La Vista Verde Trail

The La Vista Verde Trail is a easy trail running from State Highway 567 just west of the Taos Junction Bridge to an point overlooking the Rio Grande Gorge rapids near the "Rock Garden". The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as part of the Orilla Verde Recreation Area. A BLM map of the area and its trails is here. Use of the trail is subject to a day or season use permit which may be purchased at the Orilla Verde Campground or from the BLM.

This trail runs 1.2 miles with an elevation gain of 88 feet, starting at 6,243 feet. The trail is at its best in the spring when numerous wildflowers are on the trail. Because of its elevation it is usable pretty much year around without worries about snow.

A map and profile view of the trail is here.

This is the view from the overlook showing the Rio Grande just north of the "Rock Garden"

Data files for download: