The Taos High Bridge – My Shot of the Day – May 6, 2014

The Taos High Bridge is so spectacular I keep returning to it photographically from different angles. Here is a shot of the Taos high bridge from a hot air balloon.  Here is a shot of the Rio Grande gorge taken looking north from the middle of the bridge.

There is a 9 mile biking and walking trail on the west side of the gorge.  I shot this photo from that spot.  The trail heads south from the bridge to a little place called Taos Junction.  It is the perfect trail for those who want a fun ride that isn’t too intense.  It is also an excellent ride for the kids with some fun ups and downs but nothing frustrating or intimidating.  The ride south, away from the bridge has an amazing view itself as the high peaks spread before you and the 800 foot gorge crashes down on your left.  Be careful!  But once you turn around and come back north you also add in this bridge hanging over the gorge and framing the river below…the river that, by the way, is already VERY low and suffering for water.  Something we normally dont see until August.  Sheesh!

From Wikipedia:

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, locally known as the “Gorge Bridge” and the “High Bridge” is a steel deck arch bridge across the Rio Grande Gorge 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Taos, New Mexico, United States. At 565 feet (172 m) above the Rio Grande, it is the seventh highest bridge in the United States and 82nd highest bridge in the world.

The bridge was started in 1963 and completed in 1965. It was dedicated on September 10, 1965 and is a part of U.S. Route 64, a major east-west road. The span is 1,280 feet (390 m): two 300-foot (91 m)-long approach spans with a 600-foot (180 m)-long main center span.

The bridge has appeared in several films, including Natural Born Killers, Twins, She’s Having a Baby, Paul, Wild Hogs and Terminator Salvation

To get to the trail and the bridge, head north out of Taos on the main road toward Colorado.  Go left at the last light and you’re on Highway 64.  From there it is about 10 minute drive west.  Cross the bridge and enter the rest area for parking.  The trail is right there.

Check out Jim O’Donnell Photography

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