Albuquerque is a popular destination for vacationers, adventure-seekers, and fans of the desert's natural beauty. When visiting a new and interesting place, it can sometimes be tricky to find best family activities. Albuquerque, however, has no shortage of family-friendly activities. So whether it be a festival, go-karts, a mountain view, New Mexico river rafting, or [...]
Albuquerque is a popular destination for vacationers, adventure-seekers, and fans of the desert’s natural beauty. When visiting a new and interesting place, it can sometimes be tricky to find best family activities. Albuquerque, however, has no shortage of family-friendly activities. So whether it be a festival, go-karts, a mountain view, New Mexico river rafting, or even paintball, here are some of the best family activities in Albuquerque:
- ABQ BioPark – Botanic Garden
- International Balloon Festival
- Plan a River Adventure
- Sandia Peak Tramway
- Petroglyph National Monument
- Hinkle Fun Center
ABQ BioPark – Botanic Garden
Albuquerque BioPark is located right in the middle of downtown, directly off the banks of the Rio Grande. A one-and-a-half mile maze through various gardens housing different species of plants endemic to everywhere from the deserts of the American southwest to the shores of the Mediterranean. The BioPark also hosts an exhibit of up to forty native pollinators such as butterflies, beetles, and moths. The BioPark is an excellent family-friendly option for those who love to enjoy the natural beauty of the world’s plant life.
International Balloon Festival
Every year in the first week of October, the city of Albuquerque hosts an international hot air balloon festival. It is one of the city’s biggest events of the year and is quite the spectacle for anyone, tourist or local. Hundreds of Balloons launch for the festival and fill the sky around the city. If Balloons aren’t of interest, worry not, as there are still plenty of different vendors, craft stands, and shops around the festival area. This event is perfect for any family visiting Albuquerque.
Plan a River Adventure
Head out of the city and onto the river. New Mexico River Adventures offers a variety of outdoor experiences in and around northern New Mexico. Our full-day Rio Grande rafting trip is great for the older kiddos but we have an epic half-day option, the Rio Grande Racecourse, for those who are 5+ too!
If you are curious about which trip is right for your family, check out the Rapid Classification System to help you under how rafting trips are classified and which trip will be a good fit for your family.
If your kiddos aren’t river rats, we also offer New Mexico Rock Climbing & New Mexico Horseback Riding too!
Sandia Peak Tramway
The Sandia Peak Tramway is the world’s third-longest single-span aerial tramway, stretching from the top of Sandia Peak to the northeast edge of the city. The tram takes visitors ten thousand feet in the air, providing riders with unmatched views of Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Visitors can also ride up and hike down, or vice versa, if they feel like exploring. A restaurant and lounge area at the peak makes sure that even those who might wish to enjoy the view a little longer.
Petroglyph National Monument
Another fun stop in Albuquerque is Petroglyph National Monument. Just outside of the city, Petroglyph National Monument is one of the largest single collections of petroglyphs in North America. These various markings and inscriptions hold great spiritual significance to the various indigenous tribes in the area and provide insight into colonial Spanish culture. Easy trails and interesting petroglyphs make this one of Albuquerque’s more interesting stops.
Hinkle Fun Center
Any family fun in Albuquerque would be a little less so without visiting the Hinkle Fun Center. A one-stop shop for fun activities for the whole family, the Hinkle Fun Center provides anything from go-karts, to paintball, to laser tag, and bumper boats. Visitors can just visit or stay all day and never run out of things to do. A day at the fun center is a day well spent in the city, and with its proximity to downtown, it’s quite easy to leave and see the downtown views or enjoy a good bite to eat.
Albuquerque is an astounding city, with fun for anyone and everyone who visits it. Make sure to stop and enjoy the many great things that New Mexico has to offer your family in Albuquerque!
New Mexico is a land of beauty and wonder. Home to two parks, two national historic parks, one national heritage area, and eleven national monuments, New Mexico’s natural beauty is well-protected and easily accessible to the public. With so many different spectacles spread across the entire state, it can be quite hard to make time to visit all of them. To make sure visitors see the best of New Mexico’s natural beauty, here are the top five New Mexico monuments and parks.
Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument
The Rio Grande Del Norte national monument is a 242,555 acre monument located just west of Taos, New Mexico. Sitting at 7,000 feet above sea level, this monument embodies the dry, high desert climate of the area. Featuring the exotic Rio Grande that cuts an 800-foot gorge through the landscape that provides protected habitat for bighorn sheep, this monument also provides visitors with a wealth of beauty and recreation, featuring activities from camping to Rio Grande rafting.
El Morro National Monument
This national monument is a small sandstone bluff in western New Mexico. While the bluff itself certainly holds a plethora of natural beauty, this monument is more about the reliable watering hole at the base of the bluff. In the days of western expansion, this watering hole made El Morro a popular campsite for everyone from American explorers, to Spanish travelers, and ancestral Puebloans alike. Over time these visitors carved more than 2,000 signatures, dates, and petroglyphs over the surrounding area, gifting El Morro with a cultural and historic significance that makes it one of the most special New Mexico monuments.
White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park, located in Alamogordo, New Mexico, is a stunning landscape of rolling sand dunes. However, the sand is as white as flour. Windswept gypsum deposits in the area slowly eroded under the windy environment, creating the stark white sand dunes that can be seen from miles into the air. Visitors can walk anywhere on the dunes, and even take a sled down some of the steeper ones. White Sands is a testament to the power of the wind and is a must-see if one visits New Mexico.
Four Corners National Park
Four Corners national monument is located on the intersection of four state lines: Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. This area is commonly known as the Colorado plateau, and offers a unique perspective on the high desert environment. It is also the only place in the United States where one can stand in four different states at once, making it quite a popular visit for tourists. The Monument is also located on Navajo tribal lands, meaning that it is administered by the native government and not the National Park Service.
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Chama Canyon Wilderness
The Chama Canyon Wilderness is a federally designated Wilderness area north of Espanola, New Mexico. In the summer and autumn, El Vado dam increases water flow through the canyon, allowing visitors to partake in all kinds of river activities, from boating to fishing. The unmatched solitude and beauty of the Canyon allows visitors to separate from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take in nature’s beauty untouched by humanity. With sights like the Chama Wall and Christ in the Desert monastery accompanying the adventure, the Chama Canyon is well worth the trip for anyone visiting New Mexico. You absolutely don’t want to miss Rio Chama rafting too!
The land of enchantment has many sights for visitors to see, so be sure to not miss these spectacular parks and New Mexico monuments while you visit! After checking out the parks, book an adventure with New Mexico’s top-rated outfitter! New Mexico River Adventures offers Whitewater Raft Trips, New Mexico Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Horseback Riding, and more all over New Mexico. Check it out and book your next adventure today!
New Mexico is a land of beauty and wonder. Home to two parks, two national historic parks, one national heritage area, and eleven national monuments, New Mexico’s natural beauty is well-protected and easily accessible to the public. With so many different spectacles spread across the entire state, it can be quite hard to make time [...]
Top 4 Santa Fe Rafting Locations
Northern New Mexico is a hotspot for many different outdoor activities; from hiking to skiing, to rock climbing, there is plenty of excitement to be found just about everywhere around Santa Fe. As many lovers of the outdoors might know, some ski slopes are better than others, and some trails end at a better view than other trails, and just like trails, hills, and climbing spots, not all rapids in the river are created equal. It’s important for anyone to know the correct spot for the right river adventure. Whether you are a seasoned thrill-seeker looking for big splashes and intense currents, or a weekend family looking for a relaxing yet energetic float, the area has tons of Santa Fe white water rafting locations for every type of experience.
The Rio Chama
Location: Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico
The Rio Chama is a major tributary of the Rio Grande that starts in Colorado and flows through the Chama Canyon Wilderness. While it is much less popular than other spots on the Rio Grande, the Chama still offers its own unique beauty in the canyons that surround it. The river’s secluded nature offers an excellent opportunity for multiple-day Rio Chama rafting trips that provide one with a nice relaxing float with intermittent but exciting class II rapids, paired with overnight stays in the New Mexico wilderness.
