I hate that we couldn't access the sidewalk to be on the bridge. The area next to it does have parking but it is limited. They have a nice trail you can walk on and different areas to take cool photos. The best part is that it is free. They also have vendors selling goods in the parking lot. read more

See all

Located about 10 miles from Taos, NM stands this majestic bridge! While on vacation, we decided to come see the gorge, the Rio Grande River, and the bridge that spans it. And what a sight it was to behold! We parked in the Rio Grande Gorge Rest Area. The bridge & gorge are viewable from here. There are sheltered picnic tables and restrooms here. In 1963 the bridge was started and was completed in 1965. It is part of the US Highway 64. There are three spans connected to create one bridge 1,280 feet long (two 300-foot-long approach spans with a 600-foot-long main center span). September of 2012, the bridge underwent a $2.4 restoration which included structural steelwork, a new concrete deck surface, new sidewalks, ramps, curbs, and gutters. We were unable to walk out onto the bridge, but we did walk out to the rim. The dirt path was easy to navigate. Once near the rim, it becomes rocky and there is no barrier to keep you safe from falling off the edge, so watch your step! Since I am not very steady of my feet, I didn't go out as far as I would have liked to. A few more steps and I would have had a better view, but I stopped. Sadly, the bridge was closed to pedestrians in Sept. 2025 due to suicides. I feel that by not getting to walk across the bridge, my experience was hindered. I would have loved to get a full head on view of the gorge! For me, having the view from here would have been safer and more ideal! You've probably seen this bridge since it has appeared in a few movies including Natural Born Killers, Twins, White Sands, She's Having a Baby, The Signal, Paul, Vacation, Wild Hogs, and Terminator Salvation. Locals call this bridge the "High Bridge" or the "Gorge Bridge". It is the seventh highest bridge in the U.S. It is located in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. If we make it back here in the future, I hope we will be able to walk to the center of the bridge! read more

See all

Nice bridge to look at and very easy to get to. There's lots of shielded tables so you can bring things and relax with a nice view. Nothing to go out of your way for, but still a nice area nonetheless. Pets also enjoyed the area. I saw some people walking the bridge and I would've liked to do that if we had more time. Would've been fun to see the what view you get from the bridge itself (not driving). read more

See all

A good stop here: for bathroom break, bridge and a little shopping. I bought two items from two different vendors. Some vendors do sell high. Our tour manager said we could bargain and I did: one gave me 20% off and one didn't. Both of them accept cc but charge a small fee. read more

See all

Being from Colorado and having been to the Royal Gorge bridge in Cañon City many times, I didn't think this area would rival it but it sure comes close! Wow! The views are spectacular! The sad part of this little park and bridge is that you cannot currently walk out onto the bridge and view from the platform area, due to recent tragic suicides there. With that being said, you can still get views and look down at the river below, just from a fenced side. Don't let that stop you from visiting. It's totally worth it. Parking is tricky due to the popularity, as well as vendors from nearby Taos Pueblo selling their beautiful products in the lot. Space is limited. There are restrooms and picnic areas for those making a quick stop. I drove here from El Prado and it took around 17 minutes. Definitely must visit if you are in the area. read more

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - Views from the corner of bridge near boundary of fenced area - Parks Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

See all

If you're in Taos, this is a must visit. The parking area is a jumping off point for hikes along the gorge rim but can also just serve as a mellow stop for scenic views and a short walk across the bridge itself. The lot had some local vendors (crystals and jewelry-some cool people to chat with before enjoying the views and the overlook of the bridge. I went close to 6 pm so the gorge was mostly shaded and didn't photo well but it was still awe inspiring. The bridge itself has a paved walkway and wasn't too heavily trafficked, car wise. It does shake a bit but that's a good think! Very fun and easy stop near Taos. read more

See all

Stunning sight, and well worth the visit! Nice to use this place as a rest stop, with bathrooms, shaded picnic tables, and grassy areas for your pooch! The path to the bridge is short, but a little rocky! Don't miss it! read more

See all

Hello nature and architecture lovers... Definitely put the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge on your bucket list. I hadn't visited this wondrous site near Taos, New Mexico in over twenty years, so I decided March 20, 2024 at around 1PM was about time. That time of day shadows do not cast over the river which I personally enjoyed for my photos. There is a lot that needs dire attention to its parking lines and a few other repairs on the west entrance. Otherwise you'll have to parking in a muddy or gravel area on the east side if you'd like to walk on the bridge. I was highly irritated with the folks selling random items across the larger parking lot because visitors just darted right out in front of me with their kids and dogs with no eye contact made with me. So be careful. All free parking. Free entrance into Rio Grande Gorge State Park as well. It's scary as hell when an overloaded semi truck rolls through and you're staring into the rushing green-blue river below. Still worth it! read more

