What Is the Rio Grande Gorge in New Mexico and Why Is It Historic?

Q: What Is the History of the John Dunn Bridge Over the Rio Grande?

The John Dunn Bridge is now known as the starting point for our full-day Lower Taos Box rafting trip. In the early 1900s, it was also a vibrant rest stop for travelers, featuring hotels, bars, and hot springs. The current bridge—its third iteration—was built in the 1930s and remains a gateway to recreation and river access in Arroyo Hondo.

Q: Why Is the Rio Grande in New Mexico Designated a Wild & Scenic River?

In 1968, the Rio Grande was designated under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to protect its free-flowing character and natural integrity. In 2013, the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument was also established to safeguard its cultural, geological, and ecological value for future generations.

Q: How Can You Explore the Rio Grande Gorge in New Mexico Today?

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, located just 10 miles northwest of Taos, offers breathtaking views from 650 feet above the river. Nearby areas like the Wild Rivers Recreation Area and Orilla Verde provide opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and riverside relaxation. You can also join us for a guided rafting trip to experience the gorge from the water.

The Rio Grande in New Mexico is a vast canyon that starts near the New Mexico-Colorado border and stretches over 50 miles ending just southeast of Taos, New Mexico. This impressive geological formation which is well known for its unique whitewater thrills also holds an incredible ecological, historical, and cultural significance to the area. Since we spend many of our days on the Rio Grande River, the Gorge holds a special place in our hearts.

What Is the Rio Grande in New Mexico and Why Is It Historic?

Historically, the Puebloans and other Southwestern peoples relied on and enjoyed the Rio Grande as much as we do today. Through the gorge walls, there are many places to see petroglyphs or ancient rock art that have been left by people for thousands of years! In the several native languages, there are different names for the river such as Posoge meaning “big” or “great” river in the Tewa language. The name we are most familiar with, Rio Grande, which means “big river” in Spanish, came into use in the early 16th century when the Spanish began occupying the area of Northern New Mexico.

Rio Granda New Mexico - Geology of the Rio Grande Gorge

How Was the Rio Grande Gorge Formed in New Mexico?

Millions of years ago, this area of New Mexico was undergoing a lot of geological changes such as earthquakes and lava flows which created a valley called the “Rio Grande Rift Valley.” The river followed the path of the valley and over time carved it deeper and deeper to create the gorge we know today.

What Is the History of the John Dunn Bridge Over the Rio Grande?

Most people know the John Dunn Bridge as the beginning of the magnificent, full-day Lower Taos Box trip, or maybe as a great place to enjoy the afternoon fishing, rock-climbing, or soaking in hot springs. You would be surprised to know that there was more to the history of the Rio Grande. In the early 1900s this area was also bustling with bars, restaurants, and hotels where people stopped to soak and relax during their long journeys in the West. The bridge you can see today is the third of its kind dating back to the 1930s!

Why Is the Rio Grande in New Mexico Designated a Wild & Scenic River?

In 1968, the Rio Grande was one of the eight rivers included in President Johnson’s original National Wild and Scenic River Act. This conservation designation ensured that rivers protected under the act would be maintained undammed and free-flowing to protect the ecological and historic integrity of the area.

In 2013, the Obama administration created the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument which further protects our beautiful gorge for its historical, cultural, and environmental importance.

How Can You Explore the Rio Grande Gorge in New Mexico Today?

Ten miles northwest of Taos on Highway 64, The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, hovers 650 feet above the gorge giving you some jaw-dropping views.

Located at the confluence of the Rio Grande and Red River, the Wild River Recreation area near Questa, New Mexico provides beautiful overlooks and great hiking trails as you explore the 800-foot gorge.

Orilla Verde Recreation Area near Pilar, New Mexico has great opportunities for boating, hiking, fishing, camping, or even just taking time to relax by the river.

Book a trip with New Mexico River Adventures on the Rio Grande River! Whether you are looking to experience the exhilarating class IV whitewater of the Lower Taos Box or the scenic and relaxing Orilla Verde, let us guide you down the Rio Grande in New Mexico! Be sure to check out one of our most popular full-day trips, Rafting on the Rio Grande. Families and friend groups from far and wide join us every whitewater season to witness this spectacular river. We hope you will consider joining us and we can’t wait to see you on the river!

Rio Grande FAQs

Where is the Rio Grande Gorge in New Mexico located?

At New Mexico River Adventures, we guide trips through the Rio Grande Gorge just outside of Taos, New Mexico. This stretch of the Rio Grande cuts through a breathtaking volcanic plateau and is part of the federally protected Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, located in northern New Mexico near the Colorado border.

How was the Rio Grande Gorge formed?

The Rio Grande Gorge is a geologic masterpiece created by millions of years of tectonic activity and erosion. Unlike typical river canyons, this gorge formed along the Rio Grande Rift, where volcanic basalt and shifting plates created its dramatic walls—making it one of the most unique landscapes we raft through.

What is the historical significance of the John Dunn Bridge?

The John Dunn Bridge spans the Rio Grande near Arroyo Hondo and marks an important cultural and transportation point in northern New Mexico. We often pass this site on our way to river access points. Once home to a trading post and hot springs resort, it’s now a popular launch point for both locals and our guests.

Why was the Rio Grande in New Mexico designated as a Wild & Scenic River?

As local river guides, we’re proud to operate on a section of the Rio Grande that’s been designated as Wild & Scenic. This national protection ensures that the river remains free-flowing and undeveloped—preserving its natural beauty, recreational value, and cultural importance for future generations.

How can I explore the Rio Grande Gorge in New Mexico with New Mexico River Adventures?

At New Mexico River Adventures, we offer professionally guided rafting trips through the most iconic stretches of the Rio Grande Gorge, including the adrenaline-filled Taos Box and the family-friendly Racecourse run. Whether you’re looking for a scenic float or high-adventure whitewater, we make it easy to experience the best of the Rio Grande in New Mexico.