The Taos Box
Location: Taos, New Mexico
The Rio Grande in New Mexico was one of the first eight rivers to be designated a national wild and scenic river by congress in 1968, and it remains just as wild and senic today. The Rio Grande features many excellent river rafting opportunities, among them one of the most intense and technical rapids sections in the Santa Fe area: The Taos Box. This isolated section of river only 8 minutes west of Taos, offers powerful class IV and V rapids that are surrounded by eight hundred plus feet of steep canyon walls. This makes it one of the most difficult commercially available whitewater rafting in New Mexico. With rapid names such as ‘Fishhook’, ‘Dead Car’, and ‘Rock Garden’ providing some of the largest elevation change on the river, the Taos Box will leave any thrill-seeker with a rush of excitement.
Orilla Verde
Location: Carson, New Mexico
The Orilla Verde Section of the Rio Grande river is another great spot for family recreation in Santa Fe. Located fifty minutes north of Santa Fe, the Orilla Verde recreation area offers an easily accessible put-in for a relaxing float down the Rio Grande Gorge. Calm and relaxing, the Orilla Verde features canyon walls and intense greenery, all surrounding calm flatwaters until the very end, where it surprises visitors with short but exciting class II rapids. The Orilla Verde section makes an excellent choice for large groups and families alike to lay back, relax, and enjoy the scenery northern New Mexico has to offer all in one day.
The Racecourse
Location: Pilar, New Mexico
Far and away the best spot near Santa Fe to river raft is called the Racecourse. Starting just downstream of the village of Pilar, the racecourse is a medium difficulty section featuring numerous Class II and III rapids that are ideal for both experienced rafters, families, and beginners alike. While water flow can vary on the racecourse, as in all other sections of the Rio Grande, it does not affect the exhilarating experience that this section provides visitors. The racecourse also offers those on the river with a wide variety of geological formations from hardened and exposed lava flows to the towering embudo cliffs, as well as an equally diverse selection of wildlife like bighorn sheep, herons, and the occasional river otter.
Interested in exploring northern New Mexico’s rivers? Check us out at New Mexico River Adventures for your chance to surf the whitewaters of the Rio Grande and Rio Chama. Book your Santa Fe white water rafting trip today!
Top 4 Santa Fe Rafting Locations Northern New Mexico is a hotspot for many different outdoor activities; from hiking to skiing, to rock climbing, there is plenty of excitement to be found just about everywhere around Santa Fe. As many lovers of the outdoors might know, some ski slopes are better than others, and some [...]
Looking to stare out into the darkness in the pursuit of understanding the vastness beyond our planet? Or maybe you simply enjoy the beauty of an unimpeded night sky? You’ve come to the right place. New Mexico stargazing is like no other stargazing destination due to its vast locations without city lights obscuring your view.
Capulin Volcano National Monument
To many, a volcano might not be the first place that comes to mind when one mentions New Mexico stargazing. However, in this case, it should be. Capulin Volcano National Monument is a long-dormant cinder-cone volcano that provides insight into northeastern New Mexico’s diverse geological history. Moreover, the national monument provides visitors with another unique opportunity: Stargazing. The peak is International Dark Sky Association Gold-Tier Certified. Hence, it is some of the darkest and most unpolluted sky available to visitors almost anywhere in the world.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
On the other side of northern New Mexico, Chaco Culture National Historic Site presents visitors with another gold-tier certified dark sky. Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a concentration of ancestral lands and sites of the Pueblo people that sits between Albuquerque and Farmington. The national park service has taken many steps to preserve the area’s culture and mystery. As a result, the “Chaco Night Sky Program” was created. Through this program, some 14,000 visitors a year can view the amazingly dark night sky of New Mexico from the Chaco observatory and park telescopes.
Fort Union National Monument
Looking for a little history intermixed with New Mexico stargazing? Fort Union National Monument offers the best of both worlds. Established in 1851, Fort Union was designed to help defend sections of the Santa Fe trail as settlers moved westwards. Additionally, it provided the newly minted U.S territory with a military influence. Uniquely, the fort’s location is very remote and the neighboring hills protect it from the I-25 corridor’s development. At Fort Union, view some of the Milky Way’s most complex formations through the park’s telescopes and evening programs.
