Wild Rivers Recreation Area
Update February 2025: Currently there is no water available at the campgrounds. Please refer back to this page or contact the Taos Field Office for further updates.
The Wild Rivers Recreation Area is located within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument and along the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River and Red River Wild and Scenic River. Here visitors may experience the beauty of an 800-foot deep canyon sliced into volcanic flows by the Rio Grande (Spanish for Big River) and Red River where they come together.
The canyon ecosystem descends 800 feet from rim to river, creating a unique diversity in plant and animal life. Ancient pinon and juniper forests include 500 year-old trees. Watchable wildlife opportunities include mule deer, big horn sheep, elk, red-tailed hawk, and mountain blue-bird. The climate is semi-arid with summer thunderstorms common in July and August, and snow possible from November through March. Summer temperatures range from 45 to 90 degrees F and in winter from -15 to 45 degrees F.
Located in the high plains of northern New Mexico, this area is rich with history, rugged beauty, and enticing recreational opportunities. A back country byway, visitor center, campgrounds, picnic facilities, and trails are available for visitors. Several spectacular overlooks are found here, including La Junta Point, one of the most dramatic views in the state, overlooking the confluence of the Red River and the Rio Grande -- and it is wheelchair accessible.
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
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Trails are steep and hiking can be strenuous, most have an elevation gain anywhere between 300 – 800 feet and are two miles or more roundtrip. A parking area, some interpretive signage, and water spigots can be found at most trailheads.
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To safely navigates these trails, visitors need to be able to handle steep, sometimes technical trail sections, have sturdy shoes, and be able to carry drinking water in various weather condition
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Fees
Self-service pay stations are located at developed camping, picnic and trailhead areas.
- Day Use: $3.00/day per vehicle.
- An annual day use pass, good for the calendar year, is available for $20.00.
- America the Beautiful passes can also be bought here.
- Camping: $7.00/night for up to two vehicles. Maximum two vehicles and 10 people per site.
- Additional vehicles may park in day use parking for $3.00/day.
- Annual day use passes do not apply to camping fees.
- Wild Rivers Inner Gorge Primitive campsites: $5.00/night.
- Wild Rivers, La Junta, and Aguaje group shelters: $30.00 per day, $40.00 per night.
- Group shelter reservations are made by submitting a request through BLM_NM_TAFO-Admin@blm.gov.
Facilities
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Wild Rivers Zimmerman Visitor Center
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Currently open only Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. due to staff shortages. Additional open days TBD depending on staffing. Inclement winter weather may impact these hours.
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For more information, contact the Taos Field Office at 575-758-885.
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Update February 2025: Currently there is no water available at the campgrounds. Please refer back to this page or contact the Taos Field Office for further updates.
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El Aguajae Campground
- 10 campsites, two vault toilets, and two-day Use Parking areas.
- Recreational vehicles and small RV's under 20ft can fit in driveways.
- El Aguaje Group shelter which accommodates up to 30 people. Reservations are made by submitting a request through. BLM_NM_TAFO-Admin@blm.gov.
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La Junta Campground
- 3 campsites, one vault toilet, five picnic tables, one Day Use Parking areas, and a Scenic Overlook.
- Recreational vehicles and small RV's under 20ft can fit in driveways.
- La Junta group shelter, which accommodates up to 50 people. Reservations are made by submitting a request through BLM_NM_TAFO-Admin@blm.gov.
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Montoso Campground
- 4 campsites and one vault toilet.
- Recreational vehicles and small RV's under 20ft can fit in driveways.
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Little Arsenic Campground
- 5 campsites, two vault toilets, and a horse trailer parking lot.
- Recreational vehicles and small RVs under 20ft can fit in driveways.
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Big Arsenic Campground
- 8 campsites, two vault toilets, and a Day Use Parking area.
- Recreational vehicles and small RVs under 20ft can fit in driveways.
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Wild Rivers Inner Gorge Primitive campsites
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16 primitive campsites are located in the canyon. There are also two large group camping sites.
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The hike is steep and strenuous and the canyon may flood during/after inclement weather. Camp here at your own risk.
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Nearby Amenities
- The nearest location to acquire food, gas, and water is ~15 miles away in Questa, NM via NM-378 E.
Season/Hours
- Open year-round.
- Day Use Hours -- 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
SPECIAL RULES
- Campfires are allowed in grills or firepans only. Please do not leave your fire unattended. Camp stoves are recommended.
- Firewood collection is prohibited.
- Firewood is available for purchase at the Visitor Center or from a Camp Host.
- Firewood collection is prohibited.
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Sites and artifacts dating back many centuries have been found within the Recreation Area. Please protect these valuable resources of the past.
- Removal or disturbance of these artifacts destroys valuable information and is punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.
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Discharge of fireworks, firearms, or any other explosives is prohibited within or around any of the recreation sites.
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Pack out what you pack in! Please use the trash and aluminum receptacle cans and help us keep Wild Rivers clean.
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Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets are not permitted in freshwater springs.
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Boating – Boating in this area can be extremely hazardous, requiring superior whitewater skills and specialized equipment. River access requires hiking boats and equipment into the gorge.
- All boaters must register by calling the River Program at the Taos Field Office 575-758-8851 prior to launching.
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Fishing – Río Grande anglers are challenged by Río Grande Cutthroat, brown, and rainbow trout, as well as northern pike. The Red River supports a fishery of rainbow trout stocked by the Red River Fish Hatchery located upstream of the Recreation Area. To improve trout fisheries, Special Fishing Regulations are in effect.
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All anglers must have a valid New Mexico fishing license and a Wildlife Habitat Improvement Validation in their possession. Fishing licenses are sold in Questa. The daily bag and possession limit is 4 fish per license holder.
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Hunting - Most of the Recreation Area is closed to hunting (except for the Guadalupe Mountains area).
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Hunters are responsible for knowing where/when they are permitted to hunt.
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BROCHURES, MAPS, AND PUBLICATIONS
Wildlife in Area
- Bighorn sheep
- Deer
- Elk
- Bats
- Rainbow trout
- Northern pike
- Golden eagle
- Red-tailed hawks
Phone
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
The Visitor Center is located in Cerro, NM, at 1120 Cerritos Road (NM-378). Go north from Questa on NM 522 and turn left on State Road 378; the Visitor Center is about 17 miles from the turn off on the left.
Fees
Yes