The famous Taos Box Rafting trip is truly one of the greatest single day rafting trips in the country. Nowhere else can you find the same quality whitewater in such a remote and pristine canyon with incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. The “Box” flows through the heart of the Rio Grande Gorge some 800 feet deep. It is the centerpiece of the newly designated Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.    As well, it is the most visited area by tourists in Northern New Mexico.  During the summer months, the famous Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, is full of people looking upstream and downstream and watching rafts and kayaks pass by 800 feet down.   On some days you can even see herds of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep pass by close to the bridge.   In 1968, this portion of the Rio Grande was one of eight rivers to receive the first ‘Wild and Scenic’ designation from the U.S. Congress.  One more reason that this one of the most special river sections to run in the country. Of course, the only way to see the entire 16 miles of the Taos Box Canyon is by the river.  The rafting trip meets at our Headquarters at 8 am and is usually back to the Headquarters between 3 and 4 pm.  The layout of the whitewater is perfect.  A nice mellow start with some very interesting points of interest including hot springs and petroglyphs.  Gradually we encounter class 3 and above rapids.

After a superb riverside lunch prepared by the guides, the rafts continue into one of the most remote portions of the canyon. In the final five miles of this Taos Box Rafting trip, the gradient increases and the rapids become more intense and come in much quicker succession. Brace yourself in and paddle hard through these steep and visually stunning rapids! You are almost guaranteed to spot Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep leaping across boulders below the cliffs or enjoying a drink from the river as well as river otter and a large variety of birds of prey as you float through this spectacular canyon.

There is no question that this Taos Box Rafting trip is one of the greatest in the country.  Come experience for yourself.  The best time of year to run this section of the Rio Grande is April through June.  Please contact us to get a better idea of when the spring runoff will be best for you to plan your New Mexico rafting trip.