By: Seth Smith

Everyone loves that feeling of a rush you get while running some rapids. The cool water splashing you combined with the breeze moving over the river is the perfect contrast to the heat in the heart of summer. All these elements create an experience that is unparalleled. Staying safe while white water rafting is certainly a way to keep the experience enjoyable. Here are a few safety tips that we would recommend to ensure you have a wonderful experience while out on the river!

1. Wear Your PFD (Personal Flotation Device) AKA Your Life Jacket

This may seem like common sense, and it is! But wearing your PFD is one of the single-handed most important things to remember while out on the river. It must be worn correctly though to be effective! Make sure all the buckles are clipped and that the PFD fits nice and tight so that you can still breathe, but it cannot be pulled over the top of your head. Never, ever, loosen your PFD while out on the water. If you have any questions when fitting your PFD before the trip never hesitate to ask your guide for help.

2. Besides your PFD, wear all other necessary protective gear

Depending on the season the water could be a bit chilly! Wetsuits, proper river shoes, and splash jackets are great ways to ensure that you stay warm while on the river. When you are thinking of layers to wear with this gear, we always recommend synthetic clothing versus cotton. Cotton tends to get wet and stay wet. Synthetic clothing will help wick off the water and keep you dry and warm.   Another very important piece of gear is your helmet! Most companies will require you to wear a helmet whether you like it or not, which you should be grateful for!

3. Hold onto your T-Grip

The T-Grip is the part of your paddle that looks like a T. It’s the handle that you ALWAYS hold onto at the top of the paddle. If for some silly reason you let go of this while going through a rapid the person next to you in the raft may end up with a knocked out tooth or a black eye. Hold on to that T-Grip

4. Choose a licensed professional to go rafting with

When you are going rafting, go out with a licensed professional! When booking your trip don’t be afraid to ask questions on why you should choose them to guide you down the river!

5. Know what to do if you or someone else falls out of the boat

These are all things that your guide should be explaining to you at the beginning of the trip! If you fall out, make sure that you don’t panic, and then find where you are in accordance with the boat. If you are right next to the boat, grab it so that you stay next to it! If you are only a few feet away swim back over to the boat. If you find yourself far away from your boat always look to your guide, they will be able to give you directions on where to swim. There are a few different techniques for swimming when you are in a river. The first position is to lay on your back with your toes and nose up, feet pointing downstream. Your feet will be used to absorb the shock of any obstacles in the river such as rocks or logs. Arms will be out off of your side to help you control yourself. Also, keep that butt up so you don’t hit it on any rocks! The second swimmer’s position is on your stomach swimming like you are Michael Phelps going for the gold medal! Another important thing to remember is to never stand up in the river where there is moving water. You could get your foot trapped and end up doing underwater push-ups on the bottom of the river! Make sure you are all the way to shore before trying to stand up. On the other hand, if someone else falls out of the boat, know the proper technique for pulling them back in. Bend down bracing your knees on the tube of the boat, and grab ahold of their shoulder straps on their PFD. Use your own weight to pull them straight on top of you by falling backward into the boat. This is a big reason to keep the straps on your PFD nice and snug!

6. Listen to your guide

Your guide is guiding you down the river for a reason. If you followed one of our previous tips and found a licensed professional to go with then they will know all the proper safety procedures to ensure you have a great time on the river!

Here at New Mexico River Adventures all of our guides are required to have CPR and First Aid certifications, but many of them step up themselves and also get their Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or EMT certifications.   Before every trip, our guides will give you a detailed safety talk to make sure you understand the protocol for staying safe on the river. We also have wetsuits, splash jackets, PFDs and helmets that you can use free of charge. Our top priority is ensuring that our guests have a safe and enjoyable experience out on the river!

After days of endless gloomy skies and rain, the clouds parted and the sun came out to shine. It was almost as if the powers above knew that it was about time for the 62^nd annual Mothers Day Race to begin! I walked swiftly back to my hut in the staff campground behind New Mexico River Adventures to get my boating gear on. In my hut, I slid into a cool wet suit that was still a little damp from the previous use, slipped on my wool socks and sandals, put chums on my eyeglasses, and grabbed my synthetic shorts and hoodie.

