Costilla offers specific ways to explore cultural and natural interests: Sagrado Corazón was built in the town around 1890; fishing for native trout is possible at the Latir Lakes, Little Blue Lake, and Costilla Creek. There is also camping in designated areas of the Rio Costilla. Local history, fishing, and camping provide distinct focuses for planning a stay.

Costilla and the Rio Costilla Area

The Rio Costilla is located in the communities of Costilla and Amalia in northern Taos County, New Mexico. The river is therefore located in two communities; Costilla also refers to the town where Sagrado Corazón stands. The geographic reference thus extends from activity in the town itself to the area around the river. This distinction is useful when planning: the church is a destination in town, while fishing and camping are associated with named bodies of water or designated areas along the river.

Trout Fishing at Lakes and the Creek

Fishing for native trout is possible at the Latir Lakes, Little Blue Lake, and Costilla Creek. When choosing where to fish, you can distinguish between the two fishing waters named “Lake” and Costilla Creek. Fishing on Costilla Creek is also regulated by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish. Check the regulations again before fishing so that you can follow the current requirements.

Camping with a Day Permit

A day permit allows visitors to camp in designated areas of the Rio Costilla. Seasonal operations may change, so check the latest information about visitor operations before your visit. Camping on Costilla Creek is regulated by the RCCLA, and you should check those regulations again before camping as well. When planning, camping in designated areas of the Rio Costilla and the regulations on Costilla Creek are two separate considerations: the day permit applies to the designated river areas, while the RCCLA regulations apply to camping on Costilla Creek.

Sagrado Corazón: Architecture and Feast Day

Sagrado Corazón in Costilla was built around 1890. The church is made of adobe and has a cruciform floor plan. The approximate year of construction provides a historical context; adobe refers to the building material, while the cross shape describes the floor plan. These details give visitors interested in culture specific ways to appreciate the building through its history and architecture. The feast day of Sagrado Corazón is the first Friday in July; confirm current access locally if this date is important to your trip.

Peaks and Traces of Mining History

Big Costilla Peak is one of the most prominent peaks in the Rio Costilla area. The wider area also shows traces of its mining and early settlement history: old log cabins used by miners and early settlers, as well as gold mine ruins, can still be seen throughout the area. The cabins point to their former use by miners and settlers; the mine ruins add visible traces of gold mining. Together with the prominent peak, they offer different perspectives on the wider Rio Costilla area.

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