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The Wild Rivers Recreation Area is located within the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument and along the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River and Red River Wild and Scenic River. Here visitors may experience the beauty of an 800-foot deep canyon sliced into volcanic flows by the Rio Grande (Spanish for Great River) and Red River where they come together. Located in the high plains of northern New Mexico, this area is rich with history, rugged beauty, and enticing recreational opportunities. A back country byway, visitor center, campgrounds, picnic facilities, and trails are available for visitors. Several spectacular overlooks are found here, including La Junta Point, one of the most dramatic views in the state, overlooking the confluence of the Red River and the Rio Grande -- and it is wheelchair accessible. The canyon ecosystem descends 800 feet from rim to river, creating a unique diversity in plant and animal life. Ancient piсon and juniper forests include 500 year-old trees. Watchable wildlife opportunities include mule deer, red-tailed hawk, mountain blue-bird, and prairie dog. The climate is semi-arid with summer thunderstorms common in July and August, and snow possible from November through March. Summer temperatures range from 45 to 90F and in winter from -15 to 45F.
From Taos, follow NM 68 north 7 miles. Take NM 522 approximately 20 miles to Questa. Travel 3 miles past the stoplight in Questa to NM 378. Turn left onto NM 378 and follow the signs about 12 miles west to Wild Rivers Recreation Area
Self-service pay stations are located at developed camping, picnic and trailhead areas. Day Use: $3.00/day per vehicle to use the area for 30 minutes or more. An annual day use pass, good for the calendar year, is available for $20.00. Camping: $7.00/night for one vehicle, $10.00 for two. Maximum 2 vehicles and 10 people per site. (Additional vehicles may park in day use parking areas at $3.00/day.) Change is available at the Visitor Center or from a Park Ranger or Camp Host. Annual day use passes do not apply to camping fees. River Campsites: $5.00/night. Group Shelters: $30.00 per day, $40.00 per night. Group shelters are by reservation. Call the BLM Taos Field Office at 575-758-8851.
The visitor center is a fantastic place to stop. The staff are extremely knowledgeable, kind, and very helpful. The facility itself is interesting and has lots of information and robust, interactive, topographical, 3-D re-creations of surrounding geography. There is wildlife in blooming plants around the center when we visited. Can’t wait to return!
Really really great views here. I went when there wasn’t a ton of people so I got to really enjoy the scenic views without the loud hustle and bustle. There’s a bunch of trails down to the river. The park rangers are quite nice and are great at directions. It’s about a 10 mile drive out to the park from Questa I think so don’t forget your water. (There is a water fountain near the trail though, but I wouldn’t depend on that.)
This is one of the most awesome remote areas in all of new mexico. The canyon just makes it so beautiful.