Back at the boatyard, we had already picked out our boat for the race, an NRS Osprey, it was all loaded on the trailer, river ready. My team was supposed to consist of three other staff members from NMRA, Jacob, Tony, and Auston. Ten minutes before leaving for the race we realized none of us had seen or heard from Auston the entire day.  In a frantic panic, we called his phone and found out that he was sick and sleeping in his van, unable to compete in the race.  We scrambled around the boatyard pleading to other staff members from NMRA to join our team last minute. The problem was everyone was already on a team and those who were not were too tired to compete after running a Taos Box overnight trip. With one man down we had no other option but to jump in the company van and head to the put in, hoping for a miracle.

The Quartzite put in was madness when we arrived, a sea of bodies gearing up and prepping boats near the edge of the rushing Rio Grande. Along with the contenders, there were spectators all over the place. We hopped out of the van and unloaded our boats and paddles, threw on our PFD’s and helmets, all while mentally preparing ourselves. My heart rate began to rise with anticipation of the race that was about to begin shortly. As we were waiting around for the race to begin Jacob came running back over to our boat with great news! A staff member from NMRA, Jack, had just arrived today for the 2019 season. He had no team for the race but had all his gear with him, our prayers had been answered, and we now had a four-man team!

With our spirits rejuvenated we devised our plan for the race. Tony and I would be up front in the boat, and Jacob and Jack would take the rear. The plan was set, and just then we heard the announcer over the megaphone say, “Racers, please take your position behind the yellow rope. The race is about to begin.” After a short introductory speech, they pulled the yellow rope tight and everyone got into their places.  The energy wafting through the air was a mix of excitement and nervousness.  “Racer’s take your marks, 5,4,3,2,1, GO!” announced one of the organizers through the megaphone. I watched the yellow rope drop to the ground in front of me and bolted towards our boat. With a running jump from shore, I dove into our boat feet first and smashed into the front tube launching our boat offshore and straight out into the current. It was the perfect boost to start the race! When I jumped in I had fallen backward over the front thwart and was lying on my back with my feet in the air. I scrambled into position as quickly as I could, grabbing my paddle while simultaneously shoving my left foot into the front foot cup and bracing my right foot under the thwart I had just fallen over. “DIG IT IN, ALL FORWARD!” yelled Jacob from the back right side of the boat. Like a Viking warship, we all instantaneously began to paddle forward.

For the beginning portion of the race, we stayed in first place. Jacob would call out commands, urging us to paddle hard for short bursts, and then we would take a few seconds to pause and catch our breath as we drifted downstream. The intention was to stay ahead but also conserve some energy in case we needed it later in the race. We whizzed past Saddle Rock and headed for Albert’s Falls! Between Albert’s Falls and Herringbone Rapid, we all paddled as hard as we could, taking long strokes with our paddles deep in the river. The second place boat was on our rear and we wanted to stay in the lead. As we entered the class III section of the Rio Grande known as The Narrows I began to feel a fuzzy sensation throughout my body. It felt as if I was a little dehydrated. “This is not the time for this to happen,” I thought to myself not daring to mention anything to my teammates. Then from behind me, I heard Jacob’s encouraging voice boom “All forward! Keep it together fellows!” Concurrently the bow of our raft crashed through the waves in The Narrows, and we kept paddling downstream, making sure to dig our paddles in at the trough of the waves and ride over the crests.

After exiting The Narrows and passing through Cheese Grater Rapid we began to get sucked into the big eddy that is on the river right.  As this happened the second place boat stayed in the current, passing us and taking the lead. We maneuvered our way back out into the river.  All of us were a bit flustered by what had just happened. “Take a moment boys, get it back together!” Shouted Jacob from behind. I felt my spirits drop as I watched the new leaders paddle out ahead of us. My arms and abs were tired from paddling my face off but there was no giving up. Tapping into my depleting energy reserve I kept paddling forward with all my might. A strategy I developed was to match the pace of my breathing with my paddling in order to take in oxygen and give my body a fighting chance to operate as efficiently as possible.