Cosmic Campground
In Gila National Forest, there are plenty of outdoor activities and opportunities for recreation. Above all, the forest has a campground dedicated to New Mexico stargazing. Cosmic Campground is a camping site dedicated to being an international dark sky sanctuary. In addition, visitors can experience a 360-degree unobstructed view of the beautiful night sky of New Mexico. The campground even hosts ‘star parties’ with a partner group called “Friends of the Cosmic Campground.”
Rio Chama Rafting Trip
Convinced yet that New Mexico is one of the best states for stargazing? For those who want to stargaze with an extra dose of excitement, we bring you the Chama River Canyon Wilderness! Starting near Tierra Amarilla, visitors and families can float down sections of the Rio Chama. By day, discover the many red-rock canyon walls and badlands that inspired artist Georgia O’Keefe. In the evening, experience New Mexico stargazing after a day full of swimming and class II rapids. The high elevation and seclusion of the area provide visitors with the best and clearest night sky New Mexico has to offer.
Looking to hunt for stars atop an ancient volcano, aside from age-old Puebloan ruins, or among the walls of a military fort? Or maybe stargazing beside the flow of a wild and scenic river is more your style. Then, look no further! If you are interested in a float down the Rio Chama under the stars, learn more about New Mexico River Adventures and New Mexico Family Vacations. As one of the top-rated Rio Chama rafting outfitters, we would love to prove to you that New Mexico is one of the best states for stargazing!
Looking to stare out into the darkness in the pursuit of understanding the vastness beyond our planet? Or maybe you simply enjoy the beauty of an unimpeded night sky? You've come to the right place. New Mexico stargazing is like no other stargazing destination due to its vast locations without city lights obscuring your view. [...]
Did you know our headquarters are located on ancestral Puebloan lands that have been inhabited for over 10,000 years? At NMRA, we strive to educate our guests on this rich Indigenous history, as all our river trips float through historically significant areas where petroglyphs and other markers of ancient human settlements can be found. We can’t wait to show you around the Upper Rio Grande Valley!
This history informs the contemporary cultural landscape of New Mexico, where 19 different sovereign Pueblo nations are found, 8 of which are located within 50 miles of our headquarters. The Early Spanish conquistadores called the various Indigenous communities that they encountered “Pueblos,” which translates to “people” or “towns” in Spanish. So, although the Indigenous nations in New Mexico are all called “Pueblos,” each of these communities have different traditions and speak different languages depending on the regions in which they reside.
Petroglyphs along the Upper Rio Grande Valley
If you keep your eyes peeled while you float down the Rio Grande, symbols may begin to emerge from the dark basalt boulders lining the riverbank. Snakes, lizards and human figures are among the depictions that decorate the banks and provide a glimpse into the ways of the ancient Pueblo communities that lived along the river valley tens of thousands of years ago. The petroglyphs found in the areas surrounding our headquarters and on our Rio Grande trips are largely from three different time periods. There are petroglyphs from the Archaic Period, the Ancestral Pueblo period (1300 – 1600 A.D.) and from the period following European contact. The Rio Grande was a vital life force for these civilizations, just as it continues to be today for us here at NMRA, and for the many different communities that live, farm, work and play along the river from Colorado to Texas.
Oral Histories and Archaeological Theories
There are a variety of local oral histories and archaeological theories that attempt to pinpoint the migration patterns and the historical timeline of the earliest human inhabitants of this river valley. The six Tewa-speaking Pueblos that are located along the Rio Grande between Taos and Santa Fe, have the same origin stories. It goes as follows:
“The origin traditions begin with how the Tewa emerged into the world in the distant north. The place is Sandy Place Lake, thought to be located in southern Colorado. Soon after emergence, the Tewa were split into two people, the Summer and Winter People, and were sent to opposite places on the landscape and tasked with finding the “middle place,” or the locations of their eventual historic villages. The Summer People traveled along the western side of the Rio Grande eating fruits, and the Winter People journeyed along the eastern side eating deer and elk. On their travels southward the people stopped twelve times, and these stops are represented as ancient villages. Eventually the two peoples came together in the Rio Grande valley …” (Duwe and Cruz 2019).
As this origin story and the numerous petroglyphs found along the Rio Grande suggests, the valley that we float through on all of our Rio Grande rafting is both incredibly scenic and uniquely significant to the many different populations that call this region home. Once the Tewa people encountered the Rio Grande Valley, they began farming and establishing their villages in the area. Unlike other nomadic tribes that would move around seasonally or as food reserves fluctuated, the Tewa people have resided in the same region since they first arrived. This is one of the reasons that the Taos Pueblo is one of the longest continually inhabited communities in the United States.
