Rio Grande Taos Box Gourmet Rafting 2007
Featuring Francois Maeder of Crumpets Restaurant

“The Whole Gorge”  Wild & Scenic Rio Grande

ABOUT THIS TRIP: Come see why the Taos Box is considered to be one of the premier Class III & IV whitewater runs in North America. Our longest New Mexico River trip begins near Questa, NM at the Rio Grande Gorge Wild & Scenic Recreation Area and ends south of Taos near the village of Pilar at the Taos-Rio Arriba County Line. This trip traverses 40 miles of rugged canyon contained in the black, lava walls of the Rio Grande Gorge, whose walls range up to 1000 feet in height. It’s not uncommon to see eagles, falcons deer and coyotes during your time on the river. This is truly a spectacular wilderness experience.

DATES:
May 22-24, 2007
June 22-24, 2007
July 13-15, 2007

               COST: $860 plus  6.3125% NM sales tax

SUITABILITY: We welcome rafters twelve years of age (90 lbs) and older, experienced or beginners of normal, good health as this trip requires a few steep hikes.

Rates include: Certified guides, all safety equipment including lifejacket*, splash gear or wetsuits when necessary, waterproof dry bags for extra clothing and cameras, transfers, all meals and meal service, beverages along with a $1/day tax deductible contribution to Rio Grande Restoration. Rates do not include  rentals of sleeping bag/pad or rain gear .

DEPOSIT: A 50% deposit confirms your reservation. Reservations made within 14 days of departure will be collected in full.

BALANCE: Balance is due 14 days prior to trip departure along with a completed Client Information form.

CANCELLATIONS received with more than 14 days notice will be charged 10% of the trip cost. Cancellations within 13 days notice will be charged 50% of the trip cost. Cancellations and “no shows” the day of the trip will be charged the total trip cost.

REMEMBER: Spring and summer weather conditions are quite variable. The morning’s sun will likely turn to afternoon showers or vice versa. We cancel only during the most extraordinary weather or water conditions.

TIPPING: If you feel your crew provided you with a safe and enjoyable time on the river, feel free to acknowledge their hard work with a tip. It let’s them know they did a job well done.

MEETING TIME AND PLACE: 9:00 am at the Far Flung Adventures Boathouse. Head north on Hwy 64 from Taos to the stoplight. Go north through the intersection on Hwy 522 ¼ of a mile. On the right is the Far Flung sign. If you are going to be late, please call us at 800-359-2627 (in Taos 758-2628) and let us know. We have an assigned launch time; if you are more than 15 minutes late, you may miss the boat and will forfeit all payments.

BOAT CHOICE: Oar Boat, Paddle Rafts or Paddle Assisted Oar Boats. We think the best way to enjoy this trip is with four to six of your willing friends in a paddle boat. This requires everyone to be willing, physically fit or experienced. Our 14 and 15 foot self-bailers have interior grablines, and footcups, the best of Class V paddle-rafting technology. Guests who do not feel up for the challenge can specifically request and oar raft, piloted only by the guide. This will allow for you to be a passenger but still providing you with plenty of thrills. Or go for a paddle assisted oar craft. We’re happy to discuss with you the options.

SAFETY: River trips contain an element of risk. Far-Flung Adventures is thoroughly equipped and prepared to minimize the risks. We use quality manufactured self-bailing river rafts. At the river, Personal Floatation Device (lifejacket) will be fitted to you. Instruction in river safety and paddling techniques will be given and then you’re on the river.

ABOUT OUR GUIDES: Far-Flung Guides are experienced, friendly, professional boatmen and women who are committed to making your trip safe and fun. Our knowledgeable and committed guides all have at minimum CPR and Advanced First Aid or First Responder training. Most of our guides are also certified as EMTs and are trained as Swiftwater Rescue Technicians

WHAT TO WEAR & BRING: A detailed “Gear Checklist” will be provided with your trip confirmation.

PICTURES: Southern Exposure “shoots you in the rapids” giving you a river action shot of you on your river trip.

SAMPLE ITINERARY  (Subject to change based on water flows.)

DAY ONE begins with a mile hike down a steep, but well maintained trail at Arsenic Springs. You’ll raft from the foot of the Class VI Little Arsenic Springs rapid through the long bouldery La Junta Rapid. Camping at Mamby Hot Springs the first night will require a one mile walk to the top of the mesa where you’ll spend the evening in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo mountains while a wonderful meal is prepared for you. Read, hike or just relax while the cake cooks and the steaks sizzle.

DAY TWO After a full breakfast you’ll cover 15 miles and 15 named rapids . Beginning at the precipitous Powerline Falls, you’ll descend at an average gradient of 55 feet per mile through drops with names like Rockgarden, Screaming Left Hand Turn, Enema and finishing at Sunset where your run is captured on film by the folks at Southern Exposure*. The second night is spent along the river at the Orilla Verde Recreation area.

DAY THREE  is a 12 mile day with Class III rapids including Big Rock, Sleeping Beauty and Souse Hole on the Pilar Racecourse section of the Rio Grande. Trip length varies with water flows. When the water is higher, it’s going to move you faster down the river. You may get back to your car as early as 1:30 pm. Typically you’ll be back at your car around 3 pm.