Rio Grande del Norte
Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is a rugged natural corridor where the Rio Grande slices through red-rock canyons and volcanic peaks. The monument offers dramatic landscapes for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with notable features like the Rio Grande Gorge bridge and nearby active volcanoes.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | American Southwest |
| Subregion | Southwestern United States |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| County | Sandoval CountyTaos County |
| District | Rio Grande Gorge |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 36.3502 |
| Longitude | -106.8204 |
| Maps |
12:55 PM LOCAL TIMERio Grande del Norte National Monument protects a remarkable mix of open river landscapes, steep canyons, and volcanic terrain that define this part of northern New Mexico. Driven by the Rio Grande and shaped by volcanic activity from nearby Taos and San Bernardo peaks, the area showcases dramatic cliffs, wide river valleys, and high mountain plateaus. Visitors come for scenic drives, hiking trails, fishing along the river, and kite- and snowkite-flying, especially near Vittorio Peak and the Gorge. The Rio Grande Gorge bridge offers a fantastically exposed crossing, while trailheads around El Rito and Taos provide access to multi-use pathways and backcountry routes. Because of its combination of high winds, varied terrain, and cultural sites, the monument is a compelling destination for outdoor sports and natural immersion.
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