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Great views of the Rio Grande Canyon, the bridge, and occasionally bighorn sheep.


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Map Key

10.1

Miles

16.3

KM

Point to Point

6,988' 2,130 m

High

6,736' 2,053 m

Low

206' 63 m

Up

443' 135 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Description

This is an easy hike along the rim of the Rio Grande gorge. It starts from the Rio Grande Gorge Rest Area off Highway 64.

Mostly it's a doubletrack that follows the gorge south never more than a few feet from the edge. Particularly in the first half mile or so, there are a number of short side trails that lead to overlooks right on the rim down into the gorge. Several of these feature views of the Gorge Bridge with Wheeler Peak and the surrounding mountains in the background.

If you progress further south along the trail, you'll leave the hordes taking pictures of the bridge and have a good chance to see some bighorn sheep. The doubletrack ends at a parking area after 9.5 miles.

West Rim trail continues as a singletrack until it reaches NM 567 and the intersection with the Petaca Point Trail. Continuing a short distance down the road towards the gorge at this point leads to an overlook with a great view of the confluence of the Rio Grande and Rio Pueblo de Taos.

Also in the area, you'll want to do the La Vista Verde Trail, which heads through a valley above the Rio Grande, terminating at another overlook on the river.

Flora & Fauna

Bighorn sheep, cacti...

Contacts

Shared By:

Lost Justpastnowhere

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 6 votes

#12103

Overall
  3.8 from 6 votes
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Trail Rankings

#181

in New Mexico

#12,103

Overall
54 Views Last Month
4,328 Since Nov 30, 2017
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Photos

Bighorn Sheep on the rim of the Rio Grande Canyon
Dec 2, 2017 near Arroyo…, NM
The HWY 64 bridge over the Rio Grande from West Rim trail
Dec 2, 2017 near Arroyo…, NM
Rio Grande Gorge near Taos, NM.
Dec 27, 2017 near Arroyo…, NM
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.
Dec 27, 2017 near Arroyo…, NM
Overlooking the gorge from the West Rim Trail.
Dec 27, 2017 near Taos, NM
Big horn sheep!
Dec 27, 2017 near Ranchos…, NM
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 61 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 23, 2024
Anna D
Nov 4, 2021
Ashleigh Shunk
May 27, 2021
Joseph Robinson
Mar 14, 2021
Rose Elizabeth
5mi — 1h 44m
Sep 16, 2018
Julia DeVito
Went 2.6 miles and then turned around since the terrain was pretty stagnant. Still a pretty hike but bring sunscreen! 5.2mi
Sep 1, 2018
Manuela Sifuentes
Aug 7, 2018
Diana B
Easy to access from good parking with facilities. Some protruding rocks but manageable in hiking sandals. Awesome views but NO shade, hot by midday 3mi — 1h 30m
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