Rio Pueblo de Taos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rio Pueblo de Taos |
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Rio Pueblo de Taos at Taos Pueblo
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| Other name(s) | Rio Pueblo, Taos Creek |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| County | Taos |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Blue Lake Taos Mountains 11,312 ft (3,448 m) 36°32′35″N 105°22′27″W / 36.54306°N 105.37417°W |
| River mouth | Rio Grande Rio Grande Gorge 6,066 ft (1,849 m) 36°20′21″N 105°43′50″W / 36.33917°N 105.73056°W |
| Length | 33 mi (53 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 380 sq mi (980 km2) |
The Rio Pueblo de Taos, also known as Rio Pueblo, is a river in New Mexico, United States. It is a smaller river that flows into the much larger Rio Grande.
The river starts high up in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It flows for about 33 miles (53 km), generally moving south and then west. Eventually, it joins the Rio Grande inside the impressive Rio Grande Gorge. Along its journey, the river flows past the town of Taos and right through the historic Taos Pueblo.
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Where Does the Rio Pueblo de Taos Flow?
The Rio Pueblo de Taos begins at a place called Blue Lake. This lake is located about 2 miles (3.2 km) southeast of Wheeler Peak. Wheeler Peak is the highest mountain in all of New Mexico.
Many small streams feed into the river from the slopes of nearby mountains. These mountains include Old Mike Peak, Lew Wallace Peak, and Red Dome. The river flows south for about 5 miles (8.0 km) before turning west.
River's Journey Through Taos Pueblo
As the river continues, it is joined by other small creeks. La Junta Creek flows in from the south, and Buffalo Grass Creek joins from the north. After flowing west for another 5 miles (8.0 km), the river leaves the mountains.
Soon after, the Rio Pueblo de Taos flows right through the center of Taos Pueblo. This area is part of the Pueblo de Taos Indian Reservation. After passing through the Pueblo, the river turns southwest. It flows just north of the town of Taos on its way to the Rio Grande.
Meeting Other Rivers and Reaching the Rio Grande
Near the town of Taos, the Rio Lucero joins the Rio Pueblo de Taos from the north. Further downstream, the Rio Fernando de Taos adds its waters from the south. After this, the Rio Pueblo de Taos enters a section known as Taos Canyon.
The river then meets the Rio Grande del Rancho, which flows from the south through Ranchos de Taos. Next, Arroyo Seco joins from the north, followed by Arroyo del Alamo from the south. Finally, the Rio Pueblo de Taos reaches the Rio Grande in the Rio Grande Gorge. This meeting point is a few miles south of the famous Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.
New Mexico State Road 570 crosses the Rio Grande using the Taos Junction Bridge. This bridge is located just below where the Rio Pueblo de Taos joins the larger river. This whole area is part of the Orilla Verde Recreation Area, which is a popular spot for outdoor activities.
What Are the Other Names for This River?
The Rio Pueblo de Taos has been known by several different names over time. Besides Rio Pueblo de Taos and Rio Pueblo, people have also called it:
- Rio Taos
- Taos Creek
- Pueblo Creek
- Ialap'aijpaana
- Ja'lapa
- Kipawai
- T'awi'impo
- T'awipo