Curious to Learn More?
After you get off the river with us and you’re inspired to explore more of the petroglyph-rich mesas of Northern New Mexico, be sure to plan a tour with the Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project. Located just 20 miles south of our headquarters, Mesa Prieta is home to over 100,000 petroglyphs and numerous other formations of great archaeological significance.
Let’s Get on the River!
Book a trip with New Mexico River Adventures on the Rio Grande River! Whether you are looking for exhilarating class IV rapids or a scenic and relaxing float, we’ll point out the petroglyphs along the way.
Did you know our headquarters are located on ancestral Puebloan lands that have been inhabited for over 10,000 years? At NMRA, we strive to educate our guests on this rich Indigenous history, as all our river trips float through historically significant areas where petroglyphs and other markers of ancient human settlements can be found. We […]
One of the most amazing things about the fall season is that while the temperatures get cooler, the colors of the landscape get warmer. And thus, a popular fall activity is simply going somewhere to watch the leaves change color as summer turns into autumn. So if you are in the area, and searching for somewhere to see the fall colors in New Mexico, here are some activities for you!
Gila Wilderness
The Gila Wilderness is a federal Wilderness area in the U.S. Located near Silver City, New Mexico. This Wilderness area provides over 3 Million acres of mountain scenery and primitive recreation to those who wish for a more wild take on their autumn adventure. Hike to the Gila Cliff Dwellings, explore the Catwalk Recreation Area or watch the evening stars at the Cosmic Campground. The Gila Wilderness can offer a visitor an unforgettable experience packed with New Mexico’s fall foliage, and so much more.
Cumbres & Toltec Railroad
For a more rustic and old-fashioned view of fall in New Mexico, is the Cumbres and Toltec scenic railroad. This is the longest and highest steam railroad in the United States. Riders can take the 64-mile journey from Chama, NM to Antonito, CO. While zigzagging through colorful forests, experience some of the best rocky mountain scenery that both states have to offer. The railroad is an adventure the whole family can enjoy from grandchild to grandparent. For those who want a more relaxing view of the New Mexico Rockies, this ride might be for you.
Chama Rafting Trip
The Rio Chama is located just 35 minutes northwest of Española, NM. There is no better way to experience the fall color in New Mexico than from the Chama Canyon Wilderness! Enjoy wild whitewater, primitive solitude, good camping, and the vibrancy of fall all on the same trip.
New Mexico River Adventures offers a number of rafting trips on the Rio Chama in New Mexico. Aside from our regular 3 Day Rio Chama rafting trip departures, each of our specialty trips only runs once a year, so booking early is key.
Aspen Vista Trail
Not too far from Santa Fe is the Aspen Vista trail that leads to the top of Ski Santa Fe. This 10-mile round trip rugged forest service road is best hiked or biked, especially in the autumn. The multiple overlooks of the southern portion of Carson National Forest provide excellent views of the New Mexico fall foliage. Don’t miss the aspens show off a beautiful mix of orange, red, and yellow from the summit.
U.S. 64 West: Taos-to-Chama
One of the most scenic fall drives in the U.S. is just west of Taos on U.S route 64. This drive takes you over the famous Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and keeps going west into Carson National Forest. Relish in the lush and colorful forested mountains, accompanied by vast panoramic views at Brazos summit. The drive down towards Tierra Amarilla is equally as beautiful. Once you arrive, continue North towards Chama or continue south towards Abiquiu and its reservoir.
Whether you’re taking an autumn vacation, or looking for a weekend getaway, there are many ways to appreciate the fall colors in New Mexico! As New Mexico’s top-rated river outfitter, we at New Mexico River Adventures know how to plan an epic adventure. Whether you’re looking for New Mexico kayaking, want to experience a unique SUP trip, or have questions about Rio Chama rafting, we are your one-stop shop! Book a trip with New Mexico River Adventures today!
