The well-known and ferocious Rio Grande offers families a wondrous adventure all along its full length of 1,885 miles from Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico. Designated as one of the American Heritage Rivers in 1997, the Rio Grande is rich in history, marking the border between Texas and Mexico. A border dispute was partially responsible for the invasion of Mexico in 1846 beginning the Mexican-American War. The river was crossed by Texan slaves seeking freedom where slavery had already been abolished in Mexico. To tourists, the Rio Grande offers a variety of activities to explore its vastness and beauty. Offering nine segments with rapids varying from Class II – V, it has been traveled by rafters, canoeists and kayakers alike. These Rio Grande rafting adventures offer some of the wildest rapids anywhere! The only section suitable for all ability levels is known as the Racecourse section. This is a popular half day trip for the whole family to enjoy with Class II – III rapids with some hilarious names like The Maze, Eye of the Needle, and the Souse Hole. Other sections of the river are the Taos Box with Class III – IV rapids and Razorblades, the inaccessible Upper Gorge section with Class IV rapids throughout. With extreme wilderness, wonderful wildlife, amazing scenery, and adventurous rapids the Rio Grande is sure to give your family an amazing and memorable experience. You will want to keep coming back every year to experience this high elevation wonderland.