New Mexico River Adventures is proud to announce that we have more access to the world-class Rio Chama rafting trip than any other outfitter in New Mexico. What this means for you is that there are more trip dates and options for you to explore this amazing wilderness rafting trip. Ask our reservation staff about our 3 Day Rio Chama trip most popular among our returning guests!

Rafting rapids, hiking mountains, trekking out to the wilderness — these adventures are what bucket lists are made of. If you’ve decided this summer is the time to check some items off your list of life goals, you should start making travel plans to visit two of the best western US destinations for outdoor excitement: New Mexico and Colorado.

New Mexico

When you go rafting in New Mexico, you also get access to world-class kayaking, canoeing, camping, backpacking, hiking, peak climbing and mountain biking. There’s an adventure for every age and experience level, so don’t hesitate to bring the whole family along. If you’re looking for a truly special outdoor getaway, you should consider custom rafting trips in New Mexico. New Mexico River Adventures is always dreaming up new ways to make river trips even more memorable for our guests. In the past, specialty trips have included gourment meals, wine and beer tastings, live music, yoga retreats, and more!

Colorado

If rafting world-class rapids is on your bucket list, you also should consider a Colorado rafting trip this summer. The Colorado and the Arkansas are two of busiest rafting rivers for a reason: they are home to incredible rapids and some great river tour companies. While you’re in the Rockies, you should take advantage of Colorado zipline tours. If zipping far above the trees over a cliff or down a mountainside isn’t on your bucket list yet, it should be. Head Out West! New Mexico River Adventures can help you cross a bunch of items off your bucket list this summer. Contact us today to learn more about specialty trips or white water rafting in New Mexico! For memorable outdoor adventures in Colorado, contact AVA Rafting & Ziplining and ask about rafting and ziplining packages available now!

Where should you take your family this summer? Choosing a destination for a summer vacation can be hard, especially if the budget is tight and mom, dad, and the kids can’t agree on what would be the most fun. Here are some great options to consider as you try to get everyone on the same page for your 2015 family summer vacation plans.

Enjoying the Great Outdoors

You can’t go wrong with an outdoor vacation. Teaching children to enjoy the wonders of nature is a valuable life lesson, and it’s ensures that they are active and engaged throughout their summer trip. Head out to the mountains for a hike, find an interesting campground, or try some white water rafting. These are all great outdoor experiences for the entire family, young and old. A couple of great outdoor spots to check out include Yellowstone National Park, Saguaro National Park, Black Hills of South Dakota or the Great Smoky Mountains. Try New Mexico family rafting if you are looking for memorable experiences on the water.

Taking a Trip Out of North America

This may seem a bit expensive, but you don’t really have to go too far to get out of the U.S. In fact, you can drive or fly cheaply across the border to Mexico. Staying in Mexico can be quite affordable, especially if you decide to rent a place, rather than stay in a resort or hotel. Mexican vacation rentals can be cheaper options that still allow you to have privacy, peace and quiet and plenty of space for the entire family. By staying in a rented home rather than a hotel, you will be able to comfortably experience the real Mexico alongside locals, rather than as a tourist.

Traveling Overseas

If money allows, you can also go to historic sites in Europe, like London, Berlin, Rome and Paris. It can be a fun and educational experience for the entire family, especially if it’s their first trip. During the summer, the weather will be excellent for hitting up the beach for views and water sports as well. Wherever you and your family decide to go, make sure that it’s fun and memorable!

Known best for its Bavarian theme, Leavenworth Washington is also a hidden gem for outdoor recreation. Here is a short list of fun and exciting things to do in Leavenworth.

Rock Climbing With countless world class climbing routes it’s no wonder climbers all across the world plan destination trips to get the chance to get on the rock here in Leavenworth. You will find incredible routes varying in difficulty just minutes from downtown. Some popular climbing spots include Icicle Canyon, Tumwater Canyon, and Peshastin Pinnacles.

Mountain Biking Do you plan on bringing your bike along? Leavenworth has you covered there too. Make sure to consider checking out the following trails when you plan your next visit. Leavenworth Ski Hill, Freund Canyon, Xanadu trail and Devil’s Gulch.