One of the most amazing things about the fall season is that while the temperatures get cooler, the colors of the landscape get warmer. And thus, a popular fall activity is simply going somewhere to watch the leaves change color as summer turns into autumn. So if you are in the area, and searching for [...]
A beautiful, meandering road following the scenic Rio Grande River Valley connects the iconic towns of Taos and Santa Fe. This leisurely drive is rich in food, art & culture, and outdoor activities. A must for any New Mexico vacation. Driving Taos to Santa Fe can take as little as an hour and a half, but we recommend taking a full day (or more) to enjoy all the amazing sites!
Driving From Taos To Santa Fe:
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Get Directions
- Stops Include scenic driving, historical sites, river activities & rafting, art, culture, food & beverage.
Breakfast to Power Your Trip
No day can properly begin without a good breakfast, and Taos has some amazing spots. Gutiz is a wonderful French Latin fusion featuring decadent French toast, Egg’s Benedict, and so much more. If you’re hoping for a quick bite, grab a coffee and pastry from either Wild Leaven Bakery or Bearclaw Bakery and Café.
With baked goods in hand, make a short drive north of town to the Rio Grande Gorge Suspension Bridge. Enjoy sweeping views, a staggering 800 feet above the river, and a glimpse at the famous Taos Box. Watch as New Mexico River Adventures’ exciting Rio Grande whitewater rafting adventures float below. Vendors are often stationed at the Gorge Bridge visitor center offering souvenirs for sale.
Pit Stops to Swim, Fish, or Hike
Expansive vistas continue as you make your way via NM-567 past the Bridge further into the Rio Grande National Monument. This road is generally passable as long as the weather has been clear recently. If it’s been dry, make your way down some switchbacks overlooking the Rio Grande and cross it via the Taos Junction Bridge.
With plenty of spots to swim, fish, or even hiking trails lining the road you can tailor your own adventure. Keep a close eye for pictographs hidden throughout the rocks. Always practice leave no trace when out and about, packing all trash out and admire the pictographs from a distance.
Cool Off in the Rio Grande River
20 minutes past Taos Junction Bridge brings you to the small artist community of Pilar to link up with Hwy 68. Enjoy a cup of coffee or cold drink at the Pilar Yacht Club and Café located at the intersection. Take a right onto Hwy 68 and begin your drive right along the Rio Grande! You might see our red rafts navigating the Class II-III rapids of the racecourse in the summertime. Our outpost is about 10 minutes from Pilar.
Feel free to swing in and ask about our trips or check out our awesome t-shirt selection for a souvenir. Looking for a full-day adventure? Check out our full-day Rio Grande rafting trip. If not and you’re feeling hungry you can pop across the street to the Blue Heron Brewery for a pizza and a beer. Otherwise, continue down the meandering road for a glass of wine at Vivac, or Black Mesa a few minutes away. The small community of Dixon is a short detour from Hwy 68 and offers a deli and local produce selection.
Experience Art and Culture
Continue south towards Santa Fe, keeping a close eye out for farmers’ market stands in the summertime. Eventually, you’ll continue on Hwy 68 further south leaving the Rio Grande Valley. Santa Fe offers an assortment of food, museums, and local artists to complete your New Mexican vacation. For more information on Santa Fe history & culture, one of our favorite resources is History in Santa Fe.
New Mexico River Adventures is your premier New Mexico whitewater rafting outfitter. Our trips range from family-friendly to extreme adventure. Our guides are having a blast on the rivers in Santa Fe each and every day. Won’t you join us? Book your Santa Fe white water rafting trip online today!
A beautiful, meandering road following the scenic Rio Grande River Valley connects the iconic towns of Taos and Santa Fe. This leisurely drive is rich in food, art & culture, and outdoor activities. A must for any New Mexico vacation. Driving Taos to Santa Fe can take as little as an hour and a half, [...]
Looking to travel across the American southwest? When planning a road trip, starting from Las Vegas and traveling to Santa Fe is the perfect way to do it! Las Vegas and Santa Fe are both beautiful cities that everyone should visit, and there are many amazing places to stop at in between. We hope you’re ready to have some fun!
