Take a journey along the wild and rugged Rio Grande.Beautiful pictures capture the essence of the famous river and its importance in the arid Southwest. Native New Mexican author and photographer Noël Fletcher provides family stories and insights about frontier life.Follow the Rio Grande through deserts, wetlands, and rocky cliffs. Experience natural wonders, including volcanic lands and river rapids, and encounter wildlife such as snakes, wolves, cranes, and bighorn sheep. With 100+ striking color photos, the book features:• Author biography• Wild West history • Interesting facts about New Mexico, local culture, and life along the Rio Grande• the world's largest cottonwood forest • the legendary Rio Grande Gorge • Spanish colonial irrigation systems• Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge• Unique wildlife and plants• Oral tradition from Spanish settlers and family storiesThis captivating book combines vivid photos and the written word to tell a living history of the famous Rio Grande and the beautiful desert land of New Mexico.