Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
  2. Important essentials for Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
  3. Activities for Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
  4. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America by month

January

January in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument can be extremely cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the right type. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

February

February in this region is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right type. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

March

March for Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is brisk. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

If you are traveling to Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in April, you will notice that it is cool. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

May

If you visit Rio Grande del Norte National Monument during May, you might find that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

Traveling to Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in June, you will notice that it is warm. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

July for Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the correct kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

If you visit Rio Grande del Norte National Monument during August, you will probably see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the correct type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

September

If you visit Rio Grande del Norte National Monument during September, you may see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

If you vacation in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument during October, you are likely to notice that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct type. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

November

Traveling to Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in November, you will notice that it is brisk. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the correct kind. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

If you are traveling to Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in December, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to snow sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary kind. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is a 242,000-acre protected area in northern New Mexico that features rugged peaks, stunning vistas, and ancient rock formations. The monument, declared by President Barack Obama in 2013, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife enthusiasts, and those interested in Native American culture. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

1. Wild and Scenic Rivers

A key feature of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is the Rio Grande Gorge, which cuts through the Taos Plateau and is known for its steep rock walls and rapid waters. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which spans the canyon and provides stunning views of the river below. The Rio Grande is also designated a Wild and Scenic River, providing excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking, and rafting.

2. Ancient Petroglyphs

The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is home to numerous ancient art sites, including the iconic Ute Mountain Petroglyphs. These petroglyphs, created by the Ute people more than 1,000 years ago, depict a variety of animals, symbols, and figures. Visitors can also visit the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, where more than 20,000 images have been carved into dozens of lava boulders.

3. Hiking and Backpacking

The diverse terrain of Rio Grande del Norte National Monument makes it a great destination for hiking and backpacking. The monument features more than 100 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Visitors can hike along the Rio Grande or up to the top of Cerro de la Olla, which offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.

4. Wildlife Watching

The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, black bears, and mountain lions. Visitors can observe these animals and others in their natural habitat by hiking or by taking a guided wildlife tour.

5. Cultural Heritage

The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is home to a number of Native American settlements, including Taos Pueblo, which has been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years. Visitors can tour the pueblo, participate in traditional dances and ceremonies, and learn about the culture and history of the Taos people.

In conclusion, the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is a great place to explore for those interested in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of New Mexico. With hiking trails, petroglyph sites, and wildlife watching opportunities, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable experience in this protected area.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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