Taos Box Rafting Full Day
This is possibly the greatest full day rafting trip in the country. Nowhere else can you find the same quality whitewater in such a remote and pristine canyon with incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
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Full Day
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Rio Grande
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Age 13
$149
Book Now
Pro tip: This trip is water level dependent and may not be available on the date you reserve. If so, we will reach out before your trip to discuss great options, including but not limited to alternate trips.
Who Is This For?
High Adventure Seekers Unite!
This full day Taos whitewater rafting trip is perfect for thrill seekers 13 and up who know how to swim.
What To Expect?
One Of The Best Rafting Trips In The Country
This is possibly the greatest full day rafting trip 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. Not to mention the numerous, challenging and exciting class 4 rapids that are sure to impress any whitewater enthusiast.
Highlights
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One of the greatest single day rafting trips in the U.S
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Amazing wildlife sightings from bighorn sheep to golden eagles
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Paddle through the class 3 and 4 rapids of the Taos Box
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Hot, chicken fajita lunch
Trip Details
Where To Meet
Our Taos Box trips meet at our Rio Grande Headquarters. With safe, secure parking, nice restrooms and changing rooms, a fully stocked shop where you can pick up any missing items and a delicious food truck for a bite to eat after your trip, this is the best starting point for your Taos Box adventure. For directions to our Rio Grande headquarters, click here!
What To Bring
The basic list of what to bring is shorts, t-shirt, hat (baseball cap is best) and good footwear (anything but flip flops). It is also nice to have a water bottle, sunscreen and a change of dry clothes for after the trip. Please be sure to reference our specific list of what to bring which is included in your confirmation email which you will receive immediately after reserving your trip.
Break It Down Title
1
Meet Up + Gear Up
After arriving at our Headquarters in the morning, our friendly staff will check you in and introduce you to your trip leader. You will be guided through the outfitting process with the option to use wetsuits, splash jackets and additional layers at no extra cost. After a detailed safety orientation, we will board our comfortable vehicles for the 45-50 minute drive to the starting point.
2
Get On The River
The layout of this run is absolutely perfect as the beginning includes plenty of opportunities to work on your paddling techniques and teamwork to negotiate the many rapids ahead. In the final five miles of this Taos box rafting trip, the gradient increases and the class 4 rapids become more intense and come in much quicker succession. Brace yourself in and paddle hard through these steep and visually stunning rapids! Don’t forget to look up to spot Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep as well as river otter and a large variety of birds of prey as you float through this spectacular canyon
3
Take Out + Return
The action on the Taos Box doesn’t stop until the very end. The final class 4 rapid of the day is a stones throw from the finishing point. After loading up, we will drive 15 minutes back to our HQ where you can change and enjoy the photos of your trip while reliving all the action
REVIEWS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, prior rafting experience is recommended for the Taos Box. This trip is best suited for confident paddlers who are comfortable in more technical and powerful whitewater. Give us a call if you have any questions or concerns!
The Taos Box is a protected wilderness section of the Rio Grande just outside Taos, New Mexico. It runs through a deep basalt canyon within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, with canyon walls rising hundreds of feet above the river in some areas. Because it’s only accessible by trail or river, it offers a secluded, backcountry rafting experience with fewer crowds than other sections.
The Taos Box is one of the most challenging rafting trips in New Mexico, featuring continuous Class III and IV rapids. It requires strong paddling and comfort in fast-moving whitewater.
Class IV rapids are considered advanced and are typically best suited for experienced rafters. However, with professional guides, proper instruction, and safety gear, some beginners are able to successfully run Class IV sections on guided trips like the Taos Box.
The minimum age for the Taos Box is typically 13 years old.
The Taos Box stands out for its remote wilderness setting and continuous Class III and IV rapids. Unlike other trips on the Rio Grande, it offers a more technical and physically demanding experience, with fewer calm sections and a true backcountry feel. It’s designed for adventurous rafters looking for one of the most challenging and rewarding runs in New Mexico.
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.
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.
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.
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.
