Rio Grande Valley Trail Riding
Ride the ancient bosque trails along the Rio Grande — right from your campsite
About Rio Grande Valley Trail Riding
The Rio Grande Valley bosque through the Bosque area is one of the most rewarding trail riding destinations in the American Southwest, offering mile after mile of shaded cottonwood forest riding along the banks of one of North America's great rivers. Unlike trail systems in developed recreation areas, the bosque trails here feel genuinely wild — the cottonwood canopy is dense enough to muffle outside sound, the river is close enough to hear, and the wildlife encounters are frequent enough to make every ride an adventure. Sandhill cranes, great blue herons, coyotes, mule deer, and dozens of songbird species share this riparian corridor with riders year-round.
Kiva RV Park's equestrian facilities — 15 stalls, pipe corrals, a barn, and a round pen — make it the ideal staging point for multi-day trail exploration of the Rio Grande bosque. The trails are accessible directly from the property, eliminating the need to trailer horses to a trailhead. For equestrian travelers heading up or down the I-25 corridor, Kiva offers the only purpose-built horse facilities at any RV park in the central New Mexico region, making it the natural overnight stop for anyone traveling with horses.
The bosque trail system connects to the El Camino Real Historic Trail corridor, giving historically inclined riders the extraordinary experience of traveling the same route that Spanish colonial expeditions used for 300 years. The flat valley terrain is accessible to horses of all fitness levels, while longer rides into the foothills can be organized for more ambitious equestrians. The combination of outstanding wildlife viewing, historical significance, and the simple pleasure of riding under ancient cottonwoods makes the Bosque bosque experience genuinely world-class.
What to See & Do
- Ride directly from Kiva's equestrian facilities onto bosque trail networks — no trailering to a separate location
- Watch sandhill cranes lift off from their roost at dawn while on horseback in the cottonwood bosque
- Follow the El Camino Real historic trail corridor along the Rio Grande on the same route used by Spanish expeditions since 1598
- Ride through the dense cottonwood canopy in fall when the foliage turns brilliant gold — one of New Mexico's most beautiful seasonal events
- Spot great blue herons, beavers, and coyotes along the river margin from horseback
- Use Kiva's round pen for horse conditioning and training during layover days on your I-25 journey
Visitor Information
- Hours
- Accessible year-round from Kiva's property; best riding October through May to avoid summer midday heat
- Fees
- Included with Kiva RV Park equestrian site rate
- Best Time to Visit
- October through November for crane migration and fall cottonwood color; spring for wildflowers
- Address
- 21 Old Hwy 60, Bosque, NM 87006
- Phone
- (505) 861-0693
- Website
- Official Site
Getting There from Kiva
Trail access is directly from Kiva RV Park's property. Ride west from the barn and corrals to reach the bosque trail network along the Rio Grande. No trailering required.
Open in Google MapsThe Ideal Base Camp for Rio Grande Valley Trail Riding
The only RV park in the region with full equestrian facilities — 15 stalls, pipe corrals, barn, and round pen on-site
Ride directly from the property onto historic Rio Grande bosque trails — no trailering, no permits, just saddle up and go
Safe, secure overnight stabling for your horses while you enjoy Kiva's full hookup RV facilities — the complete equestrian travel experience
Located directly on the El Camino Real, North America's oldest road — trail riders can access genuine historic route segments from the property
Explore More from Kiva
While you're visiting Rio Grande Valley Trail Riding, check out these other nearby attractions.
Bernardo Waterfowl Management Area
3.5 miWorld-class crane and waterfowl viewing — just 3.5 miles from your campsite
Learn more
El Camino Real Historic Trail
Along the valleyWalk the oldest road in North America — right through Kiva's front yard
Learn more
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
30 miThe most spectacular bird show in the American West
Learn more
Magdalena Old Timers Reunion & Rodeo
70 miThe genuine article — a working-cowboy rodeo in one of New Mexico's most storied cattle towns
Learn moreMake Kiva Your Base Camp
Whether you're chasing cranes, exploring history, or riding trails — Kiva RV Park puts you at the center of central New Mexico's best attractions.