the wandering chick
...the Rio Grande Gorge
a whole lot of deep

The Rio Grande begins its 1900-mile journey in the Colorado Rockies and passes through 800-foot gorges in northern New Mexico before emptying out in the Gulf of Mexico. It's the gorge in New Mexico that is the focus of this page.

In several areas that I traveled, the gorge could be seen snaking its way through the massive Taos Plateau volcanic field. Unlike most rivers, the Rio Grande did not form the gorge. The gorge is a result of a land rift that occurred millions of years ago. The river simply followed the gorge's path.

There are several great places to view the gorge up close and personal. The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is located on Highway 64 west of Taos.

Highway 68, the Low Road between Sante Fe and Taos, parallels the Rio Grande River through the gorge.

And on Highway 285 is the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument where great views can be had as well as hiking trails.

rio grande gorge
rio grande gorge bridge
Locals call it the "Gorge Bridge" or the "High Bridge." It took two years to build, from 1963 to 1965. At 565 feet above the river, it is one of the ten highest bridges in the U.S. It's a walkable bridge, offering nice views of the gorge and river below.
rio grande gorge
rio grande gorge
rio grande gorge
rio grande gorge
rio grande gorge
rio grande gorge
rio grande gorge
rio grande gorge
rio grande gorge
rio grande gorge
rio grande norte
pronghorn
This pronghorn and I got a very close look at each other while we were both at the gorge bridge one morning.
rio grande gorge
gorge
gorge
Sunset lights up the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near the Gorge Bridge.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains at sunset
The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument was established by President Barack Obama in 2013. The area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, is nearly 250,000 acres and includes two recreational areas with activities from hiking to water rafting.
Rio Grande at the natl monument
Rio Grande at the natl monument
This particular stop at the Rio Grande del Norte Natl Monument is called the Sheep Crossing Overlook. Didn't see any sheep!
Sangre de Cristo Mtns
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains make a gorgeous backdrop at the gorge del Norte.
Rio Grande at the natl monument
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Rio Grande gorge at sunset
All the colors of a beautiful sunset can be seen from Highway 64 at the Rio Grande Gorge bridge.
Rio Grande gorge at sunset
Rio Grande gorge at sunset