The Rio Grande runs right through the middle of Albuquerque. I’ve seen it when it’s been raging and, at other times, little more than a group of sandbars with a bit of water running between them. I’ve hiked and biked along its banks countless times and have crossed it even more often. The Rio Grande has been a significant part of my life for decades.
I’ve always been curious about where, exactly, it starts so I actively looked for its headwaters a few weeks ago while traveling from the Western Slope down to southern Colorado. The photo above shows the northernmost part of the Rio Grande I could see from the highway. I now realize that I’ll have to resort to dirt roads and a longish hike to get closer to its actual beginning.1
On my way home from southern Colorado a couple of weeks ago, I followed the river south through the Rio Grande Natural Area, a place that appears to be the precursor to New Mexico’s Rio Grande Gorge. A modest little canyon cut through volcanic rock (basalt, I think), it’s one of southern Colorado’s best-kept secrets, particularly in fall.
I especially love all the lichens growing on rocks in this area. I tried not to focus too much on the lichens, since the landscape views were so stunning, but I couldn’t resist the scene below with its color-coordinated weeds.2
I continued my drive home that day through the Rio Grande Gorge, and stopped long enough to take just a few photos. It was late afternoon by then and I hoped to make it past all the two-lane roads before dark.3
When I got home and looked at my photos, I realized the curve of the river in the image above was quite similar to that in the third photo (looking north to Alamosa). The two areas — the Rio Grande Gorge and the Rio Grande Natural Area — are only 50-60 miles from one another.
Next year!
I’m not sure exactly what these weeds are. They thrive at this time of the year and might be wild tarragon.
Here’s one of my travel secrets: I almost never drive through Taos because a) it’s so often clogged with car traffic and jaywalking tourists, and b) it takes no more time to go through the Rio Grande Gorge, which is much more beautiful. (In my humble opinion of course.)
Great photos. Last summer we made it up to Creede & loved following the river. We were able to find a pullover & take some pics. Thx for your beautiful pics!
Lisa, your photos are stunning and I always enjoy your thoughtful commentary.