Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is a short drive from our Forest Service campground, so it only made sense to check it out. We had a fun day exploring and hiking.
La Junta Canyon Trail
We had a gorgeous hike into the Rio Grande gorge to where the Red River flows into the Rio Grande River. It was a quick 1.2 miles down with a thunderstorm downpour and a honkin' 1.2 miles back UP. Absolutely gorgeous views and some great BLM campgrounds are noted for future trips to the area.
Red River (left) meets the Rio Grande (right) and the obligatory selfie.
More to follow — this site has been updated for the last week with an iPhone, which, needless to say, can be quite tedious. We can't wait to get coverage again for our MiFi.
Additional Info: The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is a stunning natural wonder located in northern New Mexico. Established in 2013 by President Barack Obama, the monument covers an area of approximately 242,555 acres (98,159 hectares) in Taos County. [1]
The centerpiece of the monument is the Rio Grande River, which carves an 800-foot (244-meter) deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash. [2][3] This dramatic landscape is dotted with volcanic cones, including Ute Mountain, the highest point in the monument. [2][3]
The Rio Grande del Norte is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life. The river corridor supports a riparian ecosystem, while the surrounding high desert and volcanic features provide habitat for species like bighorn sheep, black bears, and golden eagles. [4] The monument is also rich in cultural history, with archaeological sites and rock art left by the indigenous Puebloan and Ute peoples. [5]
Visitors to the Rio Grande del Norte can enjoy a variety of recreational activities. The Wild Rivers Recreation Area at the confluence of the Rio Grande and Red River offers campgrounds, scenic viewpoints, and hiking trails. [4] Other popular activities include fishing, rafting, and wildlife viewing. [3]
The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and it has become an important economic driver for the surrounding communities. [6][7] Since its designation, the monument has attracted more visitors and supported local businesses and jobs related to tourism and outdoor recreation. [8]
Overall, the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is a stunning natural and cultural treasure that offers visitors a chance to experience the rugged beauty of northern New Mexico. Its protection ensures that this unique landscape will be preserved for generations to come. [9][10]
- Rio Grande del Norte National Monument - Wikipedia
- New Mexico: Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
- Río Grande del Norte National Monument
- Rio Grande del Norte National Monument - Taos.org
- Presidential Proclamation -- Río Grande del Norte National Monument
- PDF Rio Grande del Norte National Monument - Headwaters Economics
- The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument: Leave it be
- New Mexico National Monument, Like Most Others, Fuels Local
- Secretary Salazar Celebrates New Mexico's Río Grande del Norte
- Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, New Mexico | FWS.gov
