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.

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Forest Fenn Treasure and how learning to river raft will help you in your search

In this world, there are many selfless people. Sometimes, we are touched by the good deeds that they do, and other times, we are able to interact with them. For the most part, these deeds go unseen and gone without any recognition. For an 80+ year old Forrest Fenn, however, his one good deed has been seen by, and criticized by, millions of people. Today, we will be taking a look at his deed, dubbed the “Forrest Fen Treasure” and likewise how learning to river raft will help you in your search. Ready? Set! Go!

When, why and for whom?

In 1988, Forrest Fenn, a self-taught millionaire archaeologist native to Santa Fe, New Mexico, was diagnosed with cancer. At the time, Forrest filled a small chest with over 40 pounds of emeralds, rubies, gold coins and diamonds, and decided to take it to the mountains to die. But, remarkably, he completely beat cancer and ended up leaving the chest in a walk-in vault in his home.

However, in 2010, with the end of the Great Recession, he decided to hide it and launch the hunt, telling ABC News “Lots of people were losing their jobs, despair was written all over the headlines, and I just wanted to give some people hope.” So, somewhere in the Rockies, over an expanse of 1,000 miles between the Canada border and Santa Fe, New Mexico, Forrest left a treasure he says is worth millions.

Is it even worth trying to find this treasure?

Yes. It is absolutely worth finding. In fact, he gave us many clues to do so. In the image to the left, you’ll see the original poem Forrest created for the estimated 350,000 to 400,000 people who have gone searching for his treasure.

Although many people doubt that this treasure even exists, there are a couple witnesses who can attest to seeing the actual booty before Forrest hid it. But, he said that hiding his treasure in the first place was simply because he wanted to encourage families to enjoy the outdoors.

How can learning to river raft help me in my search?

While Forrest says that the treasure isn’t too close to water, most of the places you may need to search are far from any actual road. So, learning to river raft may be your only option if you are not wanting to go walking up mountain peaks and down into valleys.

You can easily have one of our guides teach you the ropes so you can get started on your quest. But, you might want to start now, as most people have had a few years head start. Regardless though, he told his fans to simply “Read the clues in my poem,” “study maps of the Rocky Mountains,” “try to marry the two,” and have fun, because “the search is supposed to be fun.”

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With summer fast approaching, the time to choose your 2019 river rafting trip is now. One thing to note is that the snowpack is looking outstanding and it’s sure to provide New Mexico with a spectacular 2019 rafting season.  Because of this, we have compiled a list of our top 5 NMRA trips for 2019.  So, with that, read on to find your ideal summer vacation rafting trip. Enjoy!

1. Rivers and Brews with Bosque Brewery.

To start off, we obviously have to go with our most popular trip. The Bosque Brewery trip. Not only is this an NMRA team favorite, it’s a favorite of most of our guests. When things are getting hot and sweaty down on the Rio Grande, it’s always nice to have an innovative and delicious ice cold Bosque Brewery beer ready to quench your thirst. You get the best of both worlds, the river and beer. What more could you ask for?

2. The Taos Box.

With the whitewater looking to be the most advanced we’ve seen for a while, the Taos Box is a perfect NMRA summer vacation if you are an experience whitewater river rafter. With the wind blowing through your hair and the spray of the river spitting you in the face, you be having so much fun that you’ll forget how beautiful the scenery is on your sides. Of course, it’s absolutely fine to focus on the beauty of the river. Just don’t stare too deep, you might fall in.

3. Gourmet Wine Pairing 3 Day.

Chef Rocky Durham is one of our favorite chefs, and likewise, we love the Vivac Winery. If you are looking for a relaxing time going down the river with some much needed “watering” stops along the way, this is the perfect way to start your 2019 summer vacation. Not only will you be able to enjoy delicious gourmet food along the riverbank, you’ll also get to sip your wine too. So, this is the perfect adventure for those of you who love to drink your wine. Hooray!

4. Rio Chama Wellness.

With this trip, it’s time to get your yoga on. This trip allows you to get some much needed time off with your body. If you’ve ever had some health issues that just don’t seem to go away, climbing in a raft is the best thing for you. Not only will you be able to enjoy a nice calming adventure with the New Mexico rivers, you”ll also get a chance to get back to nature in the most healthy way. Namaste!

