Wild Rivers Recreation Area

Wild Rivers Recreation Area is a outdoor recreation zone near Questa where the Rio Grande and Red River merge within a deep canyon formed over millennia. The area features multiple hiking trails, river access points, and camping facilities spread across the landscape.

Indigenous peoples inhabited this region for thousands of years, adapting to river resources and shaping the landscape over time. The area remained largely undeveloped and was eventually protected to preserve its natural character for future generations.

The convergence of two rivers shapes how people experience and use the canyons as a natural gathering place. Locals and visitors value this area as a connection to wild landscapes that have long been central to regional identity.

Visit in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate and hiking and camping conditions are most comfortable. Bring plenty of water since the area is dry and shade in the canyons can be limited during midday hours.

At La Junta Point, visitors can observe from an accessible overlook where the Red River flows directly into the Rio Grande below. This vantage spot reveals the exact meeting point of the two rivers without requiring strenuous hiking.

Location: New Mexico

GPS coordinates: 36.67980,-105.67300

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:25