Walk 650 Ft Above Ground On the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
If you’ve taken a road trip through New Mexico, you surely remember traveling through a seemingly endless shrubby desert. This is at least what we encountered traveling down the back end highways through the majority of the state.
With that said, you can see why we were blown out of our seats when we suddenly came up on the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge near Taos, New Mexico.
For anyone traveling through the northern area of New Mexico, this will rewire what you remember about the landscape.
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The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge was completed in 1965 with the obvious purpose to help transport travelers over the massively deep gorge of the Rio Grande.
At about 650 feet above the Rio Grande River, it is the 5th highest bridge in the entire US and 2nd highest on the US Highway System. Total span of the bridge is a lengthy 1,280 feet across.
In 1966 the American Institute of Steel Construction awarded the bridge “Most Beautiful Steel Bridge” in the “Long Span” category.
Where is the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge?
During our road trip through the entire state of New Mexico, we were aware of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, but did not know exactly when or where we would hit it on the way to Taos. The surrounding area is so flat we had no idea how close we were to the gorge until we practically drove over the bridge.
As a result, we loved this even more as it added to the shock factor of seeing it for the first time!
The bridge is only 12 miles west of Taos on Highway 64. As long as you’re traveling west on this highway, you cannot miss it!
Literally, because you’ll soon enough be driving directly on it.
Get Out of Your Car for the Best Views!
Now driving over it was one thing but it’s way more intense actually walking across.
Parking is available on both sides of the bridge. On the western side you have the Rio Grande Gorge Rest Area and on the eastern side you have ample parking just off the road. The Rest Area has bathrooms, a few picnic benches, and a small parking lot.
From here, it’s a quick little walk to the start of the bridge. You can walk on either side on the small sidewalks for pedestrians. Both sides have beautiful views of the gorge below.
If it’s winter be weary of ice on the bridge, when walking and driving.
Not Your Average Walk in the Park
We visited New Mexico during the freezing cold winter in January. Yes, crazy for many I know!
When we arrived at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge it was near sunset and temperatures were already dipping down to 20°F. Still, despite the crippling pain of the cold the trek onto the bridge was worth it.
To be honest, it was a little nerve wrecking peering off the edge down into the gorge below. Especially with there only being a small little fence between your life and imminent death.
Definitely not an ideal spot for anyone afraid of heights!
Besides the rational fear of heights, gazing down at the Rio Grande River below was GORGE-ous! (pun intended)
It’s incredible and rather random seeing such an enormous gorge stretching across the flattest parts of a desert. As I said before, something you would not expect based on the area you’re in!
Photos and words do not do this place justice. During winter the deep contrast of white snow against the steep red rock really exemplifies the incredible depth of this canyon.
Suicide Prevention
On a more serious note, you will see suicide prevention signs lining the railings of the bridge. It is estimated around 6 people a year commit suicide from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. It’s heartbreaking standing where others once were before making such a decision.
Although sad to see, I’m thankful for all the call boxes, supportive signs, and suicide prevention numbers located along the bridge to help those who are lost. Even one life saved makes all of these initiatives worthwhile.
Explore More – Hike Into the Rio Grande Gorge
If you want to experience more of the Rio Grande Gorge outside of the bridge, you can venture deeper by hiking. Although you’ll have to drive elsewhere to find trailheads leading into the gorge.
Majority of them are found off of Upper Rim Road, which you can access about a mile down from the rest area we mentioned earlier.
La Vista Verde Trail – 2.5 mile round trip
We always love to dive deeper into nature by hiking through the terrain. With only so much time left in our day we chose the short 2.5 mile round trip hike – La Vista Verde Trail.
To get to the trailhead, you take Upper Rim Road heading south until it turns into a dirt road. Once no longer paved, you start to descend into the gorge below. This dirt road is accessible for most cars, no need for 4 wheel drive. Although if it’s snowing or wet then you may want to reconsider 4 wheel drive or chains.
Once you get to the bottom you will see a small pull out where cars can park as well as the trailhead for La Vista Verda Trail.
This trail is relatively flat taking you through the beautiful canyon of the Rio Grande. Even with a shorter trail, make sure you bring the necessary essentials to stay safe and hydrated while hiking.
Shortly down the trail, you can hear water rushing from the sound of the Rio Grande River on the right side.
When hiking, we typically recommend staying on the trail to avoid getting lost or being out of reach of help. With the river not too far from the trail we decided to get a closer view. We scrambled down some rocks (ok, boulders) east of the trail and got about halfway down the hillside.
From here, the views of the Rio Grande River were breathtaking!
After climbing back up to the trail, we ended up heading back to the car. It was after sunset and twilight was quickly fading away.
Nonetheless, the La Vista Verde trail was a perfect little add on to our adventure at the Rio Grande Gorge.
Nearby Amenities in Taos
If you’re traveling to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, we highly recommend staying overnight in the beautiful city of Taos. This is a small, quaint ski town only 12 miles from the bridge.
We stayed here for a couple nights and were impressed by the beautiful mountain scenery of the area. A completely different vibe compared to the more desert style landscapes of New Mexico.
You can find lodging from cheap motels to more luxurious hotels. Scattered throughout the town are many restaurants, museums, and shops with several selling ski and snowboard gear. Taos is a main hub for those who ski and snowboard up in the mountains nearby.
If you aren’t staying overnight, you should still add this to your travel itinerary!
For more details on where to stay and what to eat in Taos, check out Channings’s detailed guide from her travel blog Blue Mountain Belle.
A Jaw Dropping Experience You Shouldn’t Miss
Those making the journey to Taos should see the iconic landmark that is the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.
If you only have an hour or less to spare, you can easily experience all the beauty of this mighty bridge and gorge. Maybe you have half a day or a full to day explore? Add on some of the beautiful hiking trails nearby to get an up close and personal view from inside the gorge itself.
It’s not everyday you get to see a magnificent natural gorge in the middle of the desert! (well, unless you live near one)
For more historic sites nearby, be sure to visit El Santuario de Chimayo about 1 hour south of Taos. Technically known as one of the most visited and holy sites of America!
Have you had the chance to see the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge? What did you think? Share with us in the comments below!
Watch our video below exploring the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge!
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