New Mexico is a land of extremes. This state is home to some exceptionally dry deserts, lush forests, blazing hot chiles, and the oldest locations in the country. Did you know it is also home to one of the country’s highest bridges as well?

Located a short drive west of historic Taos, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is among the top ten highest bridges in the country and stands approximately 600 feet above the floor of its namesake canyon.
Dave Hensley/Flickr
Whether you opt to drive over the bridge, stop to check out the view from the lookout points, or walk across the bridge, you'll be treated to a spectacular view.
Construction of the 1280-foot bridge began in 1963 after calls for more efficient transportation between northeastern and northwestern New Mexico.
Kari Nousiainen/Flickr
Prior to this, truckers, vacationers, and locals would need to make a more than 100-mile detour south to simply get to the other side.
Two key factors played in designing the bridge: that it could withstand heavy shipping loads and the high winds through the Rio Grande Gorge.
LASZLO ILYES/Flickr

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This—perhaps in combination with the stunning views all around the bridge—eventually earned it a 1966 award for “Most Beautiful Long Span Steel Bridge” by the American Institute of Steel Construction.
Monique Martinez/Flickr
In 1997, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its “high degree of integrity of setting, design, materials, workmanship and association.”
Dave Hensley/Flickr
Today, you can still drive or walk across the bridge for an unforgettable view.
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is located approximately 11 miles west of Taos via U.S. 64.
Google Maps

The bridge is open to the public daily and parking is available on the western side of the bridge. For details about the Rio Grande Gorge, you can visit the Bureau of Land Management website.

Website: blm.gov
Location: Google Maps

If you’re looking forward to exploring more of the Rio Grande Gorge, you’ll want to make time to hike the gorge’s namesake trail. Measuring approximately seven miles overall, this trail offers incredible sights and information about the area. Read about the Rio Grande Gorge Trail in The Easy Gorge Trail In New Mexico That Will Make You Feel On Top Of The World.

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Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, New Mexico 87529, USA