The Orilla Verde Recreation Area and Trails is part of the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument. Visitors who discover this lesser-known area get to explore without the big crowds. It is a great location for a multitude of outdoor activities as well as dazzling sunrises and sunsets. It is home to a variety of animals including eagles, hawks, beaver, cougar, ringtail, and mule deer. The recreation area is about 800 feet down from the rim of the gorge. Dramatic changes in elevation and a large variety of plant life both add to the striking magnificence of the area. Visit during any season because it is open year-round from 6 am until 10 pm.
Not-to-Be-Missed Trails
The West Rim Trail is a 9-mile one-way easy to moderate trail with fabulous views of the Taos Plateau and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This is favorite for mountain biking.
The Petaca Point Trail is a 4-mile one-way easy to moderate trail that begins off Highway 567 above the Taos Junction Bridge. Along with spectacular views of the bridge, this trail is known for panoramas of the Rio Grande Gorge, Arroyo Petaca, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
A trail affectionately called “The Slide” is a 1.3-mile trek down an old country road to the Taos Junction Bridge.
Pay close attention as you traverse the 1.25-mile one-way La Vista Verde Trail. Unmarked petroglyphs can be found along the easy, sheltered valley walk.
Download a .pdf map of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
Views To Remember
Hoping to spot herds of bighorn sheep on the rocks? They are frequently spotted on the roadside cliffs on the steep switchback road after the La Vista Verde Trail.
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is the tenth highest bridge in the United States. The “Big Bridge” sits approximately 600 feet above the Rio Grande. After watching the bighorn sheep on the switchback road, continue along West Rim Road to State Route 64. This will bring you right across the bridge where you can enjoy sweeping views of the gorge and valleys.
Make a New Four-Legged Friend
One of the best ways to see the area is atop a horse or with a llama. Numerous stables in the area offer adventures along the rims and mesas on horseback. If you prefer to keep your own two feet on the ground, join a llama trek. Whether you are going for a multi-day hike or lunch in the mountains, a friendly llama will carry your gear for you.
More Activities to Enjoy
Half day kayaking trips are available through companies such as New Mexico River Adventures. The Santa Fe Rafting Co. offers a six-mile “Mellow Trip” from Lone Juniper to County Line. If you prefer to venture out on your own, Far Flung Adventures offers rentals of kayaks, rafts, river tubes, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards; they even provide shuttle service.
Take a relaxing river float. The Rio Grande is known for Class II and Class IV rapids. The section that flows through Orilla Verde is a bit more mellow allowing for lazy trips that are good for the whole family.
Bring your lunch on the road. There are seven campgrounds in the Orilla Verde Recreation Area. Each one boasts tables, grills, and restroom facilities. Many bed and breakfasts will provide a brown bag lunch with advance notice. Find a beautiful view and sit for a while as you enjoy your lunch, the scenery, and time with loved ones.
Let your wheels take you where you want to go. Biking is allowed on most of the trails in the Orilla Verde Recreation Area. If traveling with your own bike isn’t feasible, try a half day tour with Far Flung Adventures. They offer excursions along the Rim Trail from May until mid-October.
Try your luck casting for rainbow trout, brown trout, or northern pike. New Mexico fishing licenses and Wildlife Habitat Improvement Validations are available at the Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center.
WHERE TO STAY IN TAOS
There are several NMBBA bed and breakfast inns in the Taos area. Stay a couple nights at each or plan several trips to experience them. Adobe & Pines Inn is a romantic and pet-friendly adobe hacienda. La Doña Luz Inn is an historic bed and breakfast just steps away from the old plaza.
Taos is about 30 minutes from the Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center in Pilar, New Mexico. The Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 8:30am-4:30pm. Hours are shortened to 10 am-2 pm during the winter season of November through mid-April.