Rio Grande Gorge | Spectacular river canyon carved by the Rio Grande

Rio Grande Gorge is a dramatic canyon where the Rio Grande cuts through high basalt cliffs north of Taos, New Mexico. Visitors cross the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge for panoramic views, hiking along rim trails, and rafting or kayaking below.

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Geography

Continent	North America
Region	New Mexico
Subregion	Southwestern USA
Country	United States
State	New Mexico
County	Taos County
Timezone	AmericaDenver
Latitude	36.41
Longitude	-106.8
Maps	Google Maps Apple Maps

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Rio Grande Gorge is a rugged, volcanic canyon perched high above the Rio Grande, whose clear, swift waters carve a path through basalt and volcanic bedrock across northern New Mexico. The main visitor highlight is the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, a 650-meter steel arch span that leaps over the gorge at nearly 1600 meters above sea level, offering dramatic views down to the river below. Rim roads and trails provide vistas and access to the canyon rim, while the waters below are popular for whitewater rafting, float trips, and kayaking — dependent on seasonal flows and water releases. Nearby attractions include Taos to the east and the desert landscapes of the Río Grande del Norte National Monument to the north, making the gorge a central stop for canyon hiking, interpretive viewing, and adventure sports linked to the river corridor.

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