Camp at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Questa, New Mexico

4.3/5

based on 3 reviews

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Details

Distance

2.4 miles

Elevation Gain

800 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jason Hatfield

A new and rugged national monument composed of high mountain plains, volcanic cones, and wild rivers.

Created in 2013 from partly existing public lands, The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument encompasses a large amount of land along the Rio Grande River from the Colorado border to south of Taos. Far from any major city, you'll likely enjoy trails to yourself in the morning and few other visitors in the off-season. One of the main activities offered on the monument is white water rafting, but it's also open to backpacking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, and hunting with certain restrictions.

The best area to visit and get an overview of the park is the river gorges surrounding the Wild Rivers Visitors Center. The Sheep Crossing Overlook provides one of the most photographic views in the monument and is along the road to the visitor center. There are numerous primitive and basic campgrounds within the park, visit the park website and select the interactive map to see them all.

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Features

Chillin

Camping

Fishing

Photography

Mountain Biking

Running

Rafting

Snowshoeing

Backpacking

Hiking

Bathrooms

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Groups

Picnic Area

River

Scenic

Wildlife

Reviews

Explorer

Kevin Abernethy

Explorer

Camp at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

04/17/19

If you come here during the off season you will have the isolation you are looking for. There was one other tent set up and we never saw the group. Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise and view of the gorge. We saw several Bighorn Sheep in the area, they walked right through our campsite the second night we were there. There are several campsites in this area of NM, but the gorge gives you a phenomenal view and there are a couple of great trails in the area. And it's dog friendly!!

5.0

Carter Clark

Camp at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

11/25/17

It is definitely worth it to get away from your car and head down the gorge to be closer to the river. This is a great spot and if you find yourself there when its later in autumn, you will have the spot all to yourself.

3.0

Richard White

Camp at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

07/28/16

I spent a weekend here in early summer of last year and loved it. The car accessible campsites are along the lip of the gorge. There are also walk-in campsites at the bottom of the gorge along the river. There are several trails both at the top and the bottom and the views from the top can be quite breath taking. One of my favorite trips last year and a great place to spend a weekend!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Camp at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike Colombine Trail

Relax in Black Rock Hot Springs

Camp at Cuchillo del Medio

Manby Hot Springs

Ski Red River Ski Area

Hike the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge Trail

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