Rio Grande Lower Gorge Full Day

Guided

Duration: 6 hours

Santa Fe • Taos

Features

Free Cancellation

On the Water

Beginner Friendly

Kid Friendly

Instant Book

Shuttle Included

Locally Owned

$105 Guest

(Ages 12 and up)

$105 Youth

(Ages 5-11)

Description

Rio Grande River Rafting - Lower Gorge Full Day

Join us on an exciting 6-hour rafting adventure through the Lower Gorge Rio Grande, by combining the half-day float trip with our half-day Racecourse section for a full day on the water. Start the day by enjoying the stunning Southwestern landscapes while you navigate the exciting Class I-II rapids, and soak in the natural beauty of the canyon walls and clear waters. We will float past beautiful natural springs, and perhaps get a look at some wildlife. The first half of the day is a relaxing float, where you can truly soak in the scenery and get a great warm-up for the exciting whitewater to come.

About halfway down we will stop for a riverside lunch to fuel up before the action-packed Racecourse. After lunch, we will embrace the class II-IV rapids for the next 5 miles. This five-mile section known as the Racecourse is our most popular half-day trip on the Rio Grande. Ranging from a wild class III-IV ride during the spring high-water to a more technical and demanding class III run as the water goes down and the rocks come up in summer. In May and June, be prepared for cold water, big waves, and plenty of interactive excitement. As summer progresses and the water goes down, your guide will be depending on you to help maneuver and power the raft through many tight spots and narrow channels. With the lower water comes warmer water, allowing for more opportunities to jump in and go swimming, and surfing the raft in the waves. Expert guides with your safety in mind provide insights into the region's history and wildlife. This unforgettable journey combines adventure and scenic wonder, offering an ideal experience for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.

Duration

About 6 hours from start to finish

Location / Where to Meet

Raft Meeting Location: Dixon, NM

2410 NM-86, Dixon, NM 87527

Please arrive 20 minutes BEFORE the start time to meet up with the guides.

Directions from Santa Fe, New Mexico (50 miles):

The river meeting location is 1 hour north of Santa Fe, New Mexico according to Google. We suggest giving yourself at least 1.5 hours to allow for traffic or changing road construction. We will meet at County Line River Access. Please look at your email for clickable directions.

Click Here for directions from Santa Fe, New Mexico

Directions from Taos, New Mexico (28 miles)

The river meeting location is 30 minutes from Taos, New Mexico according to Google. We suggest giving yourself at least 1 hour to allow for traffic or changing road construction. We will meet at County Line River Access. Please look at your email for clickable directions.

Directions From Taos, New Mexico

Ages & Requirements

Ages 5+

No experienced required!

What's Included

Safety orientation
PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices), a.k.a. life jackets — Sorry, no personal PFDs allowed.
Transportation to and from the river
Professionally-trained raft guides
Riverside lunch

Not Included

Gratuity - Please note that cell service is spotty, so cash for gratuity is recommended.
River booties and splash gear are available to rent if necessary

What to Bring / Wear

Sturdy shoes - All guests must wear shoes that strap to their feet such as old tennis shoes, Chacos, or Tevas. Flip-flops and slip-on shoes are not permitted. If you don’t have the right shoes, river booties can be rented from our location for your convenience.
Quick-dry clothing - You will be getting wet so wear clothing that dries fast such as swimsuits or workout clothing. Avoid cotton and denim. Cheap sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are encouraged.
Change of clothes and towel for after your trip
Sunscreen and water are highly encouraged
You may bring Go-Pros or other waterproof devices.
Avoid bringing your phone, electronic key fobs, wallets, or anything else that cannot get wet, lost, or broken on the raft.

Morning: Rio Grande Float Trip

Afternoon: Rio Grande Racecourse Section

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Durango Rivertrippers

FAQs

When does the Rio Grande run?

This section of the Rio Grande typically runs from May through August.

The Racecourse is runnable all season long. If you are looking for the highest water, come in late May and early June.

With the lower water later in the summer comes warmer water, allowing for more opportunities to jump in and go swimming, and surfing the raft in the waves.

Is there storage available for our belongings while we're on the trip?

Day trips do not have storage. Please leave all personal items in a hotel room or vehicle.

Are parking and restrooms available at the meeting point?

Parking is available on-site, as well as restrooms & changing areas.

What does trip insurance include?

By adding the trip insurance option, your whole group can get trip protection that allows you to cancel any time 12 hours BEFORE your trip launch date and get a full refund in the form of a non-expiring gift card. If canceled within 12 hours of your launch date no refund or gift card will be given.

I have my own life jacket. Can I wear it on the trip?

Sorry, no personal PFDs are allowed due to permitting and insurance regulations.

Do you raft when it's raining?

We go rafting in all weather, rain or shine. If the weather looks rainy, bring a rain jacket. We will have fun no matter what the weather does. We also rent out splash gear in case you forgot your rain jacket at home.

Cancellation Policy

If the need arises to cancel after your reservation, we require a 72-hour notice on all other adventures to get a full refund, or full charges will apply.