See all

What a cool place! So beautiful, and an amazing sight to see. It's almost unbelievable they could build something like this so long ago...! It's breathtaking being in the middle of the span and looking down, got a bit queasy there, had to hold onto the handrail walking back! A bit annoying was the phone in the middle of the bridge, beeping busy signal, on the suicide hotline! Kind of ironic... LOL A beautiful sight to see if you're in the area, very few places like this in the US. Recommend you stop and visit! PS There are a handful of vendors on the west end of the bridge, nice jewelry, pictures, etc. read more

See all

Apart from preservation related issues, I rarely understand less than 5 star reviews for nature lol. How you gunna hate on nature? IMO, this scenic spot is an absolutely must if you're visiting in nearby Taos, but if I had to nitpick, I feel the beauty of your experience here may or may not be weather dependent (so plan accordingly), and in accordance in how this spot met your expectations. That being said, let's set expectation! A few notes when planning your visit: *we observed 2 visitor parking lots (one on either side of the gorge). I'm guessing one is official (dawned with signs and public restrooms, similar to a roadside stop), and one is not. We parked in the "possibly unofficial" lot amongst others and were fine. Parking is free. Visitation is free. *unless you're hiking (which I'm not sure they allow/to extent), this stop might be relatively quick (30 min-1hour) as there aren't activities to keep you busy *bonus points if you visit during sunset! This area is breathtaking during sunrise and set. Come earlier than you think (we sadly ended up only catching the tail end of the sunset.) * If you're risk averse, you can try your hand at frogger and cross the busy road that divides the access points to view both sides of the gorge. *accessibility note: If you want the centercut view of the Rio, a short walk/roll is required. The sidewalk hugs the road, the only median being its elevation from the roadside, so with multiple folks/families walking, there is some maneuvering required that makes some (including myself) uncomfony! Worth a trip? I say yes, but I hope this perspective will be helpful as you decide. read more

See all

Restrooms seem like they should be a little bit more for the amount of traffic this attraction brings. They only have two stalls in the women's restroom. Otherwise there always seems to be vendors in the rest area and it's a really nice place to stop and have a picnic. The views can't be beat when crossing the bridge. It's an absolute musty stop if you're close enough when passing through or around this part of New Mexico. I believe there's even a hiking path somewhere to hike all the way down the gorge. I honestly don't have experience in that at this point. However, I have stopped multiple times in the area to take the views and chance seeing some of the mountain sheep climbing the sides of the gorge. read more

See all

The whole Taos experience left me scratching my head. I don't understand the hype. It was the most disappointing experience of our trip. The town, the unesco heritage site, the high road drive (I enjoyed the low road much more) and the bridge. It was ok, the bridge and the view. But after seeing the rio grande over the Overlook Point near Los Alamos, which was spectacular and awe inspiring, this doesn't compare. read more

What a great drive and views. Worth the short jaunt outside Taos city limits to see this wonder of nature. read more

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - Parks Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

A roughly 30 minute activity, and worth the stop...check out the views! You can walk across the bridge and stop in the middle for some spectacular views of the gorge and Rio Grande 600 feet below. read more

See all

Stunning views of the Rio Grande some 600 feet below. The parking lot/ rest area (with bathrooms and shade stations) is a couple of yards past the west side of the bridge, so park there, but you really want to walk onto the middle of the bridge for the best sights. Middle of nowhere - Taos is about 20 minutes away - but still awesome. read more

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - Rio Grande Gorge Bridge from the rest area/parking lot. - Parks Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

See all

It is an impressive sight. Be aware it can be VERY windy! Currently there is construction

Absolutely amazing! We stopped here on the drive between Taos, NM, and Durango, CO. There was just enough parking for a summer Sunday afternoon, and there was even a small flea market. The bathrooms were small and clean, but everyone was there for the view! read more

See all

Highly recommend stopping over to get a stunning view of the Rio Grande gorge. It's worth noting that you'd need to park in the visitor parking lot and then walk for ~10 minutes to reach the vista point. As much as it's relatively safe, I'd still tread cautiously if you have children or senior citizens in your group. From a time-standpoint, I'd recommend keeping aside an hour for this spot. read more

See all

Such a beautiful sight to see! You can't park on the bridge you have to park on the side and walk. Was really nice! read more

See all

What an accomplishment at the time! Today we take it for granted crossing Rio Grande Gorge in a few seconds time, but I can't even imagine how hopeless Pueblans and early settlers used to feel looking at 800 feet deep chasm trying to figure out a ways to cross this river. The bridge is quite impressive, it was built in a sixties and was awarded "Most Beautiful Steel Bridge" in the "Long Span" category award by the American Institute of Steel Construction. There is a walking trail along the rim of the gorge from the parking lot on the west side of the bridge. For movie buffs, this bridge can be seen in plenty of Hollywood movies: Paul, Terminator Salvation, Natural Born Killers, Wild Hogs, and White Sands, just to name the few. No visit to Taos is complete without taking a few moments to observe or even cross this bridge on foot. read more

