Wild Rivers

(Questa NM)
Near the town of Questa was Wild Rivers Recreation Area, part of the Río Grande del Norte National Monument. It features the confluence of the Río Grande and Red River gorges viewed from atop a mesa.

Boulder by gorge with distant mountain

View from Wild Rivers Campsite

There were hiking trails along the gorges, and a couple went down to the rivers. I chose to camp along the Red River with a view of the gorge and the pretty Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the distance.

Looking down gorge to river

Going down the trail

My campsite was right next to the trailhead into the Red River gorge. It was an easy 3/4 mile one way hike, with many switchbacks descending about 600 ft to the river. Once down, a trail paralleled the river, where I saw a couple of fly-fishermen trying their luck.

View from trail looking up at cliff

Cliff part way down

I spent some time walking along the river taking photos, and sitting on the rocks to enjoy the cascading water. It was cool down there near the water and under the trees. Then it was time to climb the trail back up.

Rocks and rapids on river

Red River Rapids

I went to several overlooks with views of the gorge, like Chawalauna, Bear Crossing and Chiflo. The trail into the hills that overlooked Questa was skipped on this trip.

Looking down into the gorge

Confluence of rivers from the mesa

Seeing the rivers from way above was a much different experience than the lower gorge at the south end of the monument. The temps were pleasant, and few campers were there when I went in mid-October.

Camp: Wild Rivers NRA-El Aguaje CG (BLM)
Scene: Gorges, rocks, rivers

Also see: Wild Rivers Again

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6 Responses to Wild Rivers

  1. gumo November 2, 2014 at 8:30 pm #

    Beautiful spot I’ve not known about. Thanks. My town had a week long pleinair event in San Angelo, TX. It seemed to go well. Maybe you can attend next year

    • Pleinguy November 2, 2014 at 8:36 pm #

      Wild Rivers is a neat place. Your blog makes SA seem like an interesting place. I may have to visit my next time through TX.

  2. Dragonfly November 2, 2014 at 9:32 pm #

    I have thought Questa looked like a good place to visit, now I know to give it a try when I can.

    • Pleinguy November 2, 2014 at 9:36 pm #

      The town itself is nothing special. But, the area around it has some interesting scenery.

  3. Dizzy-Dick November 3, 2014 at 3:23 am #

    You sure find great scenery to take pictures at. I believe you take pictures through an artist’s eye.

    • Pleinguy November 4, 2014 at 2:20 am #

      Thank you Dick. I appreciate the thought.

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