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Rio Grande del Norte National Monument – Image Gallery

Go for a hike and listen for an eagle as it soars above an 800-foot gorge, fish in world-class trout waters, marvel at a herd of elk crossing the desolate plateau, or raft alongside the river otter. You have entered the natural world of the Río Grande del Norte National Monument! The landscape of this special place in northern New Mexico is a showcase of stark, wide open spaces covering 242,500 acres. At an average elevation of 7,000 feet, the monument is dotted by volcanic cones and cut by steep canyons. While the Río Grande carves a deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash, nearby cottonwoods and willows shelter abundant songbirds and waterfowl. An amazing array of wildlife dwells among the piñon and juniper woodlands and the mountaintops of ponderosa, Douglas fir, aspen, and spruce (some 500 years old). Raptors, mule deer, cougar, and black bear are not uncommon. Be alert! At any moment bighorn sheep may appear! Since prehistoric times this area has attracted human activity, as evidenced by petroglyphs, prehistoric dwelling sites, and many other types of archaeological discoveries. Abandoned homesteads from the 1930s reflect more recent activity. On March 25, 2013, a Presidential proclamation designated the area a national monument, managed by the Bureau of Land Management as part of the National Landscape Conservation System. The vintage posters will be available at BLM state offices in both postcard and poster formats within the next few weeks. Requests for paper posters can also be sent to asmall@blm.gov. Please include the word POSTER in the subject line and provide your name, mailing address, and the number and type of poster. Requests are limited to five posters per recipient. 6/17
Rio Grande Gorge
A landscape view at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, a site managed by the Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico, United States.
A landscape view at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, a site managed by the Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico, United States.
A view of the Rio Grande at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, a site managed by the Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico, United States.
A view of the Rio Grande at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, a site managed by the Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico, United States.
Go for a hike and listen for an eagle as it soars above an 800-foot gorge, fish in world-class trout waters, marvel at a herd of elk crossing the desolate plateau, or raft alongside the river otter. You have entered the natural world of the Río Grande del Norte National Monument! The landscape of this special place in northern New Mexico is a showcase of stark, wide open spaces covering 242,500 acres. At an average elevation of 7,000 feet, the monument is dotted by volcanic cones and cut by steep canyons. While the Río Grande carves a deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash, nearby cottonwoods and willows shelter abundant songbirds and waterfowl. An amazing array of wildlife dwells among the piñon and juniper woodlands and the mountaintops of ponderosa, Douglas fir, aspen, and spruce (some 500 years old). Raptors, mule deer, cougar, and black bear are not uncommon. Be alert! At any moment bighorn sheep may appear! Since prehistoric times this area has attracted human activity, as evidenced by petroglyphs, prehistoric dwelling sites, and many other types of archaeological discoveries. Abandoned homesteads from the 1930s reflect more recent activity. On March 25, 2013, a Presidential proclamation designated the area a national monument, managed by the Bureau of Land Management as part of the National Landscape Conservation System. The vintage posters will be available at BLM state offices in both postcard and poster formats within the next few weeks. Requests for paper posters can also be sent to asmall@blm.gov. Please include the word POSTER in the subject line and provide your name, mailing address, and the number and type of poster. Requests are limited to five posters per recipient. 6/17
Rio Grande in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
Road in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
The Río Grande del Norte National Monument was established on March 25, 2013 by Presidential Proclamation. The monument includes approximately 242,500 acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The landscape is comprised of rugged, wide open plains at an average elevation of 7,000 feet, dotted by volcanic cones, and cut by steep canyons with rivers tucked away in their depths. The Río Grande carves an 800 foot deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash. Among the volcanic cones in the Monument, Ute Mountain is the highest, reaching to 10,093 feet. The unique setting of the Monument also provides a wealth of recreational opportunities. Whitewater rafting, hunting, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking are some of the more outstanding activities that can be enjoyed in the Monument. The Wild Rivers Recreation Area at the confluence of the Río Grande and Red River includes campgrounds, scenic viewpoints, and hiking trails. La Junta Point, at Wild Rivers, provides a dramatic vista of the confluence of the two rivers, and is wheelchair accessible. The Orilla Verde Recreation Area includes campgrounds near the river’s edge, as well as boat launches. The Taos Valley overlook provides stunning views and trails for hiking and mountain biking. A major part of the Monument’s acreage lies west of the Río Grande. Here, seclusion is easy to find, with access only on rough dirt tracks or gravel roads. This is where you are most likely to see the vast herds of elk that bring hunters to the region. The Monument includes the Río Grande Wild and Scenic River and Red River Wild and Scenic River, designated by Congress in 1968 to provide present and future visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of rivers in a natural free-flowing state. Learn more: www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/national_monu... Photo: Bob Wick, BLM-California


Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is a stunning landscape of deep canyons, volcanic cones, and the iconic Rio Grande River.

