Rio Grande Lower Gorge Scenic And Whitewater One-Day River Trips

Taos Junction Bridge (Orilla Verde Camp Ground) to Taos-Rio Arriba County Line, 12 miles.  This trip traverses the relatively calm water of the Orilla Verde section in the morning, with the class III rapids in the Pilar Racecourse in the afternoon.

SEASON:  April 15 - October 15 The biggest whitewater conditions generally occur in May and June.

PARTICIPANTS: We welcome first-time rafters seven years of age and older.  You should be in normal good health.  Guides will do the navigating in paddle rafts, or at higher water, oar-powered rafts may be requested.

COST: per person, ( for kids 11 and under) with advance deposit required.  Group discounts are available.

SAMPLE ITINERARY:  We begin within the Rio Grande Gorge.  The ancient lava flow through which we float is scenic and accessible.  An interesting sidecanyon walk is scheduled at Petaca Canyon, a watercourse rising on the flanks of San Antonio Mountain.  This trip’s midpoint is the village of Pilar where we will observe a quiet zone to minimize the impact of our passage through this historic, small New Mexican community.  Below the village, we enter a section of intense whitewater, with rapids named:  Albert’s Falls, Herringbone, Narrows, Big Rock, and Sousehole.

OUR MEETING PLACE:  Pilar Cafe, located 16 miles south of Taos, New Mexico, on State Highway 68 (mile marker 28), at 8:30 am.

GROUP SIZE: This trip is scheduled upon request for parties of 2 or more.

WEATHER: Springtime and summer conditions in the Rockies are often unsettled, with late snows interposed among the 70-80 degree 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 prepare for the sudden onset of chilly conditions. 
 
Far Flung Adventures Provides: Certified river guides, self bailing rafts, lunch (all fresh foods, tasty and nutritious) and meal service items, river-safety equipment, splash  gear, and shuttle transportation to and from the river and our Pilar meeting place. Our lifeckackets normally fit persons weighing between 90-200 pounds.  Smaller or larger folks should notify us in advance of their sizes. 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.

YOU NEED TO BRING:
____Sneakers
____Cap or hat
____Sunglasses with a retaining strap
____Canteen or water bottle
        Personal clothing/items:
____Quick dry shorts and tee shirts (polypro
        top for early season)
____Sweater or jacket
____Dry change of clothes, footwear to leave
        in the shuttle vehicle
____Sunscreen (below your eyes only)

OAR OR PADDLE RAFTS:  The adventurous types should try a paddle boat.  Guests with smaller children may request an oar powered raft at higher water levels.

RESERVATIONS:  A per person deposit is required to secure your place on this trip.  Call 800-359-2627.

NOTE: Spring and Summer weather conditions are quite variable.  This morning’s rain will likely turn to sun by afternoon, and vice-versa.  We cancel only during the most extraordinary weather or water conditions.  Please phone our office if you have any doubts or trepidation about anticipated conditions. 
 
  Toll Free Reservations:  1-800-359-2627 or e-mail  farflung@laplaza.org