Crosses Rio Grande Body of water Rio Grande Carries Pedestrian, Bicycle | Construction begin 1908 Location Arroyo Hondo | |
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Locale Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico Address Co Rd B-007, El Prado, NM 87529, USA Similar Manby Hot Springs, Rio Grande Gorge, Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, Rio Pueblo de Taos, Rocky Mountains | ||
Driving into rio grande gorge john dunn bridge
John Dunn Bridge is located in Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico in north central New Mexico. It crosses the Rio Grande near the confluence of the Rio Hondo. It was built in 1908 by John Dunn who transported travelers and mail into Taos and housed travelers overnight at his hotel near the bridge. It was sold to the Territory of New Mexico in 1912 and at that time the toll-bridge was made a free bridge to travelers. Recreational opportunities on the rivers include fishing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. It is near the Black Rock Hot Springs.
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Geography
The bridge is located about three miles west of Arroyo Hondo on a gravel road that parallels Rio Hondo. The road, off of NM 522, runs through Bureau of Land Management property, is known as John Dunn Bridge Road and County Road B-007.
An 18-mile portion of the Rio Grande called the "Taos Box" is known for whitewater rafting between the John Dunn Bridge, and the northern end, and the Taos Junction Bridge.
History
In or after 1893 John Dunn bought a bridge that crossed the Rio Grande and established a business taking passengers and freight from the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad at Tres Piedras to Taos. The bridge burned down and he rebuilt it in 1908.
He built a hotel near the bridge there for travelers. The hotel provided fresh fish from the Rio Grande and fresh milk from his milk cow. It was a toll bridge for which he charged $1 per person and less for livestock. He provided daily mail service from the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad at Tres Piedras to Embudo, Taos Junction and Taos, that was otherwise delivered unpredictably.
He operated the bridge until 1912 when he sold it to the Territory of New Mexico who made it a free bridge.
The bridge was closed in 2007 for the winter following a rockslide in October of that year.
Recreation
Fishing is available on the Rio Hondo near the bridge and on the Rio Grande. Kayaking and whitewater rafting are popular recreation activities on Rio Grande, particularly for experienced rafters. A put-in spot is located near the bridge.
Black Rock Hot Springs are located off of a dirt road on the western side of the Rio Grande after crossing the bridge.