• The Rio Grande or "Great River" has sliced an 800-foot deep volcanic canyon through the high plains of northern New Mexico, rich with history, rugged beauty and exciting recreational opportunities. Here the Wild Rivers Backcountry Byway, winding its way along the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge offers access to spectacular overlooks including the confluence of the Red River and the Rio Grande at La Junta Point. Information on other activities is available at the Visitor Center. The canyon ecosystem descends 800 feet from rim to river, creating a unique diversity in plant and animal life. Ancient piñon and juniper forests are home to 500 year-old trees.
• Tour the scenic Enchanted Circle by car, motorcycle or bicycle. Red River, Questa, Taos, Angel Fire and Eagle Nest. You'll even see the fabled ghost town of Elizabethtown in the Moreno Valley. It's an 84-mile loop that will take you from the alpine zone in Red River to the high desert and sub-alpine zones around the Circle.
• Wild Rivers Recreation Area, located approximately 22 miles west of Red River has been set aside to help you experience the beauty of two national Wild and Scenic Rivers protected by Congress. The area is open year round, however winter access may be difficult. Here the Rio Grande and Red River are preserved in their natural, free-flowing state for present and future generations to enjoy and appreciate. This area is Public Land, administered by the Bureau of Land Management. It Belongs to You. We ask you to help take care of it.
• Why not try whitewater rafting in the fabled Rio Grande, hot air balloon rides above the Taos Plateau or a day-long ride on an old-timey narrow-gauge train through the breathtaking mountains and canyons of Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. You can book these activities and many more right here in Red River. Don't forget your camera.
• Visit the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. A wonder of engineering, the bridge west of Taos spans the Rio Grande located 800 feet below in "the Gorge." Formed by a geological rift long ago, you'll see the ancient layers of Mother Earth in plain view below. With any luck you'll see eagles gliding effortlessly on the wild and unpredictable wind currents in the Gorge. Don't leave your camera in the car.
