The Rio Grande Gorge is a dramatic canyon in northern New Mexico where the Rio Grande cuts through the Taos Plateau volcanic field for about 50 miles near Taos, reaching about 800 feet deep south of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Formed within the Rio Grande Rift by tectonic movement, volcanism, and long erosion, it stands out for its steep walls, varied ecosystem, and ancient piñon and juniper woodlands. The gorge also preserves human history in petroglyphs, ruins, the route of the Chili Line, and NASA astronaut training there in 1971. Protected river lands and recreation areas now make it an important scenic and whitewater destination.