There are more than two dozen scenic byways in New Mexico, and any of these drives could be at the top of your bucket list. However, there is one in particular — the Wild Rivers Backcountry Byway — that is absolutely stunning. This short, 13-mile route takes drivers along varying terrain to see some of the most spectacular views in the Land of Enchantment.
The Wild Rivers Backcountry Byway, also known as NM-378, is a 13-mile loop road. This byway is located in northern New Mexico and is approximately 26 miles north of Taos.
Bureau of Land Management - New Mexico/Facebook
Along this scenic drive in New Mexico, you will travel through sagebrush-covered plains. Keep your eyes out for wildlife as you travel.
Randall Douty/Google
The Wild Rivers Backcountry Byway is an extension of NM-378 and will give you access to the BLM’s Wild Rivers Recreation Area. In the Wild Rivers Recreation Area, you will travel on a paved road along the stunning Rio Grande River.
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As you continue your drive, you will experience some of the state’s most breathtaking sights. Make sure you pull over at one (or all!) of the overlooks that are along this scenic byway in New Mexico.
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You will also pass several picnic areas, as well as the La Junta Campground on the Wild Rivers Scenic Byway.
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The La Junta Point is one of the most well-known overlooks on this byway and the view here will make every mile on this byway totally worth it.
Shirley Field/AllTrails
Anna Studebaker/AllTrails To reach the overlook, you will need to take a short 0.3-mile trail and the trailhead begins at the La Junta Campground. At this lookout, you will see where the Red River joins the Rio Grande River. It is stunning.
As you continue your drive, you’ll pass the Wild Rivers Visitor Center. Stop in to learn even more about this drive and the surrounding area.
Richard Holmes/Google
As you complete your drive, the loop will bring you right back to where you started, through the gorgeous sagebrush flatlands. Even this area of land has a unique beauty about it.
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To learn more about the Wild Rivers Backcountry Byway, click here.
Bureau of Land Management - New Mexico/Facebook
Randall Douty/Google
MicheleFrisco/TripAdvisor
Nan A/TripAdvisor
Jan Sands/Google
Shirley Field/AllTrails
Anna Studebaker/AllTrails
To reach the overlook, you will need to take a short 0.3-mile trail and the trailhead begins at the La Junta Campground. At this lookout, you will see where the Red River joins the Rio Grande River. It is stunning.
Richard Holmes/Google
amstrangio/TripAdvisor
Have you ever traveled on this scenic byway in New Mexico? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments below.
If you are looking for even more backroads to explore in New Mexico, here are seven you must check out.
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Address: New Mexico 378, NM-378, New Mexico, USA
