Rio Grande del Norte

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument protects 242,500 acres of dramatic volcanic landscape bisected by the Rio Grande Gorge in northern New Mexico. The monument encompasses the deep basalt gorge carved by the river, the surrounding volcanic plateau, and remote wilderness reaching to the Colorado border. This landscape of ancient volcanoes, wide-open spaces, and the dramatic gorge offers wilderness experiences within sight of Taos.

The diverse habitats support mule deer, elk, pronghorn, and various small mammals. Golden eagles nest on gorge cliffs while peregrine falcons have been reintroduced. The Rio Grande supports native Rio Grande cutthroat trout in tributary streams. Mountain lions roam the remote northern sections. The mix of river, gorge, plateau, and mountain creates exceptional wildlife diversity.

Sagebrush steppe dominates the volcanic plateau, with big sagebrush and various native grasses covering vast areas. Pinyon-juniper woodland covers higher terrain near Cerro de Guadalupe. The gorge's microclimates support riparian vegetation along the river and varied plant communities on north- and south-facing slopes. The plateau's harsh conditions limit tree growth to sheltered areas.

The Rio Grande carved its 800-foot-deep gorge through successive basalt lava flows over the past 5 million years. The Taos Plateau volcanic field produced the basalt from eruptions of numerous cinder cones and shield volcanoes. The gorge exposes layer after layer of these flows. Cerro de Guadalupe and Ute Mountain represent larger volcanic features within the monument.

The high elevation (7,000+ feet) produces cold winters with significant snow and short, warm summers. Strong winds sweep the exposed plateau year-round. Annual precipitation averages 10-12 inches, with summer monsoons and winter snow. Temperature extremes between day and night are common. The exposed terrain magnifies weather impacts on visitors.

Human presence spans over 10,000 years, with archaeological sites throughout the monument. Puebloan peoples used the gorge and plateau, leaving petroglyphs and village ruins. Spanish colonists established villages nearby, grazing livestock on the plateau. The Denver and Rio Grande Railway planned but never built tracks through the gorge. Recent decades brought increasing recreation pressure.

President Obama established Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in 2013, fulfilling a decade of local advocacy. The Bureau of Land Management administers the monument, managing existing uses including grazing and recreation while protecting the landscape. The Wild Rivers Recreation Area, transferred from BLM management, provides the most developed visitor facilities.

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (US Highway 64) offers dramatic views 650 feet above the river. Wild Rivers Recreation Area provides trails descending to the river confluence with the Red River. The West Rim Trail follows the gorge edge for 9 miles. Remote areas offer wilderness hiking and backpacking. Rafting and kayaking on the Rio Grande range from scenic floats to challenging whitewater.

Wild Rivers Recreation Area offers campgrounds, trails, and visitor facilities. The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge provides the most accessible viewing. Much of the monument has no developed facilities, requiring self-reliance. Access is via various routes from Taos and Questa. The BLM Field Office in Taos provides information and river use permits for commercial and private boaters.

The monument protects important wildlife habitat and connectivity in the Southern Rocky Mountain region. Traditional grazing continues under managed permits. Wilderness character preservation guides management of roadless areas. Cultural resource protection addresses archaeological sites threatened by erosion and vandalism. Recreation management balances access with resource protection.