Details

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is located in northern New Mexico, near the town of Taos. This 242,500-acre monument was established in 2013 and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Features:

  • The monument is named after the Rio Grande, which flows through the area, carving out deep canyons and providing habitat for a variety of wildlife.
  • The landscape of the monument is characterized by rugged canyons, volcanic cones, and expansive mesas.
  • There are several designated wilderness areas within the monument, including the Ute Mountain Wilderness and the Orilla Verde Recreation Area.
  • The Rio Grande Gorge, a deep canyon that reaches depths of 800 feet, is a prominent feature of the monument.
  • The monument is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including mule deer, elk, golden eagles, and bighorn sheep.

Ecological Significance:

  • The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument protects important habitat for wildlife and provides corridors for migration and genetic exchange.
  • The monument also serves as a critical watershed, providing water for downstream communities and supporting a variety of ecosystems.
  • The diverse plant communities within the monument help to stabilize soils, prevent erosion, and filter pollutants from the water.
  • The monument is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Overall, the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is a valuable natural resource that provides ecological, recreational, and cultural benefits to the surrounding communities.



Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Points of Interest

Rio Grande Gorge

The Rio Grande Gorge is one of the most iconic features of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. The gorge is a massive canyon carved by the Rio Grande River, with sheer cliffs that drop hundreds of feet to the river below. Visitors can hike along the rim of the gorge for stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape.

Wildlife Viewing

The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and numerous bird species. Visitors can spot wildlife while hiking, camping, or simply driving through the monument. Birdwatchers will especially enjoy the diverse bird populations that can be found in the area.

Rio Grande River

The Rio Grande River runs through the heart of the national monument, providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and rafting. The river is a popular spot for recreation, with calm sections perfect for beginners and more challenging rapids for experienced paddlers. The river also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Taos Plateau

The Taos Plateau is a high desert region within the national monument that features expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can explore the plateau on hiking trails or scenic drives, taking in the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this arid landscape. The plateau is also a great spot for stargazing, with minimal light pollution and clear night skies.

La Junta Overlook

La Junta Overlook is a popular viewpoint within the national monument that offers panoramic views of the confluence of the Rio Grande and Red River. The overlook provides a great vantage point for watching the two rivers merge, as well as for spotting wildlife and taking in the stunning scenery of the surrounding canyons and mesas.



Rio Grande del Norte National Monument – Images

Go for a hike and listen for an eagle as it soars above an 800-foot gorge, fish in world-class trout waters, marvel at a herd of elk crossing the desolate plateau, or raft alongside the river otter. You have entered the natural world of the Río Grande del Norte National Monument! The landscape of this special place in northern New Mexico is a showcase of stark, wide open spaces covering 242,500 acres. At an average elevation of 7,000 feet, the monument is dotted by volcanic cones and cut by steep canyons. While the Río Grande carves a deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash, nearby cottonwoods and willows shelter abundant songbirds and waterfowl. An amazing array of wildlife dwells among the piñon and juniper woodlands and the mountaintops of ponderosa, Douglas fir, aspen, and spruce (some 500 years old). Raptors, mule deer, cougar, and black bear are not uncommon. Be alert! At any moment bighorn sheep may appear! Since prehistoric times this area has attracted human activity, as evidenced by petroglyphs, prehistoric dwelling sites, and many other types of archaeological discoveries. Abandoned homesteads from the 1930s reflect more recent activity. On March 25, 2013, a Presidential proclamation designated the area a national monument, managed by the Bureau of Land Management as part of the National Landscape Conservation System. The vintage posters will be available at BLM state offices in both postcard and poster formats within the next few weeks. Requests for paper posters can also be sent to asmall@blm.gov. Please include the word POSTER in the subject line and provide your name, mailing address, and the number and type of poster. Requests are limited to five posters per recipient. 6/17

Description: Go for a hike and listen for an eagle as it soars above an 800-foot gorge, fish in world-class trout waters, marvel at a herd of elk crossing the desolate plateau, or raft alongside the river otter. You have entered the natural world of the Río Grande del Norte National Monument! The landscape of this special place in northern New Mexico is a showcase of stark, wide open spaces covering 242,500 acres. At an average elevation of 7,000 feet, the monument is dotted by volcanic cones and cut by steep canyons. While the Río Grande carves a deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash, nearby cottonwoods and willows shelter abundant songbirds and waterfowl. An amazing array of wildlife dwells among the piñon and juniper woodlands and the mountaintops of ponderosa, Douglas fir, aspen, and spruce (some 500 years old). Raptors, mule deer, cougar, and black bear are not uncommon. Be alert! At any moment bighorn sheep may appear! Since prehistoric times this area has attracted human activity, as evidenced by petroglyphs, prehistoric dwelling sites, and many other types of archaeological discoveries. Abandoned homesteads from the 1930s reflect more recent activity. On March 25, 2013, a Presidential proclamation designated the area a national monument, managed by the Bureau of Land Management as part of the National Landscape Conservation System. The vintage posters will be available at BLM state offices in both postcard and poster formats within the next few weeks. Requests for paper posters can also be sent to asmall@blm.gov. Please include the word POSTER in the subject line and provide your name, mailing address, and the number and type of poster. Requests are limited to five posters per recipient. 6/17

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

Rio Grande Gorge

Description: Rio Grande Gorge

Image by Daniel Schwen – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

A landscape view at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, a site managed by the Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico, United States.

Description: A landscape view at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, a site managed by the Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico, United States.

Image by AndrewKPepper – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

A landscape view at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, a site managed by the Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico, United States.

Description: A landscape view at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, a site managed by the Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico, United States.

Image by AndrewKPepper – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

A view of the Rio Grande at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, a site managed by the Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico, United States.

Description: A view of the Rio Grande at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, a site managed by the Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico, United States.

Image by AndrewKPepper – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

A view of the Rio Grande at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, a site managed by the Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico, United States.

Description: A view of the Rio Grande at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, a site managed by the Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico, United States.

Image by AndrewKPepper – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Go for a hike and listen for an eagle as it soars above an 800-foot gorge, fish in world-class trout waters, marvel at a herd of elk crossing the desolate plateau, or raft alongside the river otter. You have entered the natural world of the Río Grande del Norte National Monument! The landscape of this special place in northern New Mexico is a showcase of stark, wide open spaces covering 242,500 acres. At an average elevation of 7,000 feet, the monument is dotted by volcanic cones and cut by steep canyons. While the Río Grande carves a deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash, nearby cottonwoods and willows shelter abundant songbirds and waterfowl. An amazing array of wildlife dwells among the piñon and juniper woodlands and the mountaintops of ponderosa, Douglas fir, aspen, and spruce (some 500 years old). Raptors, mule deer, cougar, and black bear are not uncommon. Be alert! At any moment bighorn sheep may appear! Since prehistoric times this area has attracted human activity, as evidenced by petroglyphs, prehistoric dwelling sites, and many other types of archaeological discoveries. Abandoned homesteads from the 1930s reflect more recent activity. On March 25, 2013, a Presidential proclamation designated the area a national monument, managed by the Bureau of Land Management as part of the National Landscape Conservation System. The vintage posters will be available at BLM state offices in both postcard and poster formats within the next few weeks. Requests for paper posters can also be sent to asmall@blm.gov. Please include the word POSTER in the subject line and provide your name, mailing address, and the number and type of poster. Requests are limited to five posters per recipient. 6/17

Description: Go for a hike and listen for an eagle as it soars above an 800-foot gorge, fish in world-class trout waters, marvel at a herd of elk crossing the desolate plateau, or raft alongside the river otter. You have entered the natural world of the Río Grande del Norte National Monument! The landscape of this special place in northern New Mexico is a showcase of stark, wide open spaces covering 242,500 acres. At an average elevation of 7,000 feet, the monument is dotted by volcanic cones and cut by steep canyons. While the Río Grande carves a deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash, nearby cottonwoods and willows shelter abundant songbirds and waterfowl. An amazing array of wildlife dwells among the piñon and juniper woodlands and the mountaintops of ponderosa, Douglas fir, aspen, and spruce (some 500 years old). Raptors, mule deer, cougar, and black bear are not uncommon. Be alert! At any moment bighorn sheep may appear! Since prehistoric times this area has attracted human activity, as evidenced by petroglyphs, prehistoric dwelling sites, and many other types of archaeological discoveries. Abandoned homesteads from the 1930s reflect more recent activity. On March 25, 2013, a Presidential proclamation designated the area a national monument, managed by the Bureau of Land Management as part of the National Landscape Conservation System. The vintage posters will be available at BLM state offices in both postcard and poster formats within the next few weeks. Requests for paper posters can also be sent to asmall@blm.gov. Please include the word POSTER in the subject line and provide your name, mailing address, and the number and type of poster. Requests are limited to five posters per recipient. 6/17

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

Rio Grande in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Description: Rio Grande in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Image by EFreiboth – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Road in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Description: Road in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Image by EFreiboth – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

The Río Grande del Norte National Monument was established on March 25, 2013 by Presidential Proclamation. The monument includes approximately 242,500 acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The landscape is comprised of rugged, wide open plains at an average elevation of 7,000 feet, dotted by volcanic cones, and cut by steep canyons with rivers tucked away in their depths. The Río Grande carves an 800 foot deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash. Among the volcanic cones in the Monument, Ute Mountain is the highest, reaching to 10,093 feet. The unique setting of the Monument also provides a wealth of recreational opportunities. Whitewater rafting, hunting, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking are some of the more outstanding activities that can be enjoyed in the Monument. The Wild Rivers Recreation Area at the confluence of the Río Grande and Red River includes campgrounds, scenic viewpoints, and hiking trails. La Junta Point, at Wild Rivers, provides a dramatic vista of the confluence of the two rivers, and is wheelchair accessible. The Orilla Verde Recreation Area includes campgrounds near the river’s edge, as well as boat launches. The Taos Valley overlook provides stunning views and trails for hiking and mountain biking. A major part of the Monument’s acreage lies west of the Río Grande. Here, seclusion is easy to find, with access only on rough dirt tracks or gravel roads. This is where you are most likely to see the vast herds of elk that bring hunters to the region. The Monument includes the Río Grande Wild and Scenic River and Red River Wild and Scenic River, designated by Congress in 1968 to provide present and future visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of rivers in a natural free-flowing state. Learn more: www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/national_monu... Photo: Bob Wick, BLM-California

Description: The Río Grande del Norte National Monument was established on March 25, 2013 by Presidential Proclamation. The monument includes approximately 242,500 acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The landscape is comprised of rugged, wide open plains at an average elevation of 7,000 feet, dotted by volcanic cones, and cut by steep canyons with rivers tucked away in their depths. The Río Grande carves an 800 foot deep gorge through layers of volcanic basalt flows and ash. Among the volcanic cones in the Monument, Ute Mountain is the highest, reaching to 10,093 feet. The unique setting of the Monument also provides a wealth of recreational opportunities. Whitewater rafting, hunting, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking are some of the more outstanding activities that can be enjoyed in the Monument. The Wild Rivers Recreation Area at the confluence of the Río Grande and Red River includes campgrounds, scenic viewpoints, and hiking trails. La Junta Point, at Wild Rivers, provides a dramatic vista of the confluence of the two rivers, and is wheelchair accessible. The Orilla Verde Recreation Area includes campgrounds near the river’s edge, as well as boat launches. The Taos Valley overlook provides stunning views and trails for hiking and mountain biking. A major part of the Monument’s acreage lies west of the Río Grande. Here, seclusion is easy to find, with access only on rough dirt tracks or gravel roads. This is where you are most likely to see the vast herds of elk that bring hunters to the region. The Monument includes the Río Grande Wild and Scenic River and Red River Wild and Scenic River, designated by Congress in 1968 to provide present and future visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of rivers in a natural free-flowing state. Learn more: www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/national_monu... Photo: Bob Wick, BLM-California

Image by Bureau of Land Management – Public domain – Wikimedia

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