Trip Photos 505-983-7756
Banner Image

Rio Grande Kayaking

River
Rio Grande
Duration
Full Day
Minimum Age 14
Meals
yes
Price
$110

About the trip

Join NMRA for a Rio Grande kayaking trip! Our most popular full day trip on the Rio Grande when the water levels are low early and later in the summer. This Rio Grande Gorge kayaking trip has it all and is perfect for those guests looking for the ultimate whitewater challenge when the Taos Box is closed and the water levels are low. This full day adventure meets at either 8:30am or 9:30am and lasts for 5-6 hours. This trip also includes our signature hot chicken fajita lunch, riverside. 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.

  • The most popular full day trip in New Mexico
  • Spectacular whitewater during lower water levels
  • Be in charge of your own craft!
  • Located just a short drive from our Headquarters
  • Great swimming opportunities

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!

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

» Plan Your Trip

» Trip Forms

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Lower Gorge of the Rio Grande is a broad canyon with lush riparian habitat along the banks of the Rio. A fantastic full day adventure for families, first time rafters and groups.

When the Rio Grande water levels drop during the later part of the summer, typically July-Sept., we are able to offer this spectacular full day trip in inflatable kayaks. River running in New Mexico offers great whitewater throughout the summer. For those people that are looking for the most exciting and challenging river adventure, we have it for you! If you are one of these adrenaline junkies and the water levels are high, typically in May and June, you might want to think about the Taos Box Full Day Rafting trip. If we are having a lower water level season or it is later in the summer, you might choose our Rio Grande kayaking trip. Just remember that either option requires you to be able to swim and be interested in the most challenging whitewater experience available.
The first half of the day is beautiful float through the Orilla Verde section of the Rio Grande with incredible scenery, gorgeous riverside lunch stops and ample opportunity to work on your paddling in preparation for the exciting whitewater of the Racecourse to come in the afternoon.

Our Rio Grande kayaking full day trip meets at our headquarters at 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. daily and the minimum age during most of the year for kayaking is 14 years old. Please remember that if you have younger kids, we can always take part of your group in a raft and the more adventurous can be in kayaks. You will still be on the same trip and moving downstream together.

Gallery

Related Trips

Racecourse Kayaking

Difficulty
Wild
Duration
Half Day
Price
$70 Adult
$60 Child
Age
14

Call For Reservations

Taos Box Rafting Full Day

Difficulty
Wild
Duration
Full Day
Price
$140
Age
13

24 Hours On The Rio Grande, White Water Rafting

Difficulty
Mild to Moderate
Duration
Multi Day
Price
$275
Age
6