Up ahead was Glenwoody Bridge. At this point the river was at a high water level, making the gap between the river and the bottom of the bridge extremely tight. The normal move at times like this was to head to the left side of the bridge where you could safely pass under. But the current of the river passed under the right side of the bridge.  Jacob made the judgment call as we watched the first place boat head out of the current and to the left, “Alright boys, get ready to get down! We’re taking the right line under the bridge and staying in the current, this is a good chance for us to catch up!” Just before we were about to pass under the bridge all of us laid down in the raft getting as low as we could. The massive bolts and wooden posts passed mere inches over the tops of our heads. We jumped back into position immediately as we exited the underside of the bridge. Now, we were directly behind the first place boat with only inches between us.

We tried to pass them in the snake section before Big Rock Rapid but were unsuccessful.  As we approached Big Rock Rapid we took the line directly to the right of Pyramid Rock, launching our boat down the rapid. Still, though, we remained in second place. We were neck and neck as we passed Sleeping Beauty Rapid. Both of us passed the rapid on the left side not wanting the giant wave to slow us down.  After Sleeping Beauty we were determined to gain the lead again. We went for a pass on the left side of their boat and were unsuccessful. Then, we backed off and went for it again, this time on the right side, paddling with all our might. The sides of our boats were so close there was only room for one person on each boat to get paddle strokes in. I paddled vigorously using all my strength to get my paddle strokes in before their front right boatman could get his in. With a stroke of luck we passed them and regained the lead. At that moment all the pain and suffering that had been coursing through my veins seemed to dissipate. In its place, newfound energy I didn’t know existed fueled my body.

Looming ahead was the last rapid of the day, Souse Hole, the infamous rapid known to flip boats if you didn’t choose a good line. On the shoreline near Souse, some staff members from NMRA were waiting, screaming, cheering us on as they saw us come around the bend in first place. It gave us a much-needed boost of energy hearing the encouraging support from the edge of the river. We dropped into Souse on the left side hurling the boat through the granny line barely making a splash. “WOOOO, Yes BOYS!” hollered Jacob from the backend. We took the little sneak route after Souse seeing that it would be the fastest option at this high water level. The only remaining portion of the race was the Mellow Mile. No more big rapids, just smooth current. The objective now was to just stay in the current and paddle with everything we had left in us. It was the most intense moment of the race with the second place boat right behind us. I dug my paddle into the water using my whole body to pull the water. At one point we drifted a bit out of the main current and the boat behind us tried to go for a pass. Luckily Jacob was great at steering and nudged our front end just in front of their boat and forced them to bump our boat and keep us in the lead. We gained some ground ahead of them at this point and could see the finish line ahead. We were about to do it, we were about to bring home first place not only for us but also for the entire NMRA rafting family! As we crossed the finish line we screamed with joy! At the take-out point, a few of us flipped backward off the boat soaking ourselves in the river. I stood up in the river, my legs were shaking I was so exhausted from using all my energy.

Shortly after pulling the boat onto shore our staff that had been cheering from the edge of the river pulled into the take out and ran down to our boat, giving us all big hugs and congratulating us. Little did we know we had set a record, with a time of 31 minutes and 7 seconds, with our win at the 62^nd annual Mothers Day Race!

Everyone loves to have fun right? It’s a way we bring happiness into our lives. It’s a good thing. However, some fun things are a little more expensive than others; like a cruise, for example. But, having fun does not have to be expensive. There are many ways you can have fun without breaking the bank. And today, we want to show you one of those ways. We are going to be showing you why a Rio Grande rafting trip is better than a cruise.

Time Limits!

While a cruise is a fun first-time experience, the truth is that if you want to see spend more time in the place you arrive at, you won’t get the chance to. Most cruise ships port for about 10 hours, which is barely enough time to get off, get some food, maybe buy a souvenir and get back on. With a Rio Grande rafting trip, however, you’ll have plenty of time, before or after the trip, to go exploring the surrounding areas. So, when it comes to time limits, a ride down the Rio Grande has the upper hand.

Not on time? You’re left behind!

