Rio Grande Gorge Rim Road

This rim road follows the edge of the Rio Grande Gorge where the river has carved a 800-foot-deep basalt canyon through the Taos Plateau. The route starts near the famous gorge bridge on Highway 64 and follows rough dirt roads that parallel the canyon rim, offering spectacular views into the gorge and across to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Wild Rivers Recreation Area serves as the northern terminus, where the Rio Grande meets the Red River in a confluence that’s been drawing people for thousands of years. Petroglyphs and ancient campsites dot the rim.

Easy to moderate difficulty with some loose surfaces and a few steep grades, but manageable for any high-clearance vehicle. Spring and fall offer the best conditions and fewer crowds. No permits required for the rim road, though camping requires following BLM regulations. The area can be windy year-round, and afternoon thunderstorms in summer can turn dirt surfaces slippery. Multiple access points allow for shorter day trips or longer expeditions exploring the various canyon overlooks and ancient sites.