Whitewater Rafting The Summer months bring warm temperatures to the area. What better way is there to cool off then rafting on the river? Maybe you’ve always wanted to try downriver stand up paddling or a whitewater kayak instruction course? Either way, Wildwater River Guides can get you out on the river. Join the experience today.

Wineries & Breweries Is outdoor recreation not really your thing? Or maybe you are just looking for a way to unwind after a great trail ride or trip down the river? Leavenworth has a handful of great wineries including Icicle Ridge Winery, Silvara Vineyards, and Wedge Mountain Winery. Also make sure to check out Icicle Brewing Company in the heart of downtown Leavenworth for tasty beers on tap and fun outdoor atmosphere.

Hiking The hiking trails are endless around Leavenworth and you won’t have to drive very far to find them. Some must ‘do’s’ include, Icicle Creek Trail River Loop, Icicle Ridge, Fourth of July trail, hiking the Enchantments (all Enchantment Lakes), or just a stroll around Leavenworth Waterfront park.

White water rafting is an activity that everyone can enjoy — kids and adults, outdoorsmen and couch potatoes. Despite all the positives that come with a guided river trip, some people harbor concerns that prevent them getting out on the water. If you have friends or family members who are white water rafting newbies, here are some ways to convince them that 2015 is the year they need to finally welcome some rapids into their lives.

Explain What Happens

Some folks don’t find the unknown to be appealing, which is why you should explain all facets of the trip beforehand. Let them know about the rapids involved, the length and duration of the trip, the benefits of having a guide along, and more. Call your white water rafting guide company ahead of your trip to ensure you have all the details you need to share.

An All-Expense Paid Vacation

For any of your uninitiated friends or family who question the cost of a rafting package, explain to them that a guided white water rafting trip is like an all-in-one vacation. On a multi-day trip, they will experience rafting, hiking, camping and plenty of adventure with friends in the great outdoors.

Ease Worries About Nature

Rafting is an excellent activity for people who aren’t outdoorsy. Explain that during your trip, your group will be safe from wildlife, get plenty of rest and relaxation, and see some incredible views. This is a great way to get newbies to really experience the wilderness for the first time.

Bring Out their Sense of Adventure

A lot of people have a hidden desire for adventure. Try selling the excitement of white water rafting by describing how it feels to be out on the water. It’s an intoxicating experience that will provide a new kind of rush for people who have never felt the rush of being on the rapids. With a little bit of explaining and sweet talking, you can get your uninitiated friends and family out on the rapids in 2015. New Mexico River Adventures offers half-day, full-day, and multi-day packages for white water rafting in New Mexico. Rafters of all experience levels are welcome! Book a Taos rafting adventure, or come along for a rafting trip in Santa Fe this year. For even more western river adventures, consider a group Grand Canyon rafting or Colorado River rafting trip with Western River Expeditions.

Do you know someone who is a river adventure lover? If this someone loves kayaking, canoeing, hiking and camping along rivers, then you’ll find these gift ideas to be excellent choices. Here are some fun choices that are sure to please all year round, for birthdays, holidays, or a special thank you: Red Paddle Co. Ten Six Inflatable Sup: This product is great for use in flat water, but is also diverse enough to handle waters with a bit of waves. It’s quite popular around the globe. Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket: When you want to stay warm, but light, this nano puff jacket by Patagonia would be a great option. It’s great for outdoor year-round use. It blocks wind, resists water, and is compressible. NRS Big Water Guide PFD: River runners may already have a PFD, but after a while, they may need a replacement. With this product, you can give your loved one peace of mind and comfort throughout their river running. Waterproof Case for iPhone: The Catalyst Waterproof iPhone Case is an excellent choice for river adventure enthusiasts who have an iPhone they like to carry with them on their trips. Camp Time Roll-A-Table: This is standard gear that should be used on long trips outdoors. Whether it’s at the beach or at a campsite, this roll-a-table product is perfect for such occasions. Tula Hats: There’s a great selection of Tula hats to choose from, which means you’re highly likely to find one that suits the person you’re shopping for. These are made of sustainable fibers and are easy to pack. Plus, they offer extra UPF50+ protection from the sun! Whether your joining New Mexico River Adventures on a Taos or Santa Fe whitewater rafting adventure or you’re planning an abroad vacation tour, this list is sure to help you find the perfect gift for them.