If you’ve gone on a cruise a few times, chances are you’ve heard stories about passengers who were left behind because they missed “Last Call.” Cruise ships are on tight schedules, which means that when they make the last call for people to get back on board, you either get on, or you will be stranded on whatever island you’re on. When that happens, if you left anything in your cabin onboard, it’s there for the remainder of the trip, and so are you.

Of course, when you go on a Rio Grande river adventure, people like to be on time, but, the difference here is that you won’t be stranded on a some island or foreign country. If you need to use the restroom one more time before you head down the rapids, you won’t have to worry about us waiting for you.

Not having fun? Too bad, you’re stuck!

When you’re on a cruise, whatever package you chose is the one you’re stuck with until the end of the voyage…even if you don’t like it. Of course, cruise passengers are usually able to meet people and mingle, but, if the activities onboard don’t interest you, or are too expensive for you, you’ll often find yourself with nothing to do.

On the flip side, however, when you book a trip down the Rio Grande, you won’t be stuck for days with nothing to do. In fact, since the trip themselves don’t usually take that long(unless you book a multiple-day trip), you’ll easily be able to go experience the other places near the river.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, you should know that, of course, cruise trips are fun in their own right. But, remember, you don’t need to spend a fortune simply to have fun. That is why we believe that a Rio Grande trip is far better than a cruise. But, it’s up to you to decide which is better for you.

For each state in the US, there are always some kind of “hidden secrets” that most people don’t know about. New Mexico is no different. Now, if you are a native to New Mexico, you may know more than the average person, however, chances are, there are still some things you’ve never heard of. Today, we are going to unmask some of the top hidden secrets of New Mexico. So, with that, read on and become an honorary New Mexico Local.

Gilman Tunnels.

First up is the Gilman Tunnels. Located in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico, these tunnels are tucked away just above where the Guadalupe River flows. Named after William H. Gilman, the Gilman Tunnels were built in the 1920’s for the Santa Fe North Western Railroad to transport lumber and coal *through* the Guadalupe Box Canyon, rather than over it. And while these tunnels are hidden away from most eyes, the beautiful red-hue of the surrounding rocks never made it past the trained eyes of certain movie location scouts for movies such as “3:10 to Yuma” and “The Scorch Trials.”

Earthships!

One of the most trending things online right now for younger couples is having self-sustaining homes. And, while it is not well know, New Mexico is actually one of the paces where Earthships first started. When you first see these amazing self-sustaining homes, they look like something out of a science fiction movie. With solar power, wind power, recycled water, car batteries and other such “off-grid” technology, most visitors find themselves envious of these otherworldly homes. In fact, because there are so many people asking about the purpose of the homes and how the owners built them, there is even a “training academy that teaches interested visitors how to build their very own earthship.

El Malpais National Monument!

Next on our list is the Junction Cave. While not as popular as some of the other monuments of the West, the Junction Cave is not without its charm. Located under the El Malpais National Monument, this cave is actually perfect for people with little to no caving experience. Although the route is moderately difficult, with spaces you’ll need to hunch over in and boulders you’ll need to clamber around, it’s easy enough for a quick hike. When you are traversing this long tunnel, you’ll be able to see the amazing and dramatic scenery.

Rivers & Brews on the Chama!

Every year, Albuquerque based brewing company Bosque Brewing Company, joins New Mexico River Adventures for its annual Rivers and Brews trip down the Rio Chama. While not many people know about this trip, with the crafty people at Bosque and the spectacular rapids of the Rio Chama, the adventure of a lifetime is waiting just around the bend.

Conclusion:

While these are just a few of the hidden secrets of New Mexico, there are plenty more we did not list. Don’t take our word for it though! Go out and experience this yourself! Go and find your own secrets of New Mexico!

Every spring and summer, thousands of people flock to the popular rivers around the world to see the beauty, experience adventure and make memories with loved ones. And while most rivers have many commonalities like water, rapids and fun, they are all, each of them, unique. This year is special in that a lot of the rivers have more flow than usual, making them perfect for your  fun experience. That said, we are going to show you a list of rivers which we think is perfect for your 2019 river rafting Bucket list. With that, read on and enjoy!

Rivers and Brews on the Rio Chama!

