Rio Grande Kayaking

River

Rio Grande

Duration

Full Day

Minimum Age 14

Meals

yes

Price

$110

Call For Reservations

About the trip

Join NMRA for a Rio Grande kayaking trip! Our most popular full day trip on the Rio Grande when the water levels are low early and later in the summer. This Rio Grande Gorge kayaking trip has it all and is perfect for those guests looking for the ultimate whitewater challenge when the Taos Box is closed and the water levels are low. This full day adventure meets at either 8:30am or 9:30am and lasts for 5-6 hours. This trip also includes our signature hot chicken fajita lunch, riverside. You will park in the safe, secure parking lot at our Rio Grande Headquarters and your car will act as your locker while you are on the trip. Don't worry if you forgot your sunscreen, water shoes, hat or sunglasses. We have all of it and more for sale at very reasonable prices at our Headquarters.

Trip Highlights

The most popular full day trip in New Mexico
Spectacular whitewater during lower water levels
Be in charge of your own craft!
Located just a short drive from our Headquarters
Great swimming opportunities

Where to Meet

This trip meets at our private, Rio Grande Headquarters which is conveniently located 1 hour north of Santa Fe and 30 min. south of Taos. Our fully stocked Headquarters and Outfitters Shop is in the heart of the Rio Grande Gorge right across the street from the river, less than 1 mile from the finishing point of the most popular trips and offers safe, secure parking in our private parking lot.

For directions to our Rio Grande Headquarters click here!

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know how to swim?
It is recommended but not mandatory that all our guests know how to swim. All guests are given Type V, US Coast Guard approved flotation devices (lifejackets) that are designed to float you on your back, nice and high in the water. For all our class 3 and above sections on the Rio Grande, you will also be issued a helmet.

What do I need to wear?
We have packing lists for you to review for each of our different trip types. Remember that the weather changes dramatically throughout the New Mexico rafting season. It can be significantly colder during March-May we encourage our guests to always be prepared.

What if it’s my first time, do I need experience?
There is no experience required for any of our river trips. However, we encourage experience for our more difficult, Taos Box and Razorblades trips. Please feel free to call us with any concerns or questions about appropriate trips for your group.

Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, we cannot bring our furry friends on our river trips. We ask that you leave your pets at home before heading to our headquarters.

Can I leave my dog with you?
We do not have a secure area to keep your dog at our headquarters. Moreover, the temperatures get extremely hot during our season, because of this, you will NOT be able to leave your pets in your car. We ask that you leave your pets at home before heading to our headquarters.

» Read all Rafting FAQ

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REVIEWS

Fun in the Sun on the Chama! We did the three day float down the Rio Chama. We loved being out on the water with a great crew! The food was great, the scenery was spectacular. Our crew made our trip memorable as well as educational. They were the consummate professionals yet personable. Luke, Rachael, Eric and Austin worked together seamlessly. We worked like a well oiled machine. Luke was our trip leader and had a wealth of information of the area and history to share with us. He handled any situation that arose with care and diplomacy. He led us on a short hike through sagebrush and desert plant life. We had a NM folk band along with us that provided midday and evening entertainment. I was impressed with the helpful community we developed over the course of the trip where everyone pitched in to pack and unpack each day. I can't wait to take another trip with NMRA!!

Palma H
3 Day Rio Chama The 3 Day Rio Chama trip was stunning. Our guides Brenden and Jack were next level. The food was exquisite, the views were spectacular, and the people were phenomenal. I can’t wait to return to this beautiful river. If you love friends, good food, kayaking, tent camping, and a cold beer after a day in the water this is the perfect trip for you. Thank you for providing us an adventurous outlet after a long quarantine in a safe but fun manner. I highly suggest this trip to anyone looking. This is my second trip with this company and I continue to be beyond impressed with the organization, professionals, and overall experience. Also, I don’t think I ever saw my guides without a smile on their faces. What an amazing time.

Kristina W
I was looking for a "family rafting" experience for my daughter's first time rafting and New Mexico River Adventures came up in the search. We decided to go on the three day Rio Chama trip and it was fantastic. The staff was very helpful, attentive, and quick to answer any and all questions from the booking, to the COVID-19 procedures, to the day of rafting and the return. Our guides, Luke Stacy, and Eric, did an excellent job making sure we were safe, entertained, and well cared for during our time on and off the river. We had wonderful views, several hiking opportunities, and delicious meals provided and we all wouldn't hesitate to recommend New Mexico River Adventures to anyone and everyone.

Paul Uribe

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Lower Gorge of the Rio Grande is a broad canyon with lush riparian habitat along the banks of the Rio. A fantastic full day adventure for families, first time rafters and groups.

When the Rio Grande water levels drop during the later part of the summer, typically July-Sept., we are able to offer this spectacular full day trip in inflatable kayaks. River running in New Mexico offers great whitewater throughout the summer. For those people that are looking for the most exciting and challenging river adventure, we have it for you! If you are one of these adrenaline junkies and the water levels are high, typically in May and June, you might want to think about the Taos Box Full Day Rafting trip. If we are having a lower water level season or it is later in the summer, you might choose our Rio Grande kayaking trip. Just remember that either option requires you to be able to swim and be interested in the most challenging whitewater experience available.
The first half of the day is beautiful float through the Orilla Verde section of the Rio Grande with incredible scenery, gorgeous riverside lunch stops and ample opportunity to work on your paddling in preparation for the exciting whitewater of the Racecourse to come in the afternoon.

Our Rio Grande kayaking full day trip meets at our headquarters at 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. daily and the minimum age during most of the year for kayaking is 14 years old. Please remember that if you have younger kids, we can always take part of your group in a raft and the more adventurous can be in kayaks. You will still be on the same trip and moving downstream together.

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