5. The Racecourse.

As the last one on our list, we wanted to highlight some important, and amazing, things about the Racecourse river adventure. With advanced whitewater coming to Taos Box, the whitewater that is going to be headed towards the Racecourse is going to be family friendly and perfect for a 24 hour adventure. So, you will definitely are going to want to add this to your summer adventure list.

Now that you know the Top 5 NMRA trips for 2019, you should start packing and getting things ready for an amazing 2019 summer adventure vacation.

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For those of you new to the whitewater river rafting scene, the Taos Box refers to a section of the Rio Grande River, which is located just to the west Taos New Mexico. And since a lot of you reading this are probably wondering what to expect from this part of the Rio Grande, we created this article for you. So, read on and learn about the ranking top things you didn’t know about “Taos Box.” Enjoy!

Where is “Taos Box” in the Rio Grande?

As we said before, “Taos Box” is a section of The Rio Grande. The Rio Grande itself comes from San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado and, after rising, it goes past Creede, Colorado, where it enters the San Luis Valley, an ancient lake-bed. After that, the Rio Grande turns south at Alamosa, Colorado and finally makes its way towards New Mexico.

Now, once it’s made it to the southern part of the San Luis Valley, which is about 10 miles north of the New Mexico State line, the Rio Grande begins to cut its famous Rio Grande Gorge. The section with the “Taos Box” is about 16 miles upstream from the end of the wilderness part of the Rio Grande Gorge.

How experienced must you be for the “Taos Box?”

As a river with Class IV rapids(V in high water), the “Taos Box” is hard for beginners. However, since it is 16 miles long, for experienced rafters, this makes for a super exciting one-day rafting trip. In fact, it is ranked as the most challenging whitewater rafting trip commercially available in New Mexico.

What “Taos Box” rapids are the hardest?

For rapids in general, what make them hard usually has to do with a mixture of verticalness, blockages or narrowing. The Rockgarden rapid is one of the hardest the “Taos Box” has to offer. The whole way through this rapid, it’s significantly more vertical, or steeper, than your average river gradient.

This means that water moves more quickly through this rapids, and develops more energy and speed because of it. However, the reason Rockgarden is known for being the hardest of “Taos Box” is because of the blockages, i.e. rocks, which, depending on the water level, will force the rafter to think quickly to miss being thrown out of the raft.

Are there areas of “Taos Box” which should be avoided?

Areas like “the Fishhook” and even “Soda Fountain,” are areas that can be run. However, once you come across Camel Rock, this should be avoided at all costs. Camel Rock has a sharp drop on the downstream side of it, and, if you end up underwater, it creates a dreadful hole. People like to call this hole “the Trench.” The Trench will literally fold your raft like a taco, will send you flying, or worse in some cases. That’s why, most experienced rafters tend to avoid the Trench by risking it all on the “Sharkfin Hold, which, although big, is not as sudden.

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When families go on vacation to another state, it’s, often times, hard to find fun activities to do, especially if you don’t know the area, and New Mexico is no different. And while there are hundreds of amazing things that you can do as a family, here in New Mexico, it’s still hard to choose. That’s why, today, we are going to pick out our top 5 favorite things to do, that you and your family can do as well. So, read on, as we show you the top 5 family friendly activities to do in New Mexico! Enjoy!

1. Russell’s Truck and Travel Center.

As the first on our list, this is actually a free car museum from the Route 66 era. Apart from gorgeous vintage cars, trucks and all sorts of travel memorabilia, this truck and travel center even has a grocery store, a gift store a diner and even a chapel, for those of you wanting to get in a quick prayer before getting back on the 66. And as one of the better pit stops on Route 66, you’ll be able to get a bite to eat, stretch your legs and even get in a few photo ops while your at it. All-in-all, this is a great place to stop by with your family. Definitely a must see.

2. New Mexico Hot Springs.

If there is one thing New Mexico is famous for, that’s its hot springs. Not only do they have a crazy number of hot springs, but they also come in all manner of styles, shapes and sizes. So, whether you are an elder in retirement looking to kick back with a drink in hand, or you’re a youngster looking to explore the backcountry rock pools, there is a hot spring for everyone. For a list of the top 11 best hot springs New Mexico has to offer, check out this article.

3. Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum.

