Wild Rivers Rafting & Horseback : Wild And Scenic Three-Day Trips

Rio Grande Stables has joined forces with Far Flung Adventures to offer this unique vacation experience
in Taos, New Mexico.  Horseback riding, camping, and wilderness rafting - all in one package in America's first designated Wild & Scenic River area.

SAMPLE ITINERARY:

Day 1 - Cebolla Mesa.
Your first day begins with a brief riding lesson before heading out onto Cebolla Mesa. There are no specific trails that we follow as we explore the Pinyon /Juniper breaks along the rim of 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.  Local ranchers run cattle on this vast sagebrush sea and occasionally provide us with photo opportunities and hands on cowboying experiences.  Local legend has it that it was the view across this mesa that inspired the first prominent artist to set up shop in Taos.  Watching the sunset from our campsite on the canyon rim, it is easy to understand.

Day 2 - La Junta.
Wake up to the smell of cowboy coffee and watch the show as we pack up the rubber rafts onto your trusty mounts for the short, sharp descent into the canyon.  On the hike down (1 mile on a steep, well maintained trail) you get an excellent view of this rugged wilderness canyon.  Bidding your trusty mounts "Adios" we launch at the foot of La Junta rapid.  The river glides through a gorge formed from a crack in an ancient lava flow.  Today's ride is gentle with the exception of Horse Thief Shorty rapid (class III).  The banks are lined with tall trees and several small perennial streams join the river.  Wildlife is abundant in this area.  We may spot elk, eagles or Canadian Geese as we float downstream past mining era relics and prehistoric Indian sites.  This afternoon, you will have an opportunity to soak away those “horseback blues” at the historic Mamby Hot Springs on the rivers edge.  Then its a short hike up the canyon to our campsite on the rim and another sumptuous campfire meal.

Day 3 - Taos Box.
This morning you can feel the excitement building as your guides break camp and prepare to run the Taos Box.  This is New Mexico’s premier whitewater section.  17 miles of Class III, IV and IV+ rapids with names like Powerline Falls, Rock Garden, Screaming Left, Boat Reamer, and Enema. At our last rapid, Sunset, Southern Exposure takes a series of pictures of your run.  These are available for sale after the trip.

Season:  May Through Mid-September. 
 
 Weather:  Springtime and summer conditions in the Rockies are often unsettled, with late snows interposed among 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. 

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.  We use oar powered rafts unless you request an paddle boat. You will need to carry the personal items you will want during the day as your overnight gear will be transported for you.  Guests uncertain about hiking in and out of the canyon should contact us prior to the trip.

FAR FLUNG ADVENTURES PROVIDES: Qualified guides, horses, rafts, and all necessary equipment, camping gear, vehicle support and shuttles, tents, and 7 meals during the trip. Your river guides are professionals, well trained and 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.

YOU NEED TO BRING: Hat, personal clothing (adequate and appropriate for the time of year), no cotton
on the river, sunglasses, raingear, sleeping bag and pad.  Footgear should include some type of shoe suitable for riding (boots, sneakers), something that can get wet on the river (rubber sandals, sneakers), and a shoe you can hike in.  We recommend at least two pairs.  We have sleeping bags and pads available for rent with advance notice at .00 per night.  If you have any questions concerning equipment or gear, please give us a call.

Cost: 5.00 per person plus NM sales tax.

Reservations: A 50% per person 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. 
 
Toll Free reservations 1-800-359-2627 e-mail farflung@laplaza.org Far Flung Adventures