Rio Grande Gorge facts for kids

The Rio Grande Gorge is an amazing natural wonder in northern New Mexico. It's a deep canyon carved by the Rio Grande river. This river flows through a huge crack in the Earth called a rift.

The gorge starts near the Colorado border. It stretches for about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southeast of Taos. The deepest part of the gorge is about 800 feet (240 meters) deep. That's like two and a half football fields stacked on top of each other! You can see this deep part just south of the famous Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.

How the Rio Grande Gorge Was Formed

The Rio Grande Gorge was carved over millions of years.

The Rio Grande Gorge is a type of canyon. It was created over millions of years by the powerful force of erosion. Imagine water slowly wearing away rock!

The gorge sits within a larger area called the Rio Grande Rift. This rift is a place where the Earth's tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. Over time, a mix of volcanic eruptions, shifting ground, and the river's erosion of gravel and lava layers created the deep, narrow gorge we see today.

Plants and Animals of the Gorge

The Rio Grande Gorge is like a special natural world. From the top of the rim down to the river, there's a huge drop of 800 feet (240 meters). This creates many different places for plants and animals to live.

You can find ancient piñon and juniper trees here. Some of these trees are over 500 years old! The gorge is home to many animals, including mule deer, red-tailed hawks, and mountain bluebirds. You might also spot prairie dogs and big horn sheep.

The weather here is mostly dry. Summer thunderstorms are common in July and August. Snow can fall from November through March. Summer temperatures usually range from 45°F to 90°F (7°C to 32°C). In winter, it can be very cold, from -15°F to 45°F (-26°C to 7°C).

A Protected River: Wild and Scenic

In 1968, the Rio Grande was one of the first rivers in the United States to be protected. The U.S. Congress named it a "Wild and Scenic River." This means its amazing natural features are kept safe for everyone.

This special part of the river flows through the Rio Grande Gorge Recreation Area. This area has two main sections: the Wild Rivers area in the north and the Orialla Verde area in the south. Both offer fun activities like hiking, boating, fishing, and camping.

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

The gorge and about 242,500 acres (98,100 hectares) of land around it became a National Monument on March 25, 2013. It's called the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. This special title helps protect the land and its wildlife even more.

Whitewater Rafting Adventures

The Rio Grande Gorge is famous for its exciting whitewater rapids. These rapids range from Class II (easy) to Class V (very difficult). The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) helps manage these areas for people to enjoy.

Near Taos, New Mexico, there are two main sections for rafting:

• The Taos Box: This is a deeper, more dramatic part of the canyon. It's known for its big, challenging Class IV rapids. It's best for experienced rafters.
• The Racecourse Run: This section has Class III rapids. It's a great choice for families or people trying rafting for the first time.

Ancient History of the Gorge

The gorge holds many clues about the past. You can find ancient petroglyphs, which are drawings carved into rocks by early people.

Deep in the gorge, near the river, there are hidden hot springs. These are natural pools of warm water. You can also find the ruins of old buildings, showing that people have lived and visited this area for a very long time.

Astronauts Trained Here!

Scott and Irwin training at Rio Grande Gorge in March 1971.

Did you know that NASA astronauts trained at the Rio Grande Gorge? In 1971, astronauts from the Apollo 15, Apollo 16, and Apollo 17 missions came here. They learned about geology because the gorge looked a lot like the landing sites on the Moon!

Astronauts like David Scott, James Irwin, John Young, Charlie Duke, and Jack Schmitt all trained here. They used this training when they explored the Moon. Famous geologist William R. Muehlberger was one of their instructors.

See also

In Spanish: Desfiladero del Río Grande para niños