About the Rio Hondo

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About the Rio Hondo

The Rio Hondo, a tributary of the Rio Grande, is a river in Taos County in northern New Mexico. The Rio Hondo flows about 20 miles from its headwaters near Wheeler Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains until it reaches the Rio Grande Gorge. The Rio Hondo proper is formed by the conjunction of the North Fork of the Rio Hondo and the Lake Fork of the Rio Hondo in the Village of Taos Ski Valley. From the Ski Valley it flows Southwest through the Rio Hondo canyon. Small streams join the Rio Hondo as it flows through the canyon, notably Gavilan, Italianos, Manzanita and Yerba creeks and the South Fork of the Rio Hondo. The river exits the canyon at Valdez and continues flowing through Cañoncito, Turley Mill, and then Arroyo Hondo. The Rio Hondo empties into the Rio Grande just west of Arroyo Hondo near the John Dunn bridge.

Villages

Arroyo Hondo - An historic agricultural community, it was known for its sheep and wool production. It's the historical center of the Arroyo Hondo land grant, and was established in 1815. Current population about 250.

Valdez - Another historic agricultural community. Formally established in 1815 as part of the Arroyo Hondo land grant. Originally called San Antonio it became Valdez in 1894. Current population about 700.

Village of Taos Ski Valley - Originally called Twining, it was a mining village in the late 1800s. After the mining was depleted about 1910, Twining was abandoned and the most frequent visitors were hunters and anglers until the Ski Area was established in 1955. Current population about 70.

The Rio Hondo also flows through the settlements of Cañoncito and Turley Mill. Both were settled about the same time as the rest of the Arroyo Hondo Land Grant. Turley Mill was a critical site during the 1847 Taos Revolt.

Who are the Friends of the Rio Hondo?

Why, you are! Anyone who cares about the River is part of our community. And really, who doesn't like a river?

We're not an organization, we don't have a membership list and or any leadership. We're a point of reference. 

Our agenda is the river. We're in favor of whatever is best for the Rio Hondo. We don't try to be balanced. Other points of view are available elsewhere.

Drop us an email if you have a suggestion, question, comment or concern: FriendsoftheRioHondo@gmail.com