The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge / Northern New Mexico

Very often when people are vacationing in Santa Fe New Mexico they take a drive up to Taos to explore that scenic art community and world renown resort. Depending on how many stops you make along the way, the drive to Taos takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.


The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is a fascinating steel structure spanning the Rio Grande River 10 miles northwest of Taos New Mexico. The bridge is 1,280 feet in length and rises about 650 feet over the Rio Grande River. The Rio Grande Gorge bridge was dedicated in September 1965. It is the third highest bridge in the U.S. The two higher spans are the Royal Gorge Bridge (1053 ft) over the Arkansas river in Colorado and the New River Gorge Bridge (876 ft) over the New River in West Virginia.

Taos County, NM

Needless to say, the scenery around the bridge is breathtaking, especially when you view the gorge from the middle of the bridge. When you look down and see the Rio Grande River it appears to be a little strip of water winding it's way through the gorge. It's a terrific picture taking opportunity. The photo shown below is of the Rio Grande Gorge as taken from the middle of the bridge. The bridge is on Route 64 which is one of the more traveled roads between New Mexico and Colorado to the north. The area geologic formations are quite spectacular and ancient Native American petroglyphs are found along the walls of the gorge.

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is one of America's highest spans. The bridge is also historic having received the American Institute of Steel Construction’s award for “Most Beautiful Long Span Steel Bridge” of 1966. In 1997 the bridge was also added to the list National Register of Historic Places. You will also have easy access to walk across the bridge during your visit with ample parking areas located on both sides of the bridge. The bridge was designed well for pedestrian traffic. While the bridge is in a relatively remote area it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in northern New Mexico. Several motion picture scenes have been shot at the bridge and the vistas which abound make the site very popular with artists and photographers.

A visit to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge makes an excellent side trip during your visit to Taos. Taos offers a fine selection of art galleries, restaurants in all price ranges, the Kit Carson Home and Museum and the famous Taos Pueblo just a couple of miles north of town. During the summer months there is a good deal rafting on the Rio Grande both white water rafting and the more relaxing variety. The gorge area of the river is the best for white water rafting enthusiasts.The steep pocketed ridges on the gorge walls make the area very popular with some rock climbers.

To reach the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge from Taos, drive north out of town on Route 64 and follow it as it turns westward about 4 miles north of Taos. It's about another 6 miles. It makes a good addition to your New Mexico vacation planner. Well worth the effort to see it.


(Photos are from author's private collection. Map is public domain)