The trails that comprise the Wild Rivers Recreation Area offer access to a multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as to the depths of the Rio Grande gorge. The trails are located within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument and some follow along the Rio Grande and Red River Wild and Scenic Rivers.
For a mellow day of fun with the whole family, be sure to check out the scenic trails atop the rim. From the rim, you’ll be able to admire the beauty and raw power of the Rio Grande River as it carves its way through the Rio Grande Gorge and gaze upon the ancient, volcanic cones looming up from the Monument.
If you’re looking for a more rugged adventure or a physical challenge, the trails that descend into the Gorge will be sure to test your stamina and grit. Starting on the rim, most trails quickly take you down 800-feet into the canyon below along steep, rocky, and uneven surfaces.
Be Prepared:
While hiking into the Rio Grande Gorge is optional, hiking back out is not. The trails into the gorge are short, but what they lack in length they make up for in steepness and are considered difficult.
Safety Tips:
- Bring plenty of water and electrolytes (more than you think you’ll need)
- Bring plenty of snacks (more than you think you’ll need)
- Give yourself ample daylight to hike out: plan on the hike out taking twice as long as the hike in
- Don’t hike into the gorge alone: bring a buddy and leave an itinerary with a trusted friend back home
- Temperatures at the bottom of the gorge can be hotter than temperatures on the rim
Fees:
- Day Use: $3.00/day per vehicle
- An annual day use pass, good for the calendar year, is available for $20
- America the Beautiful passes can be used and can be purchased at the Visitor Center
- Camping: $7.00/night for up to two vehicles with a max of two vehicles and 10 people per site
- Additional vehicles may park in day use parking for $3.00/day
- Annual day use passes do not apply to camping fees
- Wild Rivers Inner Gorge Primitive Campsites: $5.00/night
How to Get There and Where to Park:
The Wild Rivers Recreation Area is located just north of Questa.
From the one traffic light in Questa, travel north on NM 522 for approximately 2.5 miles and turn left on State Road 378; the Visitor Center is about 12.2 miles from the turnoff.
Visitor Center: 1120 Cerritos Road, NM-378 (36.680592, -105.672875)
Parking: There are many day-use areas and pull-offs, see map below.
Trail System:
All trails are open to non-motorized users: hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
Popular Trails:
- Big Arsenic Trail:
- Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Description: The Big Arsenic trail is rated difficult due to its drastic change in elevation over such a short distance (680′ in 1 mile) and rocky, uneven terrain. Your efforts will be rewarded if you do decide to partake in this rugged adventure for at the end of the trail, you’ll be able to marvel at petroglyphs left behind by ancient peoples. The most well-known and prominent petroglyphs are carved into a large boulder and depict ungulates, human-like figures, and countless other symbols.
- Little Arsenic Trail:
- Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Description: The Little Arsenic trail is rated difficult due to its even more drastic change in elevation over such a short distance (760′ in 1 mile) and rocky, uneven terrain. This trail quickly takes you into the deepest depths of the Rio Grande Gorge and to some of the most prized fishing waters of the Rio Grande. Deep pools are home to chunky rainbows, hybridized cutbows, and aggressive browns eager to gulp down your fly.
- Rinconada Loop Trail:
- Distance: 6.1 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Description: The Rinconada Loop Trail is a moderately distanced loop with very little elevation gain or loss. Most of the trail is wide enough to accommodate easy passing of trail users, has long sightlines, and no technical features making it the perfect trail for folks of any ability level. The trail gently undulates through pinyon-juniper forest and open expanses of sagebrush with awe-inspiring views of ancient volcanic cones.
- Las Vistas de Questa Trail:
- Distance: 6.9 miles (one way)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Description: The Las Vistas de Questa Trail is popular amongst mountain bikers. The trail is best suited for intermediate riders and above due to loose scree fields, technical rock fields, punchy climbs, and steep switchbacks. For hikers, the trail can be done one-way as a shuttle or can be done as an out-and-back to make for a lengthy yet satisfying day hike
Adventures Awaits All Year Long
The Wild Rivers Recreation Area can be enjoyed in just about any season. Visiting in the winter offers a unique perspective and a vastly different experience than visiting in the warmer months. Despite seeming like a dry desert, the area can get a decent amount of snow and snowshoes may be necessary at times. If you do decide to visit in winter, taking microspikes, trekking poles, and a healthy dose of caution is highly recommended. The trail is often icy and steep with uneven footing.
