The Wild Rivers Recreation Area is part of the larger Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. This unit of the monument has a paved road that leads to La Junta Point: a lookout over the confluence of the Rio Grande River and the Red River 800 feet below. The Area is at 7,000 feet and it sits in volcanic fields with mountain views and lots of wildlife. There are also plenty of campsites as well as opportunities for hiking. The Big Arsenic Trail (2.4 mile roundtrip with an 800 foot elevation change) leads to the river and to a primitive campground and can be a little tough but very worth it. There are also a few trails along the rim and through the nearby wilderness.

Although I have driven through the area many times, I have only stayed at the Wild Rivers Rec Area one time and I only made it there in time for sunset and sleeping after a long day of driving. I will be back to hike and explore though, so stay tuned.