Trailhead sign. Be sure and register.

One can drive across the Taos Junction Bridge and up a rather steep dirt road with several switchbacks to reach the West Rim of the Rio Grande Gorge. There’s a pull-out immediately on the left upon reaching the top. If it has rained or snowed recently, as was the situation today, expect mud, not only where you park but along the hiking trail as well. From this point to Petaca Canyon is 4 miles which was our goal, but the snow mixed with warm temperatures made the going slow and soggy, plus the need to slow down and enjoy the views added time to the hike. We didn’t make it to Petaca. This is the section of river we offer to our guests as the “New Wave No Wave”.

Looking back upstream, Taos Junction Bridge can be seen mid-photo(if you look really close).

A quick count of 50 in this elk herd.

Elk scat, known as "smart pills" to some folks.

Mike B., one of New Wave's veteran river guides.

Petroglyphs.

Coming across fresh bear tracks and scat makes one pay attention!

Joining the Rio Grande at Taos Junction Gaging Station, we view Staurolite Canyon.

Downstream view (into the sun) of the Orilla Verde Recreation Area.

The road from Pilar to the Taos Junction Bridge. Again, into the sun.

Coyote track.

On the West Rim Mesa, native grass and Juniper trees.

Photographs by Britt. More @ http://flickr.com/photos/jorunny/