Royal Grande Gorge State Park

Spectacular views beyond just looking off the gorge bridge.Park west of the bridge by the bathroom/rest area of the state park and then head out to hike the rim. The trail is flat (but a big rocky). It' offers not only a glorious view of the Rio Grande Canyon, but if you're lucky, you'll see a few tarantulas, lizards and it's almost a given you will see some bighorn sheep (either on the rim or in the canyon).The trail is easily marked and stretches on for 9 miles. Turn around whenever you want.When you get back to the trail head, check out the vendors of native crafts and other artisinal wares. (If you're brave enough, carefully look over the edge!)

Did the Rio Grande Gorge West Rim Trail (off Rest Area Rd) with a giant group of friends and found the hike/stroll to be rather boring. Left the comfort of our Airbnb to check out the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and would have preferred visiting the actual bridge instead of taking pictures from so far away. This particular trail is out and back. Great if you love peering into gorges but there's otherwise nothing interesting to experience.

Pretty cool area in nature to visit! Breathtaking!! We went at sunset which made the visit even more beautiful!