Rio Grande Gorge, Summer Gorgeousness. 07-31-2024
Greetings from San Cristobal (Taos), NM. This week the Rio Grande Gorge in its summer finery and gorgeousness.
My hard drives frequently spin as I search for images to print or supply to art directors and clients. This week was no exception. I came up with a few select photos depicting the gorge that divides the plateau between east and west, with views from the rim and canyon, and the expansive vistas that capture the imagination and stir the soul.
If you miss this view below then you are probably asleep and should wake up or you’re driving at night.
If you prefer to take a detour off the main route you will see the following two locations.
As you ascend a steep dirt road you will encounter this grand view looking south. Remember to engage the parking break.
A short distance on the climb out of the canyon is the Vista Verde Trail. It will take you on a very pleasant hike through lava boulder fields and rocks adorned with indigenous petroglyph art.
… to a bench with an overlook of the Rio Grande.
The west rim trail takes you in a northerly direction on mostly level ground for about 10 miles. You’ll feel the cool breeze as it glances off the canyon walls and catch fabulous 360º sunsets.
Driving the 10 miles, if preferred, will bring you to the high bridge where US Highway 64 crosses the Rio Grande Gorge.
Walking across the bridge looking to the north or south you’ll get wonderful views of the river. Looking east toward the mountains is pretty nice too!
On the same evening from the bridge, this happened.
On another occasion a rainbow over the chasm.
There have been many times I’ve traversed the bridge. It shakes a lot especially when semi-trucks cross it hauling full loads of gravel. Don’t let it prevent you from crossing it yourself, but don’t bother with a tripod. I didn’t.
Lastly, one of my favorite and most popular images was taken on a summer evening from the high bridge in 2009. A horizontal crop is on the cover of my book.
I hope you enjoyed the mini travelog this week. Join me on a photo tour/workshop and I’ll show you around these locations.
Last week I made it to the summit of Gold Hill on my two new feet. 9.8 miles round trip and 3263 elevation gain to 12703′ at the summit. My knees were complaining but I wasn’t. We’ll do Wheeler Peak the highest point in NM (13163′) in a couple of weeks for something a little easier.
![Rio Grande Gorge, Summer Gorgeousness. 07-31-2024 Gold Hill Summit](https://geraintsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/gold_hill_2224-1024x768.jpg)
As always, thank you for looking. I hope you have a good week. G