Rio Grande Gorge  Raft And Rock  

Whitewater One Day Combo River & Climbing Trips

Welcome to Far Flung Adventures and Mountain Skills combination trip. We want you to enjoy a special region and an exceptional trip with us. Please read our trip notes carefully.

The Pilar Racecourse is a very good  introductory level class III Rio Grande half day whitewater rafting trip to start your day. Then we will provide you with a tasty lunch by the river. After lunch we will transport you to the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge for spectacular rappelling into the Rio Grande Gorge. After rappelling you can experience the vertical world of climbing 

SEASON: Trips are available from April 15-October 15,  with biggest whitewater conditions during May and June. The rappelling is cooler in the early summer and warmer later. 

PARTICIPANTS: We welcome all participants 12 years or older.  Our guides will teach you how to paddle as a team as most of the rafts we take are paddle boats. They will teach you all you need to know about rappelling and climbing techniques.

COST: 0 per person. A 50%  per person deposit confirms your reservation.

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.

WHAT TO EXPECT: This six hour tour begins at 8:30 a.m. each day at the Pilar Yacht Club and Cafe, at the junction of State Highways 68 and 570, 16 miles south of the Taos Plaza, Mile Marker 28.5. Check in at our kiosk 10 or 15 minutes before departure. You’ll read and sign the waiver form, assuming the normal risks of participation in a guided outdoor activity. We’ll have you park at the BLM designated public parking lot nearby.
Please lock all valuables in your trunk.

SAFETY: River trips and rappelling 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 and all certified climbing equipment. Your guides are all experienced professionals, guide qualifications include wilderness first aid, CPR, and Swiftwater Rescue training. 
 
 DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO PILAR:
    From Taos, 16 miles south of the Taos Plaza on NM Highway 68, at mile marker 28.5, you’ll find the Pilar Yacht Club on the west side of the highway. Allow 30 minutes driving time. 

   From Santa Fe, take U.S. Highway 285N to Espanola, then NM Highway 68 toward Taos. Just past the BLM Visitor Center, you’ll come to mile marker 28.5 and the Pilar Yacht Club. Allow an hour and a half from Santa Fe.

You need to bring: Cap or hat, water bottle, sunscreen sunglasses with retaining strap. Personal clothing: Quick dry shorts and T-shirts sweater or polypro top (in early season).  Dry clothes to keep in your car for after the trip! Sneakers with wool socks. 

Far Flung Adventures will provide: Rainsuits, snacks and beverages, all safety equipment, including lifejackets*

*We can normally fit persons weighing between 100-200 pounds. Smaller or larger folks should notify us of their sizes so that we will be prepared to accommodate you.

FOOD: Pilar Yacht Club offers burritos, sandwiches, fresh baked goods, snacks and drinks. You may also purchase boating accessories, eyewear retainers, or sunglasses. 

PICTURES: Southern Exposure will photograph you in the rapids and you may preview and order pictures from them on line at your convenience after the trip.

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

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!

Toll-free reservations:  1-800-359-2627. e-mail farflung@laplaza.org