Rio Grande Gorge Paddle And Saddle
Whitewater One Day Combo River & Horseback Trips

Cieniguilla Stables, http://www.HorsebackTaos.com, has joined forces with Far Flung Adventures to offer this unique adventure vacation out of Taos, New Mexico. Horseback riding and whitewater rafting in the Lower Gorge of the Rio Grande all in one day.

ITINERARY: This full-day 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-provided public parking lot. Please stow and lock all valuables in your trunk.

Next we head to the stables for a brief riding lesson before heading out into the Picuris Mountains by Pilar New Mexico. There are numerous trails that we follow as we explore the Pinyon /Juniper forests and climb up the Rio Grande Gorge. Along the way we might stop to look at some of the area's well preserved petroglyphs or sit quietly while a mule deer glides silently by.

After a delicious trail side lunch we head for the Pilar Racecourse,a good introductory level Rio Grande whitewater rafting trip. 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 offer 1-man inflatable kayaks for the good swimmers who feel extra adventuresome.

SEASON: Trips are available from: April 15- October 15, with biggest whitewater conditions occurring during May and June. Late season flows, while slower, offer fun chutes and boulder filled drops, along with an opportunity to swim.

Cost: ^$145 per person.

PARTICIPANTS: We welcome participants of all ages and abilities. This trip is well suited for families and first-timers. The minimum age is 8 years at low flows and 12 years or 90 lbs., at high flows (3000 cfs and above).

General Information: The horseback portion of this trip is loosely structured to accommodate any level of rider. We design the ride to give participants a chance to explore and experience the area at their own pace. There is an experienced guide in each boat. Prior whitewater experience is not necessary. Participation paddle boats are the craft of choice. Late season (mid July to September) clients may choose to pilot their own inflatable kayak.

Your Guides: Are all trained professionals certified in CPR and Emergency First Aid. They are there to insure your trip is safe and worry free while sharing their knowledge of the outdoors with you.

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:
Two sets of clothes, one for horseback riding, one set for rafting.
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.
Sturdy riding pants
Quick dry Shorts and t-shirt
Sturdy shoes and socks
Sweater or polypro top
Sneakers with wool socks
Dry clothes

Far Flung Adventures will provide: Qualified guides, horses, rafts, all necessary equipment, shuttles, and lunch during the trip. We can normally fit lifejackets for 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.

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.

RESERVATIONS: A 50^% deposit secures your trip date. We accept all major credit cards, personal checks, and cash. Upon receipt of your deposit we will mail you a confirmation and medical information form (which we ask you to complete and mail back to us). Availability is on a first come first serve basis. Upon receipt of your deposits we will mail you notice of confirmed reservation and a brief medical information form to inform us of any dietary or health restrictions. Toll-free reservations 1-800-359-2627. e-mail farflung@taosnet.com