Are you a balloon enthusiast, as in a “hot-air balloon” enthusiast? If you are, this Museum is right up your alley. Don’t expect to see a building packed with big balloons, because this is much better than that. It’s as if the whole history of balloon flights was told in this Museum. Not just hot-air balloons mind you, but also airships such as the Graf Zeppelin and even some U.S. Navy airships. And whatever your age, whether young or old, there are exhibits and collections of pins, international events and even philatelic covers from the balloon flights themselves. So, you’ll find yourself staring for hours on end in this place. A true must-see for you and your family.

4. Tinkertown Museum.

Next on our list is the Tinkertown Museum. While this little attraction only takes up about an hour or so of your time, by the end, it will make the imagination of your kids run wild. Built out of concrete and well over 55,000 bottles, this museum holds over 20,000 handcrafted miniatures, houses, animals and little trinkets. The more time you spend here with the whole family, the more you will want to make your own Tinkertown.

5. Rio Grande Gorge Full Day Whitewater River Rafting.

Of course, what list would be complete without one of our amazing river adventures. As one of our favorites on this list, this the perfect place to start your adventure. This Rio Grande Gorge rafting trip is perfect for the whole family! You’ll be able to experience the thrill of the river and also be able to see all sorts of wildlife, and even get a chance to see the ancient Rio Grande style petroglyphs, or rock art, which makes this exciting adventure a fantastic full day for families, first-time rafters, and groups.

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Has it been your lifelong dream to become a river rafting king or queen? Do you just love the thrill and excitement of riding amazing rapids every summer day? If you answered yes to any of those questions, than have you ever considered becoming a guide? Well, in this article, we’ll attempt to answer a few common questions and try to show you exactly what you can expect as a New Mexico River Adventures guide.

“What are some things most People Don’t Understand About the Job?”

To start off with this not-so-glamorous question; the stress and risks of this job are actually really big when you think about it. In this day and age, risk management is a much more serious thing than it was in the past. Things like cold water-induced shock, allergies, and even cardiac arrest are things you must take into account when you are in this job. For example: if one of your passengers, an elderly gentleman, is thrown out of the raft and starts to panic when he hits the cold water, you could definitely have a problem.

“Do I really need a certification?”

This is a really common question, and the short answer is yes, yes you do need a certification. Part of the reason you need it is because it provides peace of mind for the passengers, and likewise, it ensures that all of our guides understand the river itself and are able to think on their feet and make quick judgement calls, no matter the situation. For example: let’s say the raft flips and the passengers fall out. Unless our guides have a certification, we won’t know how they will respond. And the lives of the passengers are in their hands, or oars.

“How old do I have to be to be a river rafting guide?

All river rafting guides must be at least 18 years or older to become a guide. However, the truth is that experience is the key to this job. Most of the river rafting trips require a lot of upper-body strength, and sadly, even some 20-30 year olds just don’t have that strength. And the farther up in rapid Class you go, the more strength and stamina you need. So, the key to longevity in this job is to stay fit and know your limitations.

“What is the most rewarding part of being a river rafting guide?”

A lot of mainstream rafting companies are all about the money and will tell you so. But, the truth is that at New Mexico River Adventures, we change lives and we believe that anyone can experience adventure. And that in itself is one of the most, if not the most, rewarding parts about this job. You can literally take someone who is scared of water, or someone who is depressed and sad and put a smile on their face within moments of being in one of our rafts. That is why we do this. That is the reward!

These are some of the things you can expect as a New Mexico River Adventures Guide. For more articles like this, or to get updates, subscribe to our newsletter, or like us on Facebook. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram.

While white water rafting is fun, rafting on the breathtaking rivers of New Mexico is even more so. However, if you’ve never gone white water rafting before, it’s time to educate yourself! Going on your first rafting trip can be hard and confusing, especially when there are so many adventures to choose from. That’s why, we want to show you how to choose between two of the most popular river adventures in New Mexico, the Taos Box and the Racecourse Run. So dive in, read on and learn how to choose your next New Mexico River Adventure! Enjoy!

Which River Adventure is Best?

For a lot of white water rafting beginners, knowing which trip is best can be hard. However, the truth of the matter is that there is no such thing as “best” when it comes to river adventures, because it honestly depends on you and what you are comfortable with doing.  Keep in mind, not all rivers are the same. Likewise, just because the river is calm one moment, doesn’t mean it will be calm for the rest of your ride. In a mere moment, those calm currents can easily turn into raging rapids without so much as a warning. So, it’s best to choose your adventure based on your experience level, your comfortability level and also, if you are bringing kids.

What is the Difference between the Taos Box & the Racecourse Run?

The names of each river adventure can be somewhat deceiving. So, the tip to knowing which is right for you, is by looking at their Class. Often times, while one portion of the river is Class II, which is perfect for beginners, if you go further downstream it may be a Class V, which is better suited for the more experienced white water rafters. That’s why you should always do your research first before going on a river adventure.
First, let’s go over the Taos Box. Located in a deep canyon, the Taos Box is considered one of the more dramatic river adventures. The reason for this is because it’s actually famous for its big Class IV rapids. Now, as a Class IV river adventure, this is one that you may want to sit out on if you are a beginner. While its rapids can be wild and exciting for some, if you’re just starting your river adventures, it may leave you feeling scared to go again. So, best to wait until you are more experienced.

Last is the Racecourse Run. As a Class III river adventure, the Racecourse Run is the perfect choice for first-time rafters and even for families. Running at about 5 miles long, this stretch of river gives you just as much excitement and fun as the Taos Box, but with less of the “wild” parts. So, if you are wanting an adventure that is still a little on the safe side, this is the perfect choice for you.

Conclusion:
While both the Taos Box and the Racecourse Run are wild and exciting river adventures, the choice is ultimately, in your raft. With that, do your research, choose wisely and happy rafting!

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Taos, NM is just 20 miles up the road from our headquarters (so it’s a short drive after your river trip), with great food, fun activities, and unique things to see.

FOOD

If you’re in the mood for delicious local cuisine, you’re in luck if you find yourself in Taos! La Cueva is a small, Pueblo-style eatery with patio, located on Paseo Del Pueblo Sur close to the Taos Plaza, offering traditional Mexican dishes.  The Guadalajara Grill is a local favorite with 2 locations in Taos, specializing in Mexican dishes and offering an extensive menu- including American, Latin, and Mexican cuisine, with steak, chicken, and vegetarian dishes. Lambert’s of Taos is a sophisticated, upscale setting for contemporary American food with a lounge and shaded patio, serving locally sourced dishes for lunch and dinner, as well as handcrafted cocktails and a wine list with over 100 options. Another local favorite is Old Martina’s Hall, a historic, adobe music hall, that serves a New Mexican menu and has an events calendar loaded with dance nights and music acts. No matter whether you’re looking for a posh dining experience, or an intimate, casual meal with friends, these 4/4.5 star-rated eateries will fill your belly and delight your palate; they are just a few examples of the diverse dining experience of Taos!

MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT, & ART

Even though Taos seems like a sleepy little mountain town, it is rich in creativity; with an eclectic collection of concert halls, bars, historic buildings, and galleries. One of the most popular spots is the Taos Mesa Brewing Mothership, a micro-brewery/restaurant and music venue that hosts incredible local talent, smaller touring bands, and a bunch of fun events while featuring 12 distinct house beers on draught at all times. Taos’ world-famous solar radio station KTAO has a venue at the north end of town, aptly named the KTAO Solar Center, bringing in popular touring bands and big-name acts with an outdoor amphitheater setting as well as a Climate-controlled concert pavilion with live events & a dance floor, plus a bar & 2 radio stations. The Alley Cantina is a local hidden gem just off the Taos Plaza, with drinks, sports on TV, shuffleboard, pool & frequent live music. If you’re in search of fine art, local wares, handmade gifts, or a unique keepsake to remember your visit, Taos holds an abundance of fine art galleries, mercados, street vendors, and clothing shops. The Taos Plaza is a hub of shops and monuments within the Taos Downtown Historic District- a great place to explore!

CULTURE & POPULAR ATTRACTIONS

The Taos Pueblo is one of the oldest continually inhabited communities in the United States. It’s located just 1 mile North of the town of Taos, and is a UNESCO world Heritage site. The Pueblo is open to visitors every day until 4pm, and is a cornerstone of Northern New Mexico heritage and culture. Built in 1965, the High Gorge Bridge is 10 miles Northwest of Taos, and sits 565 feet above the beautiful Rio Grande as the 7^th highest bridge in the United states, and 82^nd highest in the world. It has made appearances in pop culture for decades, featured in many movies filmed in New Mexico. The Taos Earthships are a group of structures and homes on the Taos Mesa . The concept began in the 1970’s to build passive solar, off-grid homes with natural and upcycled materials. Tours are available, and lodging in some is offered as well.