Rio Grande Gorge

— Taos is a favorite hangout place of ours. We like it so much that it was where we got married a few years ago. Depending on which direction you’re coming into town, chances are even if you don’t pass the Rio Grande Gorge on your way into town, you will make a special trip there to visit this spectacular area. We’ve been there a few times at different times of the year. Each single visit is special. I remember that the first time on that bridge, the wind was extremely strong. We had to hold on to the rails to feel totally safe while walking on the bridge. Any time you go, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are there watching over you. This gorge is 800 feet (240 m) deep and runs approximately 50 miles (80 km) in length, going from northwest to southeast of Taos in New Mexico. This bridge over the gorge is about 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Taos and rises 565 feet (172 m) above the Rio Grande with a span of 1,280 feet (390 m). There are hiking trails in the area, with some trails even leading down to the bottom of the gorge. The photo above was made on the bridge, whereas the two shots below were taken from the trails along the gorge. Incidentally, the gorge has Class II to Class V white water rapids.