Of course, when creating a bucket list, you have to include a bucket of beer. That’s why this trip is the perfect start to any bucket list. Not only do you experience the wonders of the Rio Chama, you get to experience it with an ice cold beer in hand. Now, while you won’t actually be going down the river with a mug of beer in your hand, your trip will be taking a small detour off the rapids to have a quick swig before getting back on the raft. Man, what an experience!

The Racecource!

The Racecourse is possibly one of the best trips you could ever go on. If you are only ever to experience a single trip in your whole life, this is the one you should choose. Not only is it perfect for first time rafters, because the water levels are especially high this 2019 rafting season, it has absolutely perfect conditions for all whitewater enthusiasts. So, this should most definitely be put in the first or second position on your 2019 river rafting bucket list.

Rio Chama 3 Day Trip!

If you’re not much of a drinker, but you are intrigued by the Rio Chama, you might want to dive headfirst into one of the Rio Chama’s signature 3 day trips. While usually only the more experienced take on this venture, it is an action-packed adventure with stunning sites of the colorful sandstone and limestone canyon walls that anyone can go on. You’ll easily be able to strike a few “first’s” off your bucket list with this trip. Trust us, it’s a must for any bucket list.

24 Hours on the Rio Grande!

If you aren’t ready to commit to 3 days on the whitewater rapids, don’t worry. This last bucket list river rafting trip is perfect for those who want to live on the edge, but not too much. With this 24 hours on the Rio Grande trip, you’ll get to experience the rapids in the daytime, an amazing night with campfire stories and a morning with a hearty breakfast and another day filled with more of the river. While it is not as immersive as the 3-day Chama adventure, it still has all the makings of a wondrous river rafting bucket list item!

Conclusion:

In conclusion, it’s always good to note that no matter how big, or small, your budget is, you should always make sure to have enough for experiences as opposed to things. Because, while objects, trinkets and things will pass away and fade, experiences will stay in your memories forever.

When you think of river rafting, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Adrenaline junkies, drowning, boring guides, or even the fact that every river is the same. These are just some of the “myths” we intend to cover in this article. Because while most people are aware of the myths surrounding river rafting, they somehow miss the truth, which, we all know is super important in order to properly enjoy your new river adventure. So, with that, read on and allow us to bring to light these myths.

Myth 1: It’s only for “Adventurers” or “adrenaline junkies.”

I’m sure you’ve seen those crazy videos, or pictures, of people sliding off waterfalls into the water below, or other crazy stunts. But, here’s the thing; not all river rafters are as crazy as the people in the videos you see. Some rafters like to take things slow and easy. Which is why there are trips like the “Gourmet Wine Pairing” trip, which is slow and steady, like sipping a glass of full-bodied red wine.

Myth 2: You need to be a good swimmer.

Of course, knowing how to swim is a plus when you are going down the rapids of the Rio Grande. However, the truth is, you don’t need to know how to swim as much as you need to know how to listen to your guides. The reason we say this is because, at the beginning of each trip, your guide will give you instructions on what you are to do in the event that you happen to fall out of the raft.

Myth 3: You might drown.

Truth be told, we’ve never had anyone drown on any of our trips, likewise, the cases of people drowning on river rafting adventures are rare. So, there is no need to worry. But, similarly to the previous myth, you will need to listen to your guides instructions, otherwise, there might be a problem. And as long as you don’t mess with your Personal Flotation Device (PFD), or unbuckle it during the trip, you’ll float just fine and be back in the boat in no time.

Myth 4: How much fun you have depends on your guide.

First off, this is not true at all, only if you’re a party pooper. Obviously some guides are more “fun” than others, but, you’re missing the whole point of the trip itself. Don’t focus so much on what your guide does or says to make your experience fun. Focus on the trip itself. Focus on the journey. Before you know it, you’ll be so focused on how much fun you have, you won’t even realize why. So, “get out of your head and into the raft!”

Myth 5: All rivers are the same.

You know the term “if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all?” Well, that term doesn’t apply here…at all. Yes, all rivers have many things in common, like water, rocks and fish. But, no two rivers are the same, because every river has different twists, turns, drops and Classes. So, don’t fall prey to a cliche. Get out there and experience it for yourself. You’ll enjoy it more than you thought!

