Racecourse Kayaking

River

Rio Grande

Duration

Half Day

Minimum Age 14

Meals

Price

$70 Adult
$60 Child

Call For Reservations

About the trip

The Racecourse Kayaking in New Mexico is our most popular half day kayaking trip on the Rio Grande when the water levels are low in the later part of the summer. Kayaking Santa Fe in the Racecourse section is perfect for those guests looking for the ultimate whitewater challenge when the Taos Box Rafting trip is closed for the season, during the early and later months of the season. Although river trip times can always vary, most trips last a total of 3 to 3.5 hours from the time you arrive at our Headquarters to the time you leave. You will park in the safe, secure parking lot at our Rio Grande Headquarters and your car will act as your locker while you are on the trip. Don't worry if you forgot your sunscreen, water shoes, hat or sunglasses. We have all of it and more for sale at very reasonable prices at our Headquarters.

Trip Highlights

The most popular half day trip on the Rio Grande
Spectacular whitewater during lower water levels
Be in charge of your own craft and be ready to swim!
Located just a short drive from our Headquarters

Where to Meet

This trip meets at our private, Rio Grande Headquarters which is conveniently located 1 hour north of Santa Fe and 30 min. south of Taos. Our fully stocked Headquarters and Outfitters Shop is in the heart of the Rio Grande Gorge right across the street from the river, less than 1 mile from the finishing point of the most popular trips and offers safe, secure parking in our private parking lot.

For directions to our Rio Grande Headquarters click here!

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know how to swim?
It is recommended but not mandatory that all our guests know how to swim. All guests are given Type V, US Coast Guard approved flotation devices (lifejackets) that are designed to float you on your back, nice and high in the water. For all our class 3 and above sections on the Rio Grande, you will also be issued a helmet.

What do I need to wear?
We have packing lists for you to review for each of our different trip types. Remember that the weather changes dramatically throughout the New Mexico rafting season. It can be significantly colder during March-May we encourage our guests to always be prepared.

What if it’s my first time, do I need experience?
There is no experience required for any of our river trips. However, we encourage experience for our more difficult, Taos Box and Razorblades trips. Please feel free to call us with any concerns or questions about appropriate trips for your group.

Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, we cannot bring our furry friends on our river trips. We ask that you leave your pets at home before heading to our headquarters.

Can I leave my dog with you?
We do not have a secure area to keep your dog at our headquarters. Moreover, the temperatures get extremely hot during our season, because of this, you will NOT be able to leave your pets in your car. We ask that you leave your pets at home before heading to our headquarters.

» Read all Rafting FAQ

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REVIEWS

Fun in the Sun on the Chama! We did the three day float down the Rio Chama. We loved being out on the water with a great crew! The food was great, the scenery was spectacular. Our crew made our trip memorable as well as educational. They were the consummate professionals yet personable. Luke, Rachael, Eric and Austin worked together seamlessly. We worked like a well oiled machine. Luke was our trip leader and had a wealth of information of the area and history to share with us. He handled any situation that arose with care and diplomacy. He led us on a short hike through sagebrush and desert plant life. We had a NM folk band along with us that provided midday and evening entertainment. I was impressed with the helpful community we developed over the course of the trip where everyone pitched in to pack and unpack each day. I can't wait to take another trip with NMRA!!

Palma H
3 Day Rio Chama The 3 Day Rio Chama trip was stunning. Our guides Brenden and Jack were next level. The food was exquisite, the views were spectacular, and the people were phenomenal. I can’t wait to return to this beautiful river. If you love friends, good food, kayaking, tent camping, and a cold beer after a day in the water this is the perfect trip for you. Thank you for providing us an adventurous outlet after a long quarantine in a safe but fun manner. I highly suggest this trip to anyone looking. This is my second trip with this company and I continue to be beyond impressed with the organization, professionals, and overall experience. Also, I don’t think I ever saw my guides without a smile on their faces. What an amazing time.

Kristina W
I was looking for a "family rafting" experience for my daughter's first time rafting and New Mexico River Adventures came up in the search. We decided to go on the three day Rio Chama trip and it was fantastic. The staff was very helpful, attentive, and quick to answer any and all questions from the booking, to the COVID-19 procedures, to the day of rafting and the return. Our guides, Luke Stacy, and Eric, did an excellent job making sure we were safe, entertained, and well cared for during our time on and off the river. We had wonderful views, several hiking opportunities, and delicious meals provided and we all wouldn't hesitate to recommend New Mexico River Adventures to anyone and everyone.

Paul Uribe

WHAT TO EXPECT

Looking for the best kayaking Santa Fe has to offer? This trip has it all and is perfect for those guests looking for the ultimate whitewater challenge wen the water levels are at their lowest and the Taos Box Rafting trip is closed for the season. This is a classic trip and its located a mere 1 mile away from our headquarters. If you’re looking for a memorable addition to your vacation in Northern New Mexico, stop by our headquarters or reserve your space for this wonderful whitewater rafting experience.

Starting the Racecourse

We start at our headquarters where you’ll meet your guides for the day who will outfit you with all the gear necessary for the day on the river. At the headquarters, you’ll find safe secure parking, clean restrooms, changing rooms, shaded picnic tables on our patio rooms and any last minute items you might have forgotten including sunscreen, water shoes, hats and much more. This is the perfect place to start your adventure.

Paddling The Racecourse

The Racecourse Kayaking is the perfect trip for first repeat guests or those whitewater enthusiasts who only have a limited amount of time available and want the biggest challenge the Rio Grande has to offer. It is class III to III+ and absolutely perfect for adrenaline junkies. This trip is usually available during the early and later months of the season when the water levels on the Rio Grande are at their lowest. Don’t worry about the cold as we still offer wetsuits and splash jackets for you at no extra charge. Please call if you have any questions about water levels or our minimum ages for any of our trips. We’ll tackle rapids with names like The Maze, Eye of the Needle, Big Rock and the infamous Souse Hole.

Racecourse Trip Availability

The Racecourse rafting trips are available EVERY DAY starting in March through September. All trips meet at our Headquarters. Morning Trips meet at 8:30 AM. Afternoon Trips meet at 12:30 PM. On busier days we also have a 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM departures. All availability can be seen online. Please feel free to book online or call us anytime, 1-800-983-7756, to reserve your space.

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