Have you ever been on a hike and float trip in New Mexico? If you are interested in such a fun day trip, you’re in luck as this article offers recommendations for both. The hike is in the Wild Rivers Recreation Area, in Questa, New Mexico, which has been set aside just for people like you to enjoy two national Wild and Scenic Rivers protected by U.S. Congress. The two rivers preserved here are the Red River and the Rio Grande River, and the float trip goes down the Rio Grande. Enjoy this hike and float trip in New Mexico’s most beautiful and inspiring places, and look out for the interesting, mystical evidence of those who came before.
- Big Arsenic Trail
Sharon Hodges/AllTrails Set aside about an hour and a half to hike this moderately challenging 2.4-mile out-and-back trail near Questa, New Mexico. The trailhead is located at the day-use area of the Big Arsenic Springs Campground, where you’ll find an information kiosk and pit latrines. Big Arsenic Trail, Big Arsenic, Questa, NM 87556Big Arsenic Springs Campground, Questa, NM 87556, USA
The trek can be difficult on the way up. It drops 640 vertical feet in one mile, making the way down pretty easy, and visually appealing.
Jennifer Scoggin/AllTrails
Keep on the lookout for the beautiful wildlife in the meadows, such as mule deer, elk, mountain bluebird, fox, and red-tailed hawk.
Sher Joy/AllTrails
You are also likely to spot some of these amazing animals known as bighorn sheep, so keep your phone ready to take some great photos.
Sher Joy/AllTrails
When you see this sign between the trail and the river after the first spring, the ancient petroglyphs are nearby.
Jacob Kranitz/AllTrails
Amazingly, the prehistoric carvings have survived for us to observe. The images hold deep cultural significance and varied meanings and were used to convey ideas and messages.
Jacob Kranitz/AllTrails
These pictures were carved or engraved into the rock’s surface. When the patina on the surface was chipped off, the exposure of the lighter rock underneath created the images.
Alison Willam/AllTrails
The breathtaking scenic view of the Rio Grande comes from an elevation gain of 839 feet from the depths of the Rio Grande Gorge.
Jennifer Scoggin/AllTrails
- Big River Raft Trips
Management/TripAdvisor And look out below for your next adventure on the Rio Grande River, about an hour away in Pilar.
Yes, you and your friends could be in this raft right now.
Management/TripAdvisor Big River Raft Trips offers whitewater river trips with the inclusion of an interpretive guide, beverages, snacks, and all rafting equipment. The milder Rio Grande Scenic Float trip option takes three hours, with very little whitewater. Be sure to make a reservation. Big River Raft Trips, 13 Cam del Rio Grande Pilar New Mexico 87531, Ranchos De Taos, NM 87557, USA
And there you go, meandering down part of the 1,896 miles of the mighty Rio Grande.
Bigriverrafts.com
Either go with the flow or catch up to the raft ahead.
Banker89/TripAdvisor
Either way, this fertile valley offers one of the best ways to experience New Mexico.
Joseph S/TripAdvisor
What do you think? Are you ready for a fantastic hike and float trip in New Mexico? Have you been on a similar trip in New Mexico? If so, please let us know in the comments below. And if you are ever in Questa, here are some other activities for a picture-perfect weekend.
Sharon Hodges/AllTrails
Set aside about an hour and a half to hike this moderately challenging 2.4-mile out-and-back trail near Questa, New Mexico. The trailhead is located at the day-use area of the Big Arsenic Springs Campground, where you’ll find an information kiosk and pit latrines.
Big Arsenic Trail, Big Arsenic, Questa, NM 87556Big Arsenic Springs Campground, Questa, NM 87556, USA
Jennifer Scoggin/AllTrails
Sher Joy/AllTrails
Jacob Kranitz/AllTrails
Alison Willam/AllTrails
Management/TripAdvisor
And look out below for your next adventure on the Rio Grande River, about an hour away in Pilar.
Big River Raft Trips offers whitewater river trips with the inclusion of an interpretive guide, beverages, snacks, and all rafting equipment. The milder Rio Grande Scenic Float trip option takes three hours, with very little whitewater. Be sure to make a reservation.
Big River Raft Trips, 13 Cam del Rio Grande Pilar New Mexico 87531, Ranchos De Taos, NM 87557, USA
Bigriverrafts.com
Banker89/TripAdvisor
Joseph S/TripAdvisor
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Address: Wild Rivers Visitors Center, 1120 NM-378, Questa, NM 87556, USA