Do you remember the last time you went camping, hiking, or mountain biking? Remember getting that feeling of excitement thinking “oh wow, this is super fun, I should get outdoors more often?” It’s true. Getting out of the office, out of the house, and back outdoors, out in nature, is addicting. It’s like a drug, but the good kind.

Well, whitewater rafting is the same. It’s addicting. the wild rapids, the unexpected twists and turns, the screams of excitement. It’s thrilling! So, today, we are going to try and answer the age old question, “why is whitewater rafting so fun?” You ready for another adventure? Read on!

It’s a Unique Experience.

In life, and all around the world, there are thousands of unique opportunities to have fun. Traveling to another country, cliff diving, eating foreign cuisine, and many others. For whitewater rafting, it is the same. While it is not as popular as going to the beach or visiting a theme park, it still has a cult following, making it one of the most unique experiences you could try.

Spending Quality Time with Loved Ones.

We all know how busy life can get. And because of this, it’s always hard to find time to spend with your loved ones. However, in the case of whitewater rafting, being neatly packed in a rubber raft like sardines helps to fix that issue. Not only do you get to spend quality time with your loved ones, you also get to experience bonding like never before. You’ll all remember these trips for years to come.

It’s a Learning Experience.

No matter what part of the adventure you’re on, there is always something you can learn from it.  The people, the animals, the plants, the scenery and even the river itself. There are even legends, tales and the famed “ghost stories” to learn as well. So, as long as you have a knowledgable guide riding with you down the rapids, you’ll be able to experience the river adventure to it’s full potential. Just make sure not to close your eyes, or else you might just miss something amazing!

The Adventure!

If you think about it, almost every part of whitewater river rafting is an adventure. But, here’s the thing that most people don’t realize. It’s not always about what you see, but what you feel that makes the adventure, well, an “adventure.” Adrenaline pumping through your veins as you crash through the rapids. The spray of the river getting in your face. The sudden feeling you get when your stomach drops as you go over a waterfall(even a small one.) No matter what part of the river you are on, who you’re with or what you see, every part is an adventure.

Sexy Guides.

Not all guides look like they’re from the 1840’s about to go panning for gold alright? As silly as it sounds, it’s true. Most river rafting guides work tirelessly in the off-season making sure they are strong enough to handle the raging rapids. And with all of that hard work, their physique becomes something that nearly everyone will notice. So, whenever you’re on an adventure with one, make sure to thank them for all their hard work and dedication to their job! They will all appreciate it!

Most people know how much fun White water rafting can be, but, truth be told, that’s not the only great thing about it. There are actually studies on river rafting, and on activities in the outdoors, which show that not only are these things fun, there are thousands of health benefits as well. Today, we want to share with you, what we think, are the top 5 of those health benefits. Enjoy!

The thrill of adventure!(a.k.a adrenaline rush)

Of course, we have to start with the most obvious health benefit. Which is providing you with an adrenaline rush. Going through each turn of the river and battling through every rapid boosts your adrenaline. And this is needed to enjoy a more healthy, long life. Which is why, the thrill of the adventure, or adrenaline rush, is the first health benefit on our list.

The Outdoors & Fresh Air = Reduced Stress.

When people are getting tired of their jobs or just tired in general, one way they can reduce their stress is by going outdoors. Now, studies show that being outdoors in fresh air, and not cooped up in your office, is far more beneficial to your mental health and stress levels than any indoor activities. Even the silence that nature brings is relaxing and helps you to alleviate your stress.

Great for Cardio & Strengthening Muscles.

Now, most people know how physically challenging white water river rafting can be, but, it’s so much more than that. In fact, for river rafting, you are mostly using your upper body to paddle through the water, which tones your arms, back, shoulders and even strengthens your ability to think. Likewise, with regards to cardio, as a strenuous activity which requires endurance, rafters need to sustain long periods of paddling. Meaning, rafters much be at their best to ensure they can successfully accomplish the challenge.

Great for Teamwork Building & Family Bonding.

