|
Wild and Scenic Rio Grande Rafting in Taos - 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 rafting run. Between John Dunn Bridge, at the mouth of Arroyo Hondo, and Taos Junction Bridge, near Orilla Verde Recreation Area, are 17 miles of rafting 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 1-July 15 : Assuming a "normal" snowpack, the best whitewater river rafting conditions occur in May and June. PARTICIPANTS We welcome first-time rafters 12 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 $105 per person weekdays and $125 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. WE HAVE AN ASSIGNED LAUNCH TIME; IF YOU ARE MORE THAN 15 MINUTES LATE, YOU MAY MISS THE RAFT AND LOSE YOUR PAYMENT. GROUP SIZE Groups are limited to 30 participants on weekdays and to 24 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. 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 The Rio Grande Taos Box Rafting Trip is a great way to experience the beauty and fun of Taos New Mexico River Rafting! |