Rio Grande Gorge State Park

The elevation along the river is 6,100 feet and the steep canyon rises 800 feet from the river to the Gorge rim.  Gentle waters with occasional small rapids flow through Orilla Verde, providing an ideal setting for many recreational activities.  Because of the dramatic changes in elevation and the diversity of plant life, Orilla Verde draws many species of animals, including raptors (such as eagles and hawks), songbirds, waterfowl, beaver, cougar, ringtail, mule deer, and more.  The Río Grande also has attracted humans since prehistoric times.  Evidence of ancient peoples is found throughout the Recreation Area in the form of petroglyphs on the rocks and many other types of archaeological sites.