About Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River
The Río Grande Wild and Scenic River, located within the Río Grande del Norte National Monument, includes 74 miles of the river as it passes through the 800-foot deep Río Grande Gorge. Flowing out of the snowcapped Rocky Mountains in Colorado, the river journeys 1,900 miles to the Gulf of America. Here the river flows in a rugged and scenic part of northern New Mexico. The river was made a part of the National Wild and Scenic River System in 1968; among the first eight rivers Congress designated as Wild and Scenic. The river gorge is home to numerous species of wildlife, including big horn sheep, river otter, and the Río Grande cutthroat trout.The Río Grande Wild and Scenic River provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities, luring anglers, hikers, artists, and whitewater boating enthusiasts. Two developed recreation areas are located along the river: Wild Rivers on the north and Orilla Verde in the south. In addition to these scenic recreation areas, a spectacular vista of the gorge can be viewed from the High Bridge Overlook where highway 64 crosses.
How to Get There
The designated wild and scenic river corridor begins at the New Mexico/Colorado state line and ends at Rinconada, approximately 1 mile downstream of the Taos/Rio Arriba County line.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River
Heading to Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River?
No central reservation system listed for Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/15131) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River?
The designated wild and scenic river corridor begins at the New Mexico/Colorado state line and ends at Rinconada, approximately 1 mile downstream of the Taos/Rio Arriba County line.
How do I contact Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River?
You can reach the park at phone: 575-758-8851 or email: blm_nm_tafo_admin@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