Nearly every company in the world requires their employees to work as a team. That said, going on a wild river adventure with your teammates is perfect for building deeper and more fulfilling relationships with them. In regards to family bonding, it gives you a chance to learn more about their strengths and weaknesses, which helps each member of the family to bond. And without modern-day distractions like smartphones or other technology, families are able to have much more time to bond with each other while overcoming the rapids.

Confidence & Self-Esteem Booster.

Last on our list is something that will complete your white water river rafting adventure and leave you feeling accomplished, with confidence you never knew. Not only that, depending on how difficult the river is, you may even find that the rapids may seem intimidating at first, but, once you’ve finished, you’ll gain a sense of accomplishment that will boost your self-esteem to the next level.

Conclusion:

All in all, no matter how you look at it, getting out of the office, out of the house, and out into nature is one of the best ways to increase your health. But, of course, as bias as we are about it, we believe that riding the rapids of the Rio Grande is the best way to add years to your life. Come join us this season!

New Mexico is the 5^th largest state in the United States, and its diverse geography and climate mean that it’s a great place to tick some items off your bucket list. Rose coloured deserts, broken mesas, and snow-capped peaks which brush against the sky mean it’s a great place for adventure. The foothills off the Rocky Mountains start here, meaning that it’s possible to ski and rock climb. Although there’s not a lot of surface water in New Mexico, it’s home to the 4^th longest river, the Rio Grande, perfect for kayaking and rafting. So, let’s look at the top 7 activities to strike off your bucket list in the Land of Enchantment.

1. Become one with nature by horseback riding

The perfect family activity – horseback riding is easy, relaxing, and the kids will love it. There are a number of beautiful trails across the state perfect for taking horses, including Angel Fire, the heart of the Red River, the Enchanted Circle, and Carson National Forest.

Riding in Carson National Forest will give you a great opportunity to see the wildlife that calls New Mexico home, including coyotes, bobcats, and bighorn sheep.

Not only will you have the opportunity to enjoy the landscapes and nature of the state, but you’ll also be able to follow in the footsteps of the famous Wild West gold-panners from days gone by. Follow the Elliot Barker trail, and who knows? You may even find some riches of your own.

2. Get the adrenaline flowing while off-roading in a 4 x 4

A lot of Mexico will seem like it’s off limits, but it doesn’t have to be, especially when you’ve got something like a Steyr Puch 4 x 4 or 6 x 6 off-roader to conquer any terrain you can throw at it!

Take a Wild West safari, where you’ll see ancient petroglyphs, Cowboy and Indian ruins, wild horses, and beautiful views of the desert from the most inaccessible locations. The thrill of bombing through the desert in such an unusual vehicle is bound to be an unforgettable experience and something that you’ll be delighted to tick off your bucket list.

3. Get wet by rafting on the Rio Grande

The Rio Grande is one of the most important rivers in the Southern United States and Northern Mexico. As well as being part of the natural border between the States and Mexico, the river is extremely important for agricultural.

However, most importantly, it provides unbeatable white-water rafting! There’s a lot of wildlife and birdlife you can see from the river, but it’s best that you concentrate on the swells and white water splashing over you first. Thanks to the guide at the back of the boat, you’ll be rafting in total safety, and having a lot of fun.

There are even 24 overnight camping rafting trips, where you’ll be able to experience even more of the Rio Grande whilst enjoying a riverside camp with a delicious meal.

4. Challenge yourself with rock climbing at the Rio Grande Gorge

 One day you can be rafting on the Rio Grande, the next day looking down at today’s rafters from a lofty position from the sheer rock faces of the Rio Grande Gorge.

The canyon consists of many layers of volcanic basalt rock, perfect for getting out your harnesses and climbing shoes and attempting to scale the sides. Experience rock climbing in the heart of the Rio Grande and you’ll have incredible views for miles across the New Mexico desert as the rushing waters cut through the landscape below.

Routes will depend on your experience and fitness level, and you have to use footwork more than upper body strength. No worries though, on a rock-climbing trip there’ll always be an expert guide to help you make this bucket list experience memorable and fun.

