolutely spectacular view of the area.