Updates from Rio Hondo Fishing Park

Have you visited Rio Hondo Fishing Park lately? Now’s the time!

Rio Hondo Fishing Park (RHFP) is an important chapter in the history of land conservation in Taos County. In 2009, Taos Land Trust (TLT) acquired this 22-acre stretch along the Rio Hondo, ensuring that its diverse riparian habitat and public access routes would be preserved for generations to come. This public park is an ongoing testament to our commitment to protect the land, water, and cultural heritage of Northern New Mexico through community-driven conservation since 1988.

Like Rio Fernando Park, Rio Hondo Fishing Park is open to all—welcoming anglers, walkers, bird watchers, families, and nature lovers seeking a quiet spot  to experience the beauty and biodiversity of the Rio Hondo. The Rio Hondo, a cold-water stream, supports Cutbow and Brown Trout, beavers, deer, foxes, muskrats, and a variety of birds and native plants.

“Great for local Secenos who want a quick escape to get outside to sit on a rock and look at the river and rock formations without driving far…”

-Philip Polacek, local

Rio Hondo Fishing Park is easy to find. From the intersection of Rim Road and 230 in Arroyo Seco, turn left and head down Rim Road for about half a mile. You’ll see a small parking area on the right. The trail to the river starts here—it’s about a third of a mile long with a moderate incline. (Read below for information about trail improvements.) 

We invite you to visit and see the park for yourself. Walk the trail, explore the river, and enjoy what this wild haven has to offer.

Investing in a Better Park

This year marks the beginning of a major improvement project at RHFP, thanks to the hard work of our Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) crew and generous support from the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division. Here’s what’s happening:

• Trail Upgrades: The current trail down to the Rio Hondo is steep and has suffered from erosion, making access difficult for many. Our YCC crew spent a week last month exploring game trails and mapping out a new, more gradual path from the parking area to the river. This new trail will be less prone to erosion and much easier for everyone to use. 
• Vegetation Management: Thick vegetation along the river has made fishing access challenging. In the coming weeks, our crew will be clearing some of this heavy understory to open up fishing trails and improve the overall experience for visitors. 
• New Amenities: By the end of fall, look for new benches along the river—perfect for relaxing, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the scenery. 

A Grant for Lasting Change

We are thrilled to announce that TLT has been awarded a $99,999 grant from the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division! This funding will support:

• At Rio Hondo Fishing Park: Design and construction of a sustainable new trail, improved signage, benches, and picnic tables. 
• At Rio Fernando Park: Trail improvements, a welcoming arbor at our Fred Baca Park access, an horno/outdoor learning space, additional benches and picnic tables, and a children’s garden.

Shout Outs: More Recent Grants Powering Our Work

• LOR Foundation: 
  • Provided a grant for the purchase of a vehicle for crew transport and a dump trailer, improving our ability to maintain and enhance our parks. 
  • Awarded additional funding for a new workshop, where our youth crews will learn carpentry and construction skills. They’ll build benches, tables, and other park features using reclaimed materials and wood sourced from our own properties. 
• Taos County Lodgers Tax Grant: 
  • Supporting the promotion of Rio Fernando Park Day and helping us bring the community together for our 10th anniversary celebration. 
• New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps (YCC): 
  • Awarded funding that enables us to hire youth ages 14–25 to work in our parks. Through this program, young people gain skills in teamwork, leadership, wilderness first aid, CPR, and financial management, while exploring career opportunities in conservation, agriculture, and land management. 

These new grants and partnerships not only support park improvements and community events, but also expand opportunities for youth engagement and environmental education. 

Thank You for Your Support

These projects wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our YCC crew, the support of our partners, and the love our community shows for these special places. We invite you to visit RHFP, see the improvements firsthand, and share your feedback as we continue to care for our parks—together.

Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for helping us protect and enhance the places that make Taos County home.

Upcoming Workshops and Events

July 15th: Resistance is Fertile – Food Growing Workshop
Next week, Taos Land Trust and UNM-Taos Library are teaming up to offer a workshop on small space gardening. This is a great opportunity to learn how to grow food in limited spaces. Join Darien Fernandez for a hands-on workshop covering the basics of soil health, maximizing space, and planting schedules. Learn about multi-cropping, indoor/outdoor growing, and tips for self-sufficiency and resilience. Seeds and starts provided by Taos Land Trust. Everyone is welcome!
Time: 11 AM–12 PM
Location: Pathways Garden, UNM-Taos Klauer Campus, 1157 County Rd. 110

July 31st: Orchard Care Workshop
Paul Bryan Jones and his team will demonstrate summer pruning techniques and discuss mulching, watering, and cover cropping for fruit trees. After the workshop, volunteers are invited to help care for our orchard in the park

September 13th: Rio Fernando Park Day & 10th Anniversary Celebration
Mark your calendars! Rio Fernando Park turns 10 this year, and we’re planning a free community celebration with food, music, games, workshops, hayrides, and more. Thanks to Taos County’s lodgers tax grant, we’ll be able to make this event extra special.