5. Catch your dinner with a spot of fly-fishing

There are a number of rivers, lakes, and streams that are home to excellent fly-fishing experiences throughout the state, meaning that you will be able to catch fish such as trout, yellow perch, and bike which will all make for a delicious meal, should you want to take something back to the campfire or your hostel and feel the satisfaction of eating something caught by your own hand!

The best times to try your hand at fly fishing are in June, even though water and weather conditions can never be truly accurately predicted. The best thing about fly-fishing is you don’t even need a guide – you just need a car, some equipment, and a desire to come home with a bag full of fish!

6. Improve your balance with stand-up paddleboarding.

The river, streams, and especially lakes aren’t just fully stocked with fish and great for fishing – they’re also great for trying new sports. Hailing from Hawaii, and gaining popular along the United States’ coast, stand-up paddleboarding is also becoming popular on the waterways of New Mexico. It’s a great way to not only have a great laugh, but to improve your balance, fitness, and coordination.

As it’s quite new to the state, there aren’t loads of place you can do it, but New Mexico River Adventures offers a guided paddleboat session, complete with all the gear. So, if it’s a one-time bucket list thing that you won’t repeat, you haven’t wasted your money on expensive equipment!

7. Tackle the white-water solo in a kayak.

 Rafting too easy for you? You feel that you don’t need a guide and you can tackle the white waters by yourself? Then put your money where your mouth is and give kayaking on the Rio Grande, Rio Chama, or even a more chilled out trip on a calm lake a go!

This exhilarating way to experience New Mexico’s rivers means that you’ll be totally in control of your own craft, and inflatable kayaks are a whole lot of fun. If you want a tandem craft so you can share the experience with a friend or a loved one, that’s an option too.

We hope that this list has given you a better idea of what you can do in New Mexico to get some ticks on your bucket list! Check out more destination guides and accommodation reviews over at Trip101.

Out of all the rivers in the United States, the Rio Grande is one of the longest and most well-known of them all. And while most people now its name, where it runs and even the English Translation of it(it’s Big River), there are actually quite a few things they don’t know. So, today, in an effort to educate and help you gain more brownie points with your river rafting buddies, we will be sharing with you the top things you never knew about the Rio Grande! So, keep reading and don’t forget to share!

“Wait, it’s not called Rio Grande?”

Well, technically it’s the Rio Grande here in the United States, but just across the border in Mexico, it’s called the Rio Bravo. And Rio Bravo literally means “the furious river.” Sounds about right, since some of the Rio Grande stretch has a lot Class IV and even Class V rapids. So, if you’re over the border and want to do a bit of whitewater river rafting, just ask “donde esta el rio bravo?.” Sorry, that’s it for my Spanish lesson.

“How many fish species live in the Rio Grande?”

Actually, the Rio Grande is one of the most important regions for freshwater biodiversity. Over 120 different species of fish are supported. In fact, almost 70 of those species are found nowhere else in the world. Likewise there are 3 specific areas that support bird species and even some mollusk. So, you can easily bring your binoculars and go bird watching while on the river.

“What type of food is grown from the Rio Grande’s?”

There are quite a lot of crops that are grown along the river. In the North part of New Mexico and Colorado, potatoes and alfalfa are grown. Likewise, West Texas specializes in pecans, peppers, onions and even cotton. So, there is a lot of diversity.

In the lower part of the Rio Grande, in the valley, citrus fruits, vegetables and more cotton are grown. But, the most interesting fact is that most cattle raising and agriculture are the leading industries all along the Rio Grande. That makes the Rio Grande one of the most important and vital rivers for the United States.

“Anything else not known about the Rio Grande?”

Well, as we said before, the Rio Grande is mostly used for domestic water supply and agricultural purposes. Even so, most of the water itself is drained from the river, with some parts being almost dry due to overuse and no recycling of water.

The good thing about this is that when the state of New Mexico opens the floodgates and lets loose the rivers in the summer months, it makes for amazing whitewater rapids. Of course, here at NMRA, we love this and so should you! Because the more that we share with the world what an amazing river this is, the more apt our government will be to protect it.

If you want more articles like this, please subscribe to our newsletter where you’ll get updates and even discounts on adventures.