October is an extraordinary time of year in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. The weather is perfect. The fishing is great! And, there are lots of BLM-guided hikes and an exciting National Public Lands Day Event. We hope you will be able to participate. This will be the last newsletter for the 2019 season. Remember, the monument is open all winter. Please come and enjoy the many wonders of your public lands.
BLM Wild Rivers
Thursday, October 3, 11:00am
Wild Rivers Visitor Center
National Public Lands Day – Milkweed Planting
We will meet at the Wild Rivers Visitor Center to plant milkweed starts around the area of the Visitor Center. Milkweed is a favorite food source and habitat for the Monarch butterflies. By planting the Showy Milkweed, we are hoping to establish some of this prime habitat for the Monarchs passing through. Bring your own lunch, hat, sunscreen and let’s plant some milkweed!
Sunday, October 6, 9:00am, 2 hours
La Vista Verde Trail Guided Hike
Meet at the trailhead on NM 567, about a ½ mile west of Taos Junction Bridge, for this easy 2.5 mile round trip hike with park ranger Randy Roch. You’ll see impressive views from within the gorge and a compelling series of petroglyphs which have been the focus of some recent research that we will share with you.
Saturday, October 12, 9:00am, 3 hours
Miner’s Trail Guided Hike
Meet on the west side of John Dunn Bridge before traveling to the trailhead for this moderate 2.5 mile round trip hike from the West Rim down to the Rio Grande. Sensational views and history highlight this remote excursion into the gorge! Led by park ranger Tom Adams.
Saturday, October 19, 9:00am, 2 hours
Mountain Bike Ride – Petaca Point Trail
Meet at the trailhead on NM567, just above Taos Junction Bridge, for this 8.0 mile round trip mountain bike ride to a sensational overlook and wonderful petroglyphs! Led by park ranger Bryan Marquardt, this ride should take 2-3 hours. Bring mountain bike; helmets are required!!
Sunday, October 27, 9:00am, 2 hours
The Slide Trail Guided Hike
Meet at the at the new Cascabel trailhead at the end of C-110, past the UNM-Klauer Campus, for this exciting walk down the Rio Pueblo canyon to the confluence with the Rio Grande. Park ranger Jenn Sawyer will discuss geology, wildlife, and ecosystems along the way.
For Guided Hikes: Bring a snack, hat, sunscreen, 2 liters of water and sturdy hiking shoes
For More Information
Wild Rivers Visitor Center 575-586-1150
Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center 575-751-4899
Taos Field Office 575-758-8851
Download a Visitors Guide to the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, published in 2015 by MARKETAOS, in collaboration with Taos BLM and researched and written by Jim O’Donnell. It includes a helpful map of the entire monument area, over 300,000 acres. Or purchase a copy for $2 at Taos Visitor Center or Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center in Pilar.