See all

I never thought I'd visit a place like Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, but looking around for activities around Taos area (The Pueblo and other museums are closed or opened only during the weekend), the bridge seemed more and more like a great possibility. It is the 2nd highest bridge on a US highway and this is the bridge where Mickey and Mallory get married in "Natural Born Killers". Enough said! But if you are a movie geek like us, the bridge was also a location for : "White Sands", "Twins", "Wild Hogs", "Termination Salvation". Now, getting back to the bridge, it's easy to find, a 15 minute drive outside Taos. You'll drive on it and on the left side is a stop area to park, use the restroom, get your camera gear on! It was windy when we were there, but the views are incredible. It can give you a vertigo, but it's hard to resist. It's a beautiful sight, with Rio Grande running through it. There are observation points on the bridge, plenty of photo ops and a great landscape around. We even saw a rainbow! A wonderful spot to check out if you visit the area! And it was a win-win for us to see a great attraction and a major location for one of our favorite movies. Wild adventures! read more

See all

What a stunning view of The Rio Grande as it forges its path through the canyon deep below. We drove over the bridge and we're stunned at the views on both sides. Located just about fifteen minutes outside of Taos it's a must stop. The day was brisk and windy. You need to be super careful near the edge, no railings etc but the views are spectacular and the desert foliage amongst the rocks are beautiful. Plenty of parking and locals are selling their wares onsite. A win win. read more

See all

A great place if you ever come to this area! Walking alone the bridge was very enjoyable as the views along the sides are wonderful! There are parking spots on the two ends of the bridge. There are sidewalks along the bridge. It was a bit windy when we were there, though the view was definitely worth the walking. I'd recommend this place! read more

See all

This a scenic spot to watch the rio grande bridge. We went on a snowy Sunday and had the place to ourselves. You can see the river carve through the canyon and also walk around trails. There is also seating and picnic areas near the visitor center that was closed for us when we went really early morning. read more

See all

It's very close to Taos Pueblo and a quick stop. It's worth it if you are nearby. They have some areas to pull off on one side of the bridge and cut offs in the sidewalk railings to get better views. The gorge is quite impressive looking. read more

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - The view - Parks Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

See all

It was a cloudy, calm day to brave the bridge. I'm the most weary of heights in my tribe, but because I have a fearless Daughter I feel like I need to challenge myself and the views are spectacular! Crossing the bridge on foot and gazing down, reminds me of a time when I was much more fearless and actually rafted the Taos Box down below! Highly recommend that too if you want to really test your limits! I'm always in awe of the gorge, this marvel reminds me why I moved from Ohio to live in the Wild West. NM is blessed with so much natural beauty. Go brave the bridge! read more

See all

Man oh man is this an incredibly tall bridge. Parking is easy to find as it's pretty much a rest stop. Then you take a short walk to begin your trek on the bridge. I'm not sure if it's always windy in the area, but it was very windy the day I went. Being afraid of heights this added to my anxiety of walking the bridge. However, I like to get out of my comfort zone, so I walked it anyways staying as far away from the railing as possible. The sidewalks aren't too spacious so if you're trying to pass someone, you'll have to pass single file. The view on both sides of the Rio Grande Gorge are amazing and you won't regret visiting. read more

See all

Gorge-ous! We took a day trip from Albuquerque to the Taos area and my mother suggested we stop and see the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Even though she is terrified of heights. Coming from Taos, there is a large parking area, with toilet facilities and vending, on the far side of the bridge. There is a smaller "lot" on the near side, but I'd recommend going across via automobile first for parking. Then....THEN....you can defy your fears and walk across the bridge, many many MANY feet above the river and gorge. It is mildly distressing to feel the bridge shake with every passing vehicle. But you can really only feel it if you yourself have stopped walking. The views are lovely and pictures don't really do it justice. And, because it is a big tall bridge, the stopping/viewing points along the bridge are also home to emergency phones for those in need of such things. I have been seeing these on new or reclaimed-for-pedestrian-traffic bridges. It is a free attraction and if vast expansive views very high up interest you, it is absolutely worth a visit. read more

See all

we visited on a cold and blustery day. With overcast skies the pictures we took have more of an ominous appearance. I looked at many a picture before visiting and was frankly surprised when we came to the bridge and drove across (some of the pictures make it look so big and we were a bit nervous to drive over). Before we knew it we were to the bridge, and just a few seconds later we were across, wondering if that was the bridge we'd been waiting to see all weekend. There is parking on either side of the bridge, with the further side offering restrooms, picnic tables, and locals selling their wares. Great place to make a little pit stop to snag a couple photos, take a bio break, and get back out on the open road. read more

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - Parks Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

