Rift Valley Loop Trail

If you find yourself in Taos for the weekend, the La Senda del Medio trail is a perfect hike to add to your adventure. About 20 minutes south of town and located in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, this trail follows the Rio Grande for 2.5 miles and connects 5 different campgrounds. The trail begins at Pilar Campground. Your GPS might not take you directly there, but the sign is large an...

Start the drive at the Taos Plaza in downtown Taos. You can drive the whole loop and enjoy the beautiful scenery and small villages along the way. In the spring, there may still be snowfall, making the drive even more beautiful.

The Basics: 8,304 foot Devisadero Peak, which literally translates to "lookout," does not actually provide a great view from its treed summit. However, this lollipop loop hike has many vantage points over the Taos Valley as it snakes up and around this foothill mountain.  To get to the trailhead: From the center stoplight near Taos Plaza, take Kit Carson St (US 64) East out of town. If you're...

Located just Northwest of Taos, New Mexico you can find Hotel Luna Mystica. This is a one of a kind "hotel" site, which is just a site where you can rent out old but renovated trailers to stay in. Have you ever wanted to get a taste of the RV/Trailer life? this is the perfect place to do so. Located right next door is Taos Mesa Brewing Company that often has live music, trivia, and other activi...

Completed in 1965, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is the seventh highest bridge in the United States. The design is a steel deck arch bridge than spans 1280 feet and sits 565 feet high. The bridge has sidewalks and viewpoints of the gorge on each side with parking at the Rio Grande Gorge Rest Area providing the best access. To photograph the bridge and gorge take the trail south of the rest area a...

Drive 12 miles west of Taos, New Mexico on US Hwy 64, and you'll drive directly onto the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge that spans 1,280 feet. There's a rest area to the west of the bridge with a parking lot, sitting area, and if you're lucky like we were, a converted sky blue bus selling homemade desserts and hot chocolate. The parking lot provides direct access to a 6 mile trail out and back along t...