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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Rift Valley Trail

4.0 (1 Rating)
Beautiful, multi-use loop.
10.2
mi
Distance
710
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Family FriendlyViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
10.22mi
Distance
710ft
Elevation Gain
699ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
7,002ft
High Point
6,674ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Follow the sign for the Rift Valley Trail from the 110 trailhead. There is a sign for a hiking trail that will take you to the bottom of the rift valley and there is another trail that takes you to an overlook. You'll start with a doubletrack downhill. You'll cross over some rolling hills and find the Rift Valley Trail crossing the doubletrack. Turn left (toward 68) following the sign and start a gradual climb. Stay left at the intersection with Floodplain Trail toward the 68 trailhead. Once at the 68 trailhead, turn right following the Rift Valley Trail. You'll start a gradual descent past Floodplain Trail ending at Escarpment Trail. Hang a left at Escarpment Trail and start ascending. You'll cross over La Gijosa Trail along with some rolling hills. Stay left at the crossing with Sediment Trail. Then turn right and descend toward the Rio Grande Gorge. You'll then turn north along the rim of the gorge. There are some short climbs and views of the valley below. Stop and check out the Taos Junction Bridge and people watch of those enjoying the river below. You'll come back to the intersection with the doubletrack that you turned left on. Stay straight to do the loop again, try out some other trails, or turn left back to the trailhead where you began.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
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Contributors
Paul Lowe