The main route from Taos to the southern Colorado towns of Alamosa and Pagosa Springs, U.S. Route 64, is incredibly scenic, especially because it passes over the Brazos Pass in the southern part of the San Juan Mountains. Between the pass and Taos the highway passes over the gorge of the Rio Grande, and the picturesque bridge that makes the crossing is a popular stop for travelers on this road.

The bridge is a steel deck arch bridge that passes 565 feet over the river and is the seventh highest bridge in the United States. In 1966 the American Instute of Steel Constructed recognized the bridge as the "Most Beautiful Bridge" in the long span category. It is a treat to walk the bridge and view the gorge extending in both directions. The rest area has restrooms, covered picnic tables, and usually many crafts vendors set up along the rear of the parking area offering Native American and other handmade goods for sale. This site is also the beginning of the West Rim Trail that follows the gorge for about a mile with excellent views from the rim.