El Rito
El Rito is a small village in northern New Mexico known for pueblo culture, local arts, and as a gateway to Carson National Forest and Chama Valley.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | American Southwest |
| Subregion | American Southwest |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| County | Rio Arriba County |
| District | Chama Valley |
| City | El Rito |
| Postal Code | 87530 |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 36.36 |
| Longitude | -106.49 |
| Maps |
7:15 PM LOCAL TIMEEl Rito is a compact mountain village in northern New Mexico where high desert and forest meet — roughly 2.5 km² of local houses, small farms, and roadside cafes. It’s a cultural crossroads, with a pueblo heritage that shapes everything from music to architecture, and a community that values craft and quiet outdoor access. Key routes — US 285 and NM 537 — make it a natural stop for travelers heading between Taos and Chama, while nearby trails and Forest Service roads open into Carson National Forest. Visitors come to experience traditional pueblo art, sample regional foods, or use El Rito as a base for fishing, hiking, and seasonal snow days.
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