RIO GRANDE RACE COURSE  Half-Day Whitewater Trips

PILAR RACE COURSE is an excellent introduction to the joys of whitewater sport.

  SEASON:  April 15-October 15  The biggest whitewater conditions occur  during May and June.  Late season flows, while slower, offer fun chutes and bouldery drops, along with an opportunity to swim.

PARTICIPANTS: We welcome rafters of all ages and abilities.  The Race Course is well suited for families and first-timers.  The minimum age is 6 years at low flows and 12 years or 90 lbs. at high flows (3000 cfs and above). Our guides will teach you how to paddle as a team as most of the rafts we take are paddle boats.  In all but very low water levels, we are able to take oar boats for those unable to paddle.  In the low water season, we also offer 1-man inflatable kayaks for the good swimmers who feel extra adventuresome.

COST: ^$53 per adult, ^$43 per child, age 11 and under.  A 50^% per person deposit confirms your reservation. Groups of 12 and above are eligible for our group discounts.

SAMPLE ITINERARY: This two and 1/2 to three hour tour begins at 8:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.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, thus
assuming the normal risks of participation in a guided outdoor activity. We’ll have you park at the BLM-provided public parking lot.  Please stow and lock all valuables in your trunk. At the river, a 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 where we’ll navigate Class I to Class III rapids (easy to moderately challenging) with names like: Big Rock, the Narrows, and Souse Hole. We’ll  take a “snack and stretch” break about two thirds of the way along. Then we’ll run some more rapids!  At the end of the trip we’ll return you to your vehicle and dry cloths! 

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

You need to bring:
Cap or hat
Water bottle
Sunscreen 

Sunglasses with retaining strap

Personal clothing:
Quick dry Shorts and t-shirt                                Sweater or polypro top (in early season)
Sneakers with wool socks 
Dry clothes in your car for after the trip!

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.

PICTURES: Southern Exposure will shoot you in the rapids and you may order pictures from them online at your convenience.

NOTE:  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.

TOLL FREE RESERVATIONS 1-800-359-2627 or e-mail farflung@taosnet.com
Your major credit card is welcome.