Rio Grande Gorge Rim Trail, NM

This one is just great for the mountain bike rider or longer distance trail runner looking to clock some mileage without the need for over the top efforts. Get up early, ideally before sunrise... or go out there late in the day to enjoy a nice sunset, and the miles might just fly by. It is also an ideal hike for some unique canyon sightseeing. That is one deep gorge, and the trail is never very far away from the edge. There is even the occasional bench to sit down on to reflect on the vastness of it all.


Sitting there you may get to observe the rafters or kayakers drifting along far down in the bottom... or wonder about the impressive span bridge (I think the second highest in the USA?)... or if you're out early, see the crazy hot air balloons drifting over then down into the canyon below the rim! I thought they were in trouble then later read in some of their brochures that they offer that bit of excitement and drama as part of their normal ballooning experience. Wow.The trail itself is single or double track winding through the scrub, rarely even knee-high... the entire valley expanse is open to view in addition to the deep view over the edge. This is one of those pick your distance kind of trails. Go out as far as you want, turn around and come back. If you do drift out over 3 miles you may encounter the single tree... it stands out in contrast. The trail can be taken over to Pilar, connecting across the Canyon... setting up a potential car shuttle if desired.

Because of the exposed nature of the trail, it is definitely an early morning or later in the day type of trip. You are at 7,000' and the air is cooler, but the sun will rule on this trail. There is a nice restroom at the trailhead.

It is worth the drive out from Taos to add these trail hours to your trip along this Rio Grand National Wild and Scenic River corridor.

2009-05-12 imike