As always, we are having a busy off season here at New Mexico River Adventures.  We have decided to spend the winter season away from our normal Southern Hemisphere rivers and work on a variety of exciting projects right here in New Mexico.  In addition to an expansion of the Headquarters which includes 2 new shaded patios and a new front entry.  We have also increased our parking area and changing rooms.  But, most exciting of all is our brand new reservation system which will help to provide a much easier, more detailed and user friendly way to reserve your adventure with us whether it be online or over the phone.  Just look for the Book Now and Gift Certificate buttons all over the website for the most advanced online booking system available!

Yes, one of our most popular trips of the year is back for another season and the dates have been announced.  Our annual trip with the great folks at Vivac Winery and The Santa Fe Culinary Academy is set for the weekend of July 17-19.  This trip is just as popular with the guides as it is with the guests as we work our way through the amazing Rio Chama Wilderness over the course of 3 days.  Each day brings relaxing time on the water intertwined with just enough whitewater excitement to keep you on your toes.  In the evenings we’re treated to incredible wines presented  by brothers Jesse and Chris from Vivac as we enjoy 4 beautifully crafted dishes from acclaimed chef and craftsman Rocky Durham, lead instructor from the Santa Fe Culinary Academy.  This trip will sell out again so please be sure to reserve your space soon.  Bon Apetite!

Sitting back, reading a great adventure book is a favorite pastime for many. If you enjoy reading about white water rafting or other types of river journeys, then you’ll find the following books to be great additions to your “books to read” list this year.

The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko

In this riveting story, you are taken on a journey that weaves together adventure, history and environmental politics into a great tale. It is about the guides, dory boat outfitters and dam engineers along the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. It offers a reader a holistic view into running rivers in Southwest America.

The River Why by David James Duncan

This is a coming-of-age story that takes place in Oregon. It’s about a young fly fisherman named Gus Orviston. Those who fly fish or have an interest in it will find this beautiful prose to be humorous and earnest in its fishing approach to finding the deeper meaning of life. Explore love, humor, family relationships and environmental problems wrapped into one exciting tale.

A River Runs Through It by Norman McLean

This book can easily be read numerous times, each time being just as thought-provoking and entertaining as the last. It’s a literary masterpiece that is honest, taught and heart-wrenching. The story surrounds two brothers growing up in a family of fly fishers in Montana. It explores metaphysical questions, but in a colloquial manner. If you’re looking to read great tales about water adventures, then you’ll want to check out these three must-reads. If you want to live your own adventure with through a Toccoa River, Ocoee River, or Nantahala River white water rafting trip, you can check out the options available from Rolling Thunder River Company. For the best white water rafting in New Mexico, check out the trip options here at New Mexico River Adventures. Our Taos rafting and Santa Fe rafting trips won’t disappoint!

Hopes are high for a wetter than normal winter in the Southwestern United States.  There have been predictions of an El Nino weather pattern appearing in Dec./Jan which typically produces a great snowpack for the Sangre de Christo Mountains and most importantly, the Rio Grande and Rio Chama watershed.   For the most part, our winter has started out just fine with a healthy amount of snow having already accumulated in the Upper Rio Grande Headwaters area.  Historically we get the majority of our snowfall from Jan.-March.  With El Nino arriving, this should mean for a great series of wet storms during this time period.  This coupled with cooler temperatures in march should yield a wonderful season for the Northern New Mexico watersheds.  Of course, we are extremely lucky here in Northern New Mexico to have a spectacular river with multiple sections of fun whitewater at any and all water levels.  However, this doesn’t mean that we’re not praying for snow.  And this season certainly looks like its coming!  For us here at New Mexico River Adventures, this means great anticipation for a longer Taos Box and Razorblades season throughout April, May and June.  Keep in touch with us during the spring months to learn more about the upcoming season’s water levels and when the best time of the year is to reserve the trip of your dreams!