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Taos Ski Valley

The village of Taos Ski Valley was originally settled by a group of miners in the 1800s, but in 1955 Ernie and Rhoda Blake founded the area as a ski mountain. The village was incorporated in 1996.  Now, the “Ski Valley” is known across the country as one of the premiere ski resorts for both beauty and diversity of terrain.  With a rich history from the founding family, The Blakes, and a promising future with the resorts new owners, Taos Ski Valley is poised to expand into one of the countries most desired summer destinations to match it’s already stellar reputation for winter pursuits.  Be careful not to get lost among the villages population of approximately 90 residents while you enjoy this intimate stay in the alpine wilderness of Northern New Mexico.

New Mexico River Adventures is proud to be part of this beautiful alpine community, and to offer the following outdoor adventures to help make your Taos Ski Valley experience truly memorable.  Our Rafting, Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding Headquarters is located right next to the Rio Grande and a mere hour from Taos Ski Valley.  Come immerse yourself in the land of enchantment.

The Trips

Racecourse Half Day

This is the most popular rafting trip in New Mexico. This is the perfect trip for first timers or those whitewater enthusiasts who only have a limited amount of time available. It is class II-III(IV at high water) and absolutely perfect for everyone. When the water levels are especially high, we do raise the minimum age as this section grows into an extremely fun and continuous section of class III and IV whitewater. Truly a great trip and its located a mere 1 mile away from our headquarters. If you're looking for memorable addition to your vacation in Northern New Mexico, stop by our headquarters or reserve your space for this wonderful whitewater rafting experience.

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Rio Grande Gorge Full Day

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. 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. The Rio Grande Gorge full day trip meets at our headquarters at 8:30 a.m. daily and the minimum age during most of the year is 5 years old.

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Taos Box 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. The "Box" flows through the heart of the Rio Grande Gorge some 800 feet deep. The layout of this run is absolutely perfect as the beginning is relatively calm with plenty of opportunity to work on your paddling techniques and feel comfortable working together as a team to negotiate the many rapids ahead. In the final five miles of this trip, the gradient increases and the rapids become more intense and come in much quicker succession. The Taos Box trip meets at our headquarters at 8 a.m. and the minimum age is 13 and participants should weight at least 90 pounds.

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Rio Chama 3 Day

This is the signature multi-day rafting trip in New Mexico. Due to regularly scheduled releases from El Vado Resevior, we are able to enjoy this incredible canyon and three day rafting trip, most weeks from April through August. We raft 33 mile section of river outside of the the alpine town of Tierra Amarilla, NM. The trip consists of a float through the stunning and colorful sandstone and limestone walls of this amazing canyon and finishing up near the renowned artist village of Abiquiu. The upper reaches of the river are well known for gorgeous pine trees lining the banks of the river and spectacular views of the desert cliffs that border this area and that are so famous in many different artists works, such as Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams.

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24 Hours On The Rio Grande

Are you interested in an overnight river trip, but not willing to give up two entire days of your vacation? We have just the trip for you! You'll meet us at our headquarters at 2p.m. and we will float the scenic Orilla Verde Section of the Rio Grande with an opportunity to catch the gorgeous evening light on the river that most do not have the pleasure of experiencing. As we settle into our riverside camp, you might opt for an evening hike while we prepare you a meal that will impress your taste buds and leave you ready for stories around the fire. The morning will begin with a hearty breakfast that will fill you up for the day of rapids ahead on the popular class III Racecourse section.We will stop mid way for lunch and swimming and finish up in time to have you back at our headquarters at 2 p.m. We encourage the adventurous folks to consider doing this trip in an inflatable kayak as long as water levels permit.

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Classic Taos Box Overnight

Our premier overnight trip in the Rio Grande Gorge. This trip combines the incredible whitewater and scenery of the Taos Box with the Lower Gorge sections of the Rio Grande for a total of nearly 30 miles of Wild and Scenic River. Sleep out under the stars and enjoy award winning riverside cuisine while experiencing the heart of the Rio Grande Gorge and some of the best whitewater in the southwest!

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Half Day SUP

Standup paddling or SUP originated in the Hawaiian Islands and is fast becoming the paddle sport of choice not only on the coast but on rivers and lakes throughout the southwest. SUP offers amazing fitness, balance and coordination in a non-intimidating, fun manor appealing to all ages. New Mexico River Adventures is the first and only full service SUP outfitter in the state of New Mexico offering rentals, lessons and guided tours on the many pristine rivers and lakes in the great state of New Mexico.

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Rock Climbing with New Mexico River Adventures

Our rock climbing trips near Taos NM take place in the heart of the Rio Grande Gorge just above the Wild and Scenic Rio Grande. The Dead Cholla Wall is an established rock climbing area featuring over two-dozen climbing routes just below the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge. No experience is necessary for this trip and is available to all ages, abilities and levels of fitness.

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La Junta Full Day

This trip is a rare scenic float through one of the most remote, pristine and little traveled sections of the Rio Grande. Only accessible by the 1 mile long hike down the La Junta trail in the Wild Rivers Recreation Area. The boats and gear are packed down by mules to our put-in at the confluence with the Rio Grande and the Red River. The whitewater on this section is calm with one class III rapid.

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Orilla Verde Half Day Float

This is the perfect trip for everyone in the entire family or those who just feel like a lazy float down the river. The Orilla Verde section meanders through a beautiful section of the canyon offering incredible bird watching opportunities as well as regular sightings of river otters playing along the river bank.

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Sunset Gourmet Float

Looking for something different this summer? Do you crave quiet and scenic floats through desert river canyons? How about gourmet meals waiting for you along the side of the river as the sun sets? This is a spectacular twist to the normal half day river trip. Great for all types of groups including families, friends and couples a like.

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2 Day Beginner Whitewater Kayak Instruction

If you want a true introduction the sport of kayaking, this is absolutely your best option. With our 2 New Mexico kayaking day clinic, you're able to take the time to get a full introduction to all the basics of the sport and leave with the confidence and knowledge to pursue kayaking as your new life long passion. Contact us today to learn more: 1-800-983-7756.

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Private or Custom Whitewater Kayak Instruction

If you are looking for one-on-one instruction to the sport of New Mexico whitewater kayaking, or want to work on specific skills at any level, our Private/Custom Whitewater Kayak Instruction is for you!  You will receive individual attention with expert guidance from our staff.  Sign up today!

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Whitewater River Guides School

Our guide school is primarily focused on training individuals for jobs as whitewater professionals, however, it is also open to those looking for an intense training program to ready themselves for a long future of private boating adventures with family and friends. The goal of the school is for every student to be a safe, conscientious, environmentally-responsible steward of the river.

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