TAOS BOX CANYON Whitewater One-Day River Trips

Wild and Scenic Rio Grande World Class Whitewater
Welcome to Far Flung Adventures and the Rio Grande Gorge. The Taos Box is the centerpiece of one of the U.S.' first Wild and Scenic Rivers, and a premier Class IV whitewater run. Between John Dunn Bridge, at the mouth of Arroyo Hondo, and Taos Junction Bridge, near Orilla Verde Recreation Area, are 17 miles of boating excitement. We want you to enjoy a special region and an exceptional trip with us. Please read our trip notes carefully. When you contact us for your reservation, please feel free to ask us any question or to make special requests.

SEASON: April 15-July 15 :Assuming a "normal" snowpack, the best whitewater conditions occur in May and June.

PARTICIPANTS: We welcome first-time rafters twelve years of age and older. You should be in normal good health and a good swimmer. We offer you two types of craft: Experienced and in good shape paddlers may request the more exciting paddle boat (not for the “faint of heart”), or you can opt for the oar powered craft where the guide does the work and you hang on.

COST: ^$100 per person weekdays and ^$120 per person Saturdays and Sundays, with a 50^% advance deposit required. Full payment in advance for weekend or holiday trips. Organized groups of 12 or more are always welcome and are eligible for a group discount on weekdays only. Please contact us if you would like assistance in organizing your group.

SAMPLE ITINERARY:
The trip is entirely contained in the black, lava walls of the Rio Grande Gorge, whose walls range up to 1000' feet in height. The gradient profile of the river in the Box begins with two miles of fairly gentle drops (Class I), then nine miles of approximate 35 ft. per mile gradient (Class II-IV), culminating in five miles of approximate 55 ft. per mile (Class IV-IV+). This latter section, beginning at the precipitous Powerline Falls includes almost continuous whitewater, through drops with names like Rock Garden, Boatreamer, Screaming Lefthand Turn, and Sunset.

In early season the Box is what boaters call "a screamer", often runnable in as little as three hours floating time. However, most typically we will plan to return the participants to their vehicles between 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. A delicious buffet lunch with sandwiches, salads, fruit and cookies is included, served at river's edge.

Our Meeting Place: Meet us at 8:00 A.M. SHARP at the Far Flung Adventures Boathouse. Head North from Taos on Highway 64 to the stop light. Go North through the intersection on 522 approximately 1/4 mile and look for the Far Flung sign on your right.

WE HAVE AN ASSIGNED LAUNCH TIME; IF YOU ARE MORE THAN 15 MINUTES LATE, YOU MAY MISS THE BOAT AND LOSE YOUR PAYMENT.

GROUP SIZE: Groups are limited to 32 participants on weekdays and to 21 participants on weekends by the BLM. However, on our Monday through Friday departures we are able to make special arrangements that permit us to accommodate up to 40 persons. Advance notice is required.

WEATHER: Springtime and summer conditions in the Rockies are often unsettled, with late snows interposed among the 70-80 F. days. However, by June the prognosis is for mostly warm and clear conditions. Afternoon showers become common as the weather gets hot, so at any season participants should be prepared for the sudden onset of chilly conditions.

OAR OR PADDLE RAFTS: You may request a paddleboat for your trip. (Paddleboats require four to six willing, experienced, and in good shape paddlers.) Our 14 and 15 foot self-bailers have interior grablines, and footcups, the best of Class V paddle-rafting technology. Guests who do not specifically request paddleboat will find our oar rafts (piloted only by the guide) provide plenty of thrills. Click for more info on boating choice

YOU NEED TO BRING:
- cap or hat
- sunglasses with strap or a strap for your
regular glasses
- sunscreen

Personal Clothing:
(plan to dress in “layers”)
- Sneakers with wool sox
- quick-dry shorts and shirt
- sweater or polypropylene top, nylon, silk, or
poly pants (early season)
- dry change of clothes, footwear to leave in
your vehicle.

PLEASE NO COTTON ON THE RIVER!

FAR FLUNG ADVENTURES WILL PROVIDE: Rainsuit or wetsuit according to current conditions, waterproof day bag for layers you don’t want to wear, fresh, delicious lunch and such beverages as Gatorade, lemonade mixes, and all safety equipment, including lifejackets. Your river guides have many years of experience on the Rio Grande, are trained in river rescue and emergency first aid, and are certified by the New Mexico River Outfitter's Association.

RESERVATIONS: A 50^% per person deposit is required to secure your place(s) on the trip. Saturday and Sunday launches are in great demand and require full payment in advance. We accept telephone reservations using your major credit card to ensure participation. Availability is first-come, first- served, and is also limited by BLM regulation. Please reserve early! Upon receipt of your deposits we will mail you notice of confirmed reservation and a brief medical information form to inform us of any dietary or health restrictions.

Toll-free reservations 800-359-2627. e-mail farflung@taosnet.com