Wild Rivers Hike

Wild Rivers Recreation Area has one of our favorite hikes. It is very scenic. One of the most beautiful spots in New Mexico. The area is sometimes referred to as "New Mexico's Grand Canyon."

We recommended the hike to Bill and Marianne, who were also staying at Adobe and Stars. Unknowingly they followed our recommendation and we met on the trail. They are from Minneapolis, MN. She is a 1st and 2nd grade teacher on sabbatical and he works for the State's health department.

Our route begins at the La Junta Campground, down the 800 ft. to where the Red River and Rio Grande River meet. Then we hike along the Rio Grande to the Big Arsenic rim and up 680 ft.. At the top of Big Arsenic take the Rinconada Loop back to La Junta. Total mileage is about 7-8 miles. This time we left around 10:30 AM and got back to the car by 4:30 PM. That includes all of our stops.

The hardest part of the hike is coming back to La Junta along Rinconada Loop. It's an easy hike on a gravel trail, but for some reason it hurts my back and Vicki's feet.

Next time we plan to park the car at Big Arsenic, hike to La Junta along Rinconada and go down. That way we can end the hike at the car.

We headed back on Hwy. 522 to 143, a narrow road that winds its way to Arroyo Seco. There is a small Catholic church on the way that has a beautiful door. I stopped and took some pictures.

Dinner was at Pizanos, an Italian restaurant. The Caesar salad was probably the worst we have ever had...no flavor, but Vicki's veggie lasagna and my chicken parmesan were very good. The portions were large and could easily be shared.

Dessert was Bailey's on ice as we sat on our balcony looking at the stars.