In August , we crossed the Rio Grand Gorge Bridge , stopping to walk the bridge and peer feet down to the river below. For the past year I have been looking forward to returning to Taos, and venturing into the gorge. After our half-day in downtown Taos I could wait no longer.
Pictures of the Rio Grande Gorge cannot capture its exquisite beauty. You must see it with your own eyes, hear the flowing river and rustling of the sages and grasses, feel the breeze and warm sunshine on your face. The desert varnished brown and red rock walls are strewn with boulders⦠the crevices in between filled with sages, teddy bear cactus, pinion pines, junipers, and dozens of other species of plants and shrubs. Closer to the river a surprising variety of wildflowers grows.
(mh=Ctt0tx_sllaUUhIr)14.jpg "SEX AGENCY Grand Prairie")
I melt into this lovely landscape as I travel a few miles at the 25 mph speed limit, pulling over a few times to take pictures and check out the campgrounds. I see a bridge up ahead, with a handful of adobe shade structures perched on the hill across the river. A couple of campers have pitched their tents inside the pavilions. Taos Junction campground even has flush toilets, a sink, and soap and paper towels in the bathroom. The bathrooms are years old look a little rough, but are clean. My site is sheltered by a cottonwood tree, and has both a grill and a fire pit.
A steady breeze blows through the valley, keeping most of the bugs away, and we stay cool and comfy in the shade. I am taken with the framed view of the gorge from inside my pavilion, and I shoot pictures of the scene throughout the day as the light changes. A path through sage and wildflower meadow leads from the campground down to the river, which is running quite high due to welcomed summer rains. I am quite pleased that she is developing more confidence about being the water.
After another nap Juni and a couple of hours of writing me , we check out a small beach and boat ramp across the riverβ¦. After a fitful night of sleep, we wake early and at 7am we set off for the Picuris trailhead, just a short walk across the Taos Junction bridge from the campground.
