This is our first time staying in Taos, NM, although we did make a short visit to Taos Plaza in 2014. We stopped at the Visitor Center to pick up information about things to see and do here.
The folks that work in them always have good tips on places to hike (with a dog), top museums, and more. A room was devoted to Carson National Forest, the trails, and the campgrounds there.
And, I always need a good map of the area! There were also some exhibits about Taos and souvenirs for sale.
Today we decided to check out the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (about 10 miles northwest of Taos on US Rte 64). We saw these bighorn sheep in a sagebrush prairie along the way.
With a small parking area on the east side of the bridge and a larger rest area after you cross the bridge, it’s easy to find a place to park. The bridge is one of the ten highest in the US at 650’. It is a steel deck arch bridge with a 1,280’ span that opened in 1965. A $2.4M repair and restoration project was completed in 2012.
There is a pedestrian walkway on each side of the highway over the bridge with two viewing areas. I had no idea that this incredible gorge even existed here in northern New Mexico! The Rio Grande River originates in the San Juan Mountains of the Great Rockies in Colorado and flows south to Mexico.
Sadly, the bridge has been the site of numerous suicides. Studies are underway to figure out how to deter them. Currently there is access to a crisis hotline at the overlooks on each side of the bridge. Below is the view to the south.
Below is a view to the north from the opposite side of the bridge. Gorgeous.
We will be doing some hiking in the gorge during our stay in Taos. But, before returning to the RV park today, we decided to visit the well-known San Francisco de Asis Mission Church.
A statue of the Virgin Mary and one of the patron Saint Francis of Assisi are in the front courtyard. And on the side of the church is an adobe alcove with a statue of the Holy Family.
Located in the community of Ranchos de Taos, the church was built between 1772 and 1816 by Franciscan Fathers. At that time, New Mexico was part of the Vice Royalty of New Spain. San Francisco de Asis is considered the best remaining example of Spanish colonial church architecture.
The large adobe structure is 120’ in length with a cruciform floor plan. Beehive-curved buttresses and two bell towers are in the front of the church. Below is a view of the rear of the building.
The church is open to visitors, but no photographs are permitted inside. Candles can be purchased at the gift shop to light in the church (along with many other religious items). It is located across from the front courtyard of the church.
This is one of the most painted and photographed churches in the world! It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
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