Rock Climbing And Rafting in New Mexico Full Day

Our rock climbing trips near Taos NM take place in the heart of the Rio Grande Gorge just above the Wild and Scenic Rio Grande. The Dead Cholla Wall is an established rock climbing area featuring over two-dozen climbing routes just below the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge. We will enjoy the famous route, aptly named “Fun” with the stunning southwest backdrop of the Rio Grande Gorge and the Sangre de Christo Mountains. There is a short and well maintained trail to this remote and pristine climbing location. No experience is necessary for this trip and is available to all ages, abilities, and levels of fitness.

Your guides will provide the safety equipment and instruction in rappelling and climbing technique to help you safely challenge yourself on this 50 foot vertical cliff overlooking the river. Depending on your fitness level, we will choose from the routes available to find the right amount of challenge to help you get the most out of your experience in this “slab” climb. This style of climbing requires thoughtful footwork instead of powerful upper body movements. Through the help of a detailed orientation at the climbing site, your guides will provide you with a solid foundation to tackle your first route with just the right amount of difficulty for three to four hours in the morning.

New Mexico River Adventures’ professional guides are the best in the business and have introduced rock climbing in New Mexico to countless outdoor enthusiasts. Minimum age for Rock Climbing trips is 12 years old.

Lunch and Float

After the morning of climbing it’s time to head for the river. Your Guides will prepare a famous Chicken Fajita lunch on the banks of the river while we prepare the rafts or kayaks for a beautiful float through the latter part of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. You will have a choice to raft or kayak.  Your river kayaking trip begins with a placid float through one of the most scenic parts of the canyon with great opportunities to see a variety of wildlife including mule deer, river otter, beaver and many different birds of prey. This Orilla Verde Kayaking Trip also affords us time to practice paddling techniques, swimming and simply enjoying the Rio Grande. Toward the end of the trip, we will float through the historic village of Pilar before continuing through some fun class II rapids and on to our take-out. Or you may choose to raft the famous class 3 rapids of the Rio Grande Racecourse section.  This is a great option for those looking for a more adventurous river portion of the trip. After the river trip, we will return to our Headquarters where there are changing rooms, restrooms, and our shaded patio to enjoy at the end of the day.