Hike To Petroglyphs, Then Reward Yourself With A Float Trip On The Rio Grande River In New Mexico
By Carolyn Harmon|Published January 24, 2023
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Carolyn Harmon
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Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
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.
1. Big Arsenic Trail
Big Arsenic Trail, Big Arsenic, Questa, NM 87556
Big Arsenic Springs Campground, Questa, NM 87556, USA
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
And there you go, meandering down part of the 1,896 miles of the mighty Rio Grande.
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.
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