Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Hike New Mexico
w/Tom & Ken
Rinconada Loop
Hike Statistics
Nearby City / Locale:
Questa
Hike Difficulty:
Easy
Total Length of Hike:
5.6
Max to Min Elevation:
143 ft
* Total Ascent / Descent:
474 /
478 ft
Estimate based on track data
Logistics: Loop
Exposure Type: Full sun
Seasons :
Not Winter
"Wow" Factor: Great Gorge Views
Authors last hiked: 2026-05-17
More!
View Full Page Map
Download GPX File
On-line directions to the trailhead:
Google Directions
Scroll down to see photos and additonal information. Click on photos for enlarged view. Red segments on the elevation chart indicate slopes of 18 degrees or higher.
If you are having problems with this page, please: send us a note!
TRAIL TIPS!
The road into the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is easy and does not require special vehicles
The Rinconada Loop can be started anywhere there is a pull out or campground, or at the Wild Rivers Visitor Center. It is an easy trail with excellent views of the Rio Grand Gorge along the way. One of the key viewing opportunities is at the La Junta Campground, where the Red River meets the Rio Grande where the gorge is deeper than the one at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge near Taos.
There are multiple opportunities to check out the gorge as the loop progresses along the western edge. In addition, there are nice long-distance views of the surrounding mountains, with an occassional dip into a slightly more wooded area.