"Thanks for your help in putting together a great trip! My group was blown away by the river, the scenery, and especially by Leslie, Leanna, Tony, Brian and Rob. As a former guide myself, I thought they took very good care of us and put on a fun, exciting, and safe adventure. Los Rios is lucky to have such high caliber guides. Please make sure they each know how happy my group and I were with our experience. Thanks again!" "I just wanted to thank everyone at Los Rios for the most fantastic trip!! Our 2-day Wild Rio Grande rafting trip exceeded all expectations! The scenery and views that we experienced were so awesome. The food, what can I say, I haven't eaten that good since I left home! The white water rafting was just a GREAT experience! You're a great company with some great whitewater guides, I will recommend you every time I get the chance!" "Eight months after my trip down the river I still hear the whitewater, feel the paddle in my hands, smell the sage growing between the boulders, see the eagles floating overhead and taste the scent of the summer rains that cooled the hot afternoons in a land that truly is enchanted. These are only a few of the many reasons why I'll be back next year." "A dream come true for us first-timer Dallas suburbanite knuckleheads. I felt like we were on National Geographic Explorer, not just watching it on tv. The Los Rios people showed us a unique glimpse of nature and America that is vanishing, with an absolutely perfect chemistry of safety, fun, and total professional delivery. Got to do it again ... Viva Los Rios!" “My family and I visited the Taos area this past week, and the highlight was our river trip. We did the full day trip and had a great “We've returned from Santa Fe with all three of us agreeing that our Afternoon Racecourse trip [in September], with Jerry as our Guide, was the highlight of our vacation (which included a balloon ride). Our decision to do a river rafting trip was made only a week before leaving and Los Rios River Runners was most accommodating in helping us decide which trip to experience. Jerry is an outstanding Guide with a thorough knowledge of the Rio Grande, its rapids, history, and an abundance of great stories. He's also an excellent trainer, working so well with us
Richard Zito
Cottonwood, Utah
Cindy Hulme
Clifton, TX
James Navé
Asheville, NC
Sterling Forsythe & family
Carrollton, TX
time. Our guides John, Leslie and Alexa did a great job. John was in our boat and he was very entertaining and knowledgeable of the area. He just added to the river experience and made you feel confident you were in good hands. The pretrip orientation and safety talk were excellent and lunch really hit the spot. We have already recommended you to our neighbors who will be in the area over the next few weeks. We are plannning a return trip to the river next spring and will look you up to take us again. Thanks for the fun!”
Brad Shafer
Amarillo, TX
three and the