I like bridges and this was nice. You drive over the bridge and park in the FREE rest stop parking lot. Some views I thought was nice of the Gorge and bridge. Some Indian kid walked out onto the street and got hit by a car - driver took him away, I hope to hospital. There are signs to Not Jump and Crises hotline Information. read more

See all

Gorgeous views of the Rio Grande from the bridge but wish there was better walking access to the bridge from the parking areas on either end of the bridge. The bridge itself has a sidewalk that runs along both sides of the bridge but there's no barrier between the road and the sidewalk so when cars zoom by, it gets a little shaky and scary. The parking lot on the south end has public bathrooms and covered picnic areas but you have to walk on the road for a bit before you get to the sidewalk itself, not the safest, especially if the bridge is wet or if there's leftover ice/snow on the road. The north end of the bridge has a makeshift parking area that's not paved so it becomes extremely muddy and slippery in the "parking area". For a major landmark, I think the bridge should be more accessible. Other than that, definitely a site to visit if you're in and around Taos. read more

See all

Went as the sun was setting and was beautiful. Did the short rim trail which had amazing views read more

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - Parks Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

Great stop if you're in the area- The bridge offers awesome views of the Rio Grand! Easy to park and hop out for a quick walk across the bridge. There's not really hiking options from here, but I think it's worth a stop if you're nearby checking out Taos or the national forests and parks. Don't forget your camera! read more

See all

Why don't more people know about this?! With such stunning views of the Rio Grande and the surrounding mountain ranges, I was just blown away by my experience here. There is plenty of parking on either side of the bridge, but the western parking lot has a 9 mile (one way) trail you can meander as it follows the gorge. There are no guard rails and it's a steep drop to the bottom so PLEASE keep your dogs and children leashed. The main parking lot also has lots of vendors selling locally made crafts. When walking across the bridge there are three overlook areas on each side of the road where you can step in and look straight down or get a great photo opportunity. Another perk is that it's only about a 12 minute drive from Taos proper which makes it an easy pit stop on a road trip. read more

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - Parks Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

See all

Incredibly majestic views. What more can - needs to be - said? Definitely worth a visit if you're in the Taos area. read more

See all

It's a nice monument to stop while doing a road trip. Make sure you stop by and enjoy the view!

What is not to love about natural wonders! Walking across the bridge is not for the faint of heart- if you are afraid of heights try walking inside the off the sidewalk. read more

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - My COVID-19 post- we can only see rocks so many times!! - Parks Near Me - Taos, New Mexico

This is a nice stop to see while going to Taos. The bridge has a walkway and the parking lot is easy to use. If you're afraid of heights or a bridge shaking while you're on it, it might not be a great spot for you to go on the bridge. If you are, you can get a nice view of the gorge on the side. The walk is worth it to see the view. read more

See all

Make sure you make the effort to stop and walk a bit! A real surprise in the desert. Sadly they have suicide phones all along bridge telling you "make the call their is hope" Reat Area on West end best location to park and walk with restrooms. Better allow at least 30 minutes but easy to spend an hour. An ah inspiring view. FREE! Note two miles North is the Earthship home community which is great to see. read more

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is a prolific attraction and something absolutely worthwhile to visit while exploring the quaint southwestern town of Taos, New Mexico. It's located roughly 12 miles northwest of downtown Taos. When approaching the bridge, there'll be plenty of space to park your car on either side of the road. I'd recommend crossing the bridge and located on the left hand side....you can turn into the Rio Grande Gorge State Park and safely leave your car there for as long as you'd like. Also from this area you'll be confronted with highly impressive views of the entire Rio Grande Gorge Bridge connected across from one side of the gorge to the other. This area at the state park will allow you to take beautiful and unimpeded photos of the whole bridge. And...I visited the bridge in early afternoon in May and had the sun beaming in my direction enhancing my pictures. This was my favorite spot for photographing the sweeping grandeur of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. There is a fence protecting you from the edge of the gorge but doesn't hinder your pictures. The sights and depths of your surroundings are captivating! After viewing the bridge from the parking area of the State Park, you can then get up close and personal looks of the bridge and gorge from the walkway on either side of the bridge. There'll be viewing platforms every quarter of the way along the bridge that'll certainly put into perspective how high up you are and how statuesque the river and rugged canyon floor is below. Since this sidewalk is right next to moving automobile traffic in both directions, here is where a selfie stick can come in handy. Raising my stick high above the fencing along the walkway helped me capture some brisk looking photos of the gorge and Colorado River in the distance. You can spend as long as you'd like on the bridge. I hung out for 2 hours as the scenery was certainly worth taking my time. And it's absolutely free. Having the opportunity to observe sky-high Rio Grande Gorge Bridge was a unique experience. Not sure if there's too many of these towering landmarks out there but it sure made for a rewarding day in Taos. I'm a fan! read more