Red Cliff National Conservation Area
After leaving Sin City, the first stop on your epic road trip should be Red Cliff National Conservation Area. Only two hours away from Las Vegas, the Red Cliff National Conservation Area is filled with beautiful scenery and a diverse ecosystem. This area is a transition zone between the Mojave Desert, the Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau, so there is a fun mixture of plants and animals to see. The name comes from the beautiful red cliffs scattered throughout the 44,724-acre area. With lots of space to hike and camp, the Red Cliff National Conservation Area is the perfect stop on your southwestern adventure.
Zion National Park
The next stop on your road trip is Zion National Park! A must-do hike in the park is the Narrows. With beautiful canyon walls to walk through, the Narrows is a life-changing hike. You can make the hike as long or short as you want! The total hike is sixteen miles long, but a mile hike is just as fun. Zion is an amazing place to visit!
Grand Canyon
One of the United States’ most recognizable landmarks is the Grand Canyon. The south rim is better for first-time visitors because there is a higher number of experiences and views. The Grand Canyon has life-changing sunsets and amazing scenery. The Grand Canyon is a must-stop on your road trip!
Petroglyph National Monument
The next stop on the road trip is the Petroglyph National Monument. Petroglyphs are art on prehistoric rocks. The Petroglyph National Monuments are home to volcanic rocks that are filled with designs and carvings. There is a deep cultural significance to the Pueblo people. The area is perfect for a short stop before making it to Santa Fe.
Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
The final stop on your road trip is Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. The monument is a massive plain cut by deep canyons. There are many exciting outdoor activities at the monument including white water rafting! White water rafting on the Rio Grande is the perfect way to enjoy the monument. After these five incredible stops, we hope you enjoyed your epic road trip from Las Vegas to Santa Fe!
Looking for adventure after your Las Vegas to Santa Fe Road Trip?
New Mexico River Adventures is your premier adventure outfitter for Santa Fe white water rafting, New Mexico kayaking, climbing, and many other activities in the area. We’re located in Embudo — just 45 miles from Santa Fe. Book your next Santa Fe adventure in the Land of Enchantment today!
Looking to travel across the American southwest? When planning a road trip, starting from Las Vegas and traveling to Santa Fe is the perfect way to do it! Las Vegas and Santa Fe are both beautiful cities that everyone should visit, and there are many amazing places to stop at in between. We hope you’re […]
Looking to get a permit for a Rio Chama rafting river float trip? The Land of Enchantment is filled with many gems, but a Rio Chama river float trip is sure to deliver an unforgettable overnight experience. A 23-mile float along this Rio Grande tributary allows you to dive into the landscape that inspired Georgia O’Keefe and many others. The popcorn clouds, blue skies, and stunning colored cliffs will leave you with that breath of awe that only comes from floating down a river.
This Class II-III stretch is permitted from April 15 to September 15 with highly variable flows. Here are three tips to get your own DIY Chama adventure underway!
1. Understanding the Seasonal Flows
The 23 miles of the Rio Chama from El Valdo Ranch to Chavez Canyon are permitted from April 15-September 15. You can sign up for a lottery assigned launch date between December 1 and January 31. There are two-time frames within this permitted season: early season and release season.
The early season runs from April 15-July 15 with water levels reflecting inflow to upstream reservoirs. No water level is guaranteed during this time, making it tricky for trip planning. July 16-September 15 is Release Season and flows are guaranteed on weekends as water is sourced from reservoir storage.
2. Planning a Rio Chama River Float Trip
Once you’ve snagged a winning lottery ticket, the planning begins! With water levels variable, it’s not a bad idea to have a backup plan to have a successful trip down the mighty Chama.
Keep an eye on flows and feel free to contact the BLM office to see what they have planned. 200 CFS and below, a canoe or inflatable kayak is the way to go. The one class III can be portaged albeit with a bit of effort if you aren’t comfortable testing your low water skills.
300-400 CFS is enough water to squeak along smaller rafts. For anything 14 feet or larger, we recommend a minimum of 500 CFS. Three days is the perfect window to casually float and still have time for exploring the many side canyons.
3. Didn’t Pull a Rio Chama River Float Permit?
Sometimes the stars don’t align, and the permits don’t get pulled. Never fear, we still have some options to explore the Chama River. Permits that were won, but not pulled are back up for grabs beginning April 1.
If you still weren’t able to snag one of those golden tickets in the second round, a slight adjustment of plans can ensure your Chama adventure dreams live on. Just downstream of Chavez Canyon takeout there is a popular day stretch along Forest Road 151 to Big Eddy.
This scenic stretch includes some class II-III whitewater as it meanders its way along the cottonwood groves and sandstone cliffs. With campsites available at the Rio Chama campground, your land-based river adventure can still be filled with the fresh enchanting air of northern New Mexico.
If you are uncertain about taking a DIY rafting trip, New Mexico River Adventures takes pride in providing a safe yet exhilarating adventure for all. The Rio Chama is a great option for white water rafting near Taos. Learn more about all of the available options for whitewater rafting in New Mexico with New Mexico River Adventures.
Looking to get a permit for a Rio Chama rafting river float trip? The Land of Enchantment is filled with many gems, but a Rio Chama river float trip is sure to deliver an unforgettable overnight experience. A 23-mile float along this Rio Grande tributary allows you to dive into the landscape that inspired Georgia [...]
Top 4 Youth Group Activities in New Mexico
New Mexico has tons of youth group activities for those who are searching to mature and learn new skills through the exploration of, and interaction with, the land. Our list ranges from Boy Scouts of America ranches to faith-based wilderness treks, here are the top 4 youth group activities in New Mexico.
1. Philmont Scout Ranch
Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of the Rocky Mountains in New Mexico, Philmont Scout Ranch is a National High Adventure Base that is also home to the National Scouting Museum and the Seton Memorial Library. The ranch is a working ranch that maintains small herds of cattle and other livestock.
Philmont treks are not for the faint of heart. If your child is interested in exploring land through backpacking treks or would enjoy seeing the inner workings of what it means to be a rancher make sure they meet all the requirements for signing up. Check out all of the adventures at Philmont Scout Ranch! (Must be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America)
2. Gorham Scout Ranch
Located in Chimayo, New Mexico, Gorham Scout Ranch is home to 2,650 acres of adventure. The acres of adventure include a 40-foot-tall climbing tower, half-Olympic sized pool, ATV-ing, rocket launching, high ropes course, opportunity to work on First Aid, and—of course—s’mores. The camp is open to boys and girls of all ages.
Although the pandemic is not over yet, Gorham Scout Ranch has not had a single COVID-19 case in all of 2021! If your child is looking for a more immersive experience than staying in a cabin/lodge, Gorham Scout Ranch offers a ‘Webelos Week in the Woods’ (participants must be entering the fourth or fifth grade for this program).
3. Wilderness Trek
Wilderness Trek is a faith-based outdoor adventure program located in several states, including New Mexico. This experience provides humans of all ages the potential to learn leadership skills, and outdoor skills.
Group and individual trek options are available, and anyone can see the Northern New Mexico area. The individual trips available include College Week, Female Leadership, High school Discipleship, Mother and Daughter, Father and Son, and Student-Athlete. Check out Wilderness Trek for mostly week-long immersive outdoor adventures that are sure to change your life forever.
4. Glorieta Camps
Glorieta Camps is a Christian summer adventure camp operating out of an area near Santa Fe, New Mexico. From school to family retreats and even an opportunity to build your own retreat. Glorieta Camps contain an offering for everyone in your family. It doesn’t end there, for Glorieta Camps even also offers races! The races include Tatonka 5k and 10k runs to the Big Mountain Enduro race.
The staff at Glorieta are trained and passionate about providing a morally, emotionally, and physically sound environment for every camper there. If you and/or your child are looking to challenge the body in order to inspire the mind (a fundamental principle at Glorieta). Then check out the camp for your next summer adventure.
New Mexico River Adventures is your premier whitewater rafting & adventure company. Our daily trips depart to the Rio Grande River and Rio Chama. From family-friendly to exciting adventures, we’re sure to have a trip for everyone. Join us this summer and cool off in the scenic canyons of New Mexico. Happy adventuring, and be sure to stop by New Mexico River Adventures before or after your other adventure!
Top 4 Youth Group Activities in New Mexico New Mexico has tons of youth group activities for those who are searching to mature and learn new skills through the exploration of, and interaction with, the land. Our list ranges from Boy Scouts of America ranches to faith-based wilderness treks, here are the top 4 youth [...]