Wild Rivers Back Country Scenic Byway

This Back Country Scenic Byway follows the Rio Grande Gorge. The Sangre De Cristo mountains to the east and volcanic mountains to the west add beautiful variety to the countryside. The Gorge plunges 800 feet at its deepest point and gapes up to a mile across at its widest point. Trails lead down into the Gorge where the adventurous can explore. One can also stay topside and explore nature's wonders there.

Getting to the Byway: From Taos travel north on NM 68 (Paseo del Pueblo Norte) to the beginning of NM 522 and drive north for 20 miles to the village of Questa. Continue north on 522 for an additional 3 miles and make a left turn onto NM 378, following signs for Wild Rivers Recreation Area. You will drive through the community of Cerro; the Byway begins at the west end of town. If you are coming from Red River, travel west on NM 38 to Questa, turn right (north) onto NM 522, and follow directions above. If you are coming in from Colorado, continue south from the State Line for 18 miles and turn left onto NM 378. Navigating the Byway: The byway begins a few miles north of the town of Questa on Highway 522. Turn northwest onto the byway and continue past the town of Cerro, where the byway curves southwest and follows the Rio Grande Gorge to its junction with the Red River, where the byway ends.