The Wild Rivers Backcountry Byway is a closed-loop road providing access to BLM's Wild Rivers Recreation Area north of Taos, New Mexico which provides the visitor with access to the many scenic views and recreational opportunities in the Recreation Area.

For information regarding what you will see, or the public lands you will have access to along the byway, see BLM's Wild Rivers Recreation Area website.

Length of Byway or Route: The double-lane, low-speed, paved road is approximately 13 miles long.

The Wild Rivers Backcountry Byway is located in northern New Mexico, 26 miles north of Taos and 17 miles south of the Colorado-New Mexico state line, near the town of Questa. To get to the byway, turn west onto NM 378 from NM 522, approximately 2 miles north of Questa. The byway is an extension of NM 378 into BLM's Wild Rivers Recreation Area. The road is maintained during winter months, however bad weather conditions can restrict access.

Forty mile views in all directrions - including looking up to New Mexico's tallest mountains and out across sagebrush plains dotted with volcanic cinder cones - are one highlight; the other is peering down into the Rio Grande Gorge, some 5-700 feet below.

Fully accessible by paved road or wheelchair at the Wild Rivers Recreation Area Visitor Center and bookstore.

Pets should be leashed in developed recreation areas and visitor centers.