About Red River Wild and Scenic River
2025 update: The La Junta Trail is closed until further notice due to unsafe trail conditions. Access to the confluence of the Red River and Río Grande can be reached by hiking down Little or Big Arsenic Trails. The Red River, located within the Río Grande del Norte National Monument, is designated Wild and Scenic for its lower 4 lower miles before it joins with the Río Grande. Flowing out of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico, the Red River was the head of a smaller Rio Grande of ancient times. Scientists believe that some 400,000 years ago, a closed drainage basin with no outflow existed in the San Luis Valley to the north in Colorado. With changes causing the region to become wetter, the lake within this basin overflowed to the south and drained into the Red River. The volume of water continued to increase as it cut through the earth, forming the modern Río Grande Gorge we know today. As a result, the Red River became a tributary and the headwaters of the Río Grande repositioned to central Colorado. The Wild Rivers Recreation Area is on the mesa above the Red River. Exceptional views of the confluence of the Río Grande and Red River is found at the La Junta overlook in the Wild Rivers Recreation Area.
How to Get There
From Taos, follow NM 68 north 7 miles. Take NM 522 approximately 20 miles to Questa. Travel 3 miles past the stoplight in Questa to NM 378. Turn left onto NM 378, then follow the signs about 12 miles west to the Wild Rivers Recreation Area Visitor Center.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Red River Wild and Scenic River
Heading to Red River Wild and Scenic River? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Red River Wild and Scenic River?
No central reservation system listed for Red River Wild and Scenic River. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/15132) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Red River Wild and Scenic River?
From Taos, follow NM 68 north 7 miles. Take NM 522 approximately 20 miles to Questa. Travel 3 miles past the stoplight in Questa to NM 378. Turn left onto NM 378, then follow the signs about 12 miles west to the Wild Rivers Recreation Area Visitor Center.
How do I contact Red River Wild and Scenic River?
You can reach the park at phone: 575-758-8851 or email: blm_nm_tafo_admin@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
