"I just wanted to thank everyone at Los Rios for a great trip through the Taos Box on Memorial Day! All of our guides were friendly and funny but also clearly knowledgeable and professional when it comes to whitewater safety. The river was high, wild, and exciting and made for the best raft trip I've ever experienced! The scenery of the gorge was an awe-inspiring backdrop for a great adventure. In addition, a pleasant surprise was the great lunch that they prepared! I will definitely recommend Los Rios to anyone I know who travels to New Mexico."
Angela K.
Washington, DC

"Thanks again for the fabulous funyak trip down the Rio Grande. It was the highlight of our vacation!"
Sarah Wallbaum & Scott Sampson
Urbana, IL

Packing List

For your comfort on the river, it is vitally important that you bring the right clothes and other gear. All specialist equipment is available to borrow or rent from us, but you should make sure that you have all items on the list below. Items marked with an asterisk are available to buy at our boathouse. Click here to download printable packing list.

NEOPRENE POLICY

On overnight trips, we will lend you a wetsuit and booties at no charge. On the Taos Box full-day, wetsuits are no charge, booties may be rented for $5. On all other trips, you may rent a wetsuit for $10, booties for $5. All wetsuit and booties usage requires a deposit or credit-card guarantee.

DO NOT bring anything you're not prepared to lose or get wet (such as non-waterproof watches, dangly jewelry, etc.). We are not responsible for valuables.

CAMERAS

During peak tourist season (May-August) a professional photographer will take action photos on the Racecourse and Taos Box sections of the Rio Grande (go to www.raftphotos.com to see photos of our trips). We recommend that you DO NOT bring personal cameras (other than a waterproof disposable camera) on the Rio Grande because of the many rapids. YOU MAY bring a non-waterproof camera on the Chama, but please be aware that all river trips pose risk to photographic equipment and we cannot guarantee its safety; we recommend downloading any saved video or photos and bringing only equipment to which you are prepared to risk loss or damage.

CLOTHING

Except during warm weather when a T-shirt is sufficient, avoid wearing cotton as it retains water and makes you cold when it gets wet. DO NOT wear jeans, sweatshirts or sweatpants on the river.

Day Trips

• Swimsuit and/or shorts and a T-shirt*
• Soft-soled shoes or very secure sports sandals with a heel strap
• Wool or synthetic socks
• Sunscreen*
• Hat or visor*
• Sunglasses with a retainer strap*
• Personal water bottle*
• A full set of dry clothes for the end of the trip, including shoes
• Cash if you want to tip your guide

In early season or in marginal weather, add:

• A wool or synthetic sweater, such as Polartec fleece
• Long underwear, synthetic or silk
• Thick wool or synthetic socks (not cotton)
• A warm hat

OVERNIGHT TRIPS

Please bring everything on the above list, and add the following items.

• A full set of warm, dry clothes to change into in camp, including shoes
• Quick-drying clothes to wear on the river, or a spare set of river clothes
• A wool or synthetic sweater or jacket
• Long underwear, synthetic or silk
• A soft bag or pillowcase to contain your clothes (DO NOT bring suitcases or rigid-frame backpacks on the river)
• A flashlight
• Personal hygiene items
• Insect repellent (usually not necessary, but just in case)
You are welcome to bring your own sleeping kit if you prefer; otherwise we will provide one at no extra charge.