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Just 17 minutes from Taos, you're driving along flatlands until you come across a steel bridge floating above a 650 ft deep gorge.
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 the ridge line. The dirt path makes for an easy stroll and mountain biking trail. Look down in the gorge and you may be able to spot Bighorn sheep perched expertly along the crumbling rocks.
The official Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center is 34 minutes or 17 miles directly south of the west rest area on US 64 and two backroads. Or, you can access it 16 miles or 25 minutes southwest of Taos on US 68. There, you can learn more about the geography and history behind the gorge and bridge construction, as well as pick up books and souvenirs.