Home » Nearby Towns » Taos Ski Valley
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

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.
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.
Rio Chama 3 Day

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.
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!
Half Day SUP

Rock Climbing with New Mexico River Adventures

Middle Taos Box Inflatable Kayaking Trip

Orilla Verde Half Day Float

Sunset Gourmet Float

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.
Private or Custom Whitewater Kayak Instruction

Whitewater River Guides School
