Rio Grande White Water Rafting - Overnight Trip

About the trip

Would you like to experience an overnight Rio Grande rafting trip, but don’t have two complete vacation days to dedicate to the adventure? This trip meets at our Rio Grande Headquarters at 2pm and finishes back at our headquarters sometime around 2 pm the following day. 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 economical overnight trip in New Mexico for the whole family
Comfortable developed campgound in the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument
Scenic float the first afternoon followed up with fun class 3 whitewater on the second day
Three delicious meals prepared by your guides

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.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

We have just the trip for you! Our Overnight Rio Grande Rafting Trip begins at our headquarters at 2 pm and we’ll have you back at our headquarters by 2 pm the following day.

*24 Hours On The Rio Grande whitewater rafting now available as a private trip! Visit our private trips page to learn more about custom adventures tailored to you.

The 24 Hours On The Rio Grande Rafting Trip Itinerary

Day 1 of the Overnight Rio Grande Rafting Trip begins with a float down the scenic Orilla Verde Section of the Rio Grande. Our 2 pm start time allows us the opportunity to experience a sunset, the famous early evening light and a star-strewn night (depending on weather of course), that are often featured in the art and literature portraying the southwest. This unspoiled and picturesque portion of the river provides a truly unique southwest experience that follows in the footsteps of generations of explorers and artists.

In the evening we will settle into our riverside camp where we prepare a meal for you that can’t help but impress your taste buds. While we set up and prepare the meal there are a variety of hiking, wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. After our evening meal we usually gather around the campfire and talk about the day, the following days float, and tell stories. All are extremely knowledgeable about the area’s geology, ecology and history and just love being on the river.

Day 2 begins with a hearty breakfast to fill you up for the class III rapids on the popular Racecourse section of the river. Mid way through the day we will stop for lunch, near a great swimming spot, before finishing our adventure and returning to our headquarters in the early afternoon. During this trip we’ll pass through The Maze, Eye of the Needle, Big Rock and the infamous Souse Hole.

Our Guides for the 24 Hours On The Rio Grande Rafting Trip

Our guides are the best in the business, focusing on safety and guest service as a top priority. Many with experience on rivers all over the country and across the globe. I know you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do and will certainly help to make your day on the river the best possible. It is class II-III (IV at high water) and a great choice for any skill level. Minimum age for the Racecourse is 5 (13 during higher water levels…contact us for current information).

Inflatable Kayak Option

We encourage the adventurous folks to consider doing this trip in an inflatable kayak as long as water levels permit. This overnight Rio Grande rafting is perfect for first timers or those whitewater enthusiasts who only have a limited amount of time available.