Ute Mountain Full Day Kayaking Expedition

River

Rio Grande

Duration

Full Day

Minimum Age 16

Meals

yes

Price

$225

About the trip

New Mexico River Adventures is very proud to offer this expedition style full day kayaking adventure in one of the most secluded sections of the Rio Grande. Those that choose this trip will be rewarded with a secluded float and ample wildlife viewing opprtunities.

Trip Highlights

New Mexico’s most remote and seldomly run section of river
Abundant of wildlife viewing opportunities
Natural Springs encountered in the canyon
Closed April/May due to critical breeding times and protection of wildlife species

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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REVIEWS

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Ute Mountain section of the Rio Grande is a unique opportunity to experience a very remote and seldomnly run section of river. This section starts just downstream of the Colorado state line and continues into an inaccessible canyon. The section we run is approximately 10 miles in length and requires a moderate although rarely traversed short hike in and out to the river.

Due to its inaccessibility, the Ute Mountain section of the Rio Grande is truly one of the most pristine sections to this beautiful canyon that you’ll ever have the opportunity to experience. From river perspectives to wildlife to that great feeling of remoteness, this trip delivers that elusive, true, wilderness river expedition experience that you may be looking for and have yet to find. This is yet another “expedition” style full day trip offering from NMRA. We use kayaks exclusively for this section in order to increase the window of runnable flows and give more people the opportunity to experience this special, off the beaten path section of the Rio Grande.

Our Guides for The Ute Mountain Kayaking trip

Our guides are the best in the business, focusing on safety and guest service as a top priority. Due to the nature of this particular trip, anyone not meeting the head guides minimum standards will not be allowed to participate and will forfeit deposit.

All of our river guides are extremely knowledgeable about the area’s geology, ecology and history and just love being on the river. 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.

Due to the lower flows and challenging access in and out, this trip is only offered as an inflatable kayaking trip. About half way through this pristine section of the Rio Grande, your trip will stop and take a break on one of the beautiful riverside beaches. Here, an expedition style river side lunch is enjoyed by all.

Minimum age for the Ute Mountain section is 16 and a parent or guardian must be present. The Ute Mt. trips are water level dependent and usually are best run June through Oct. Please note that some seasons, this section is not available. Please call, 1-800-983-7756 for available dates and river conditions.

This trip is yet another reason why New Mexico River Adventures is your choice for the greatest and most unique white water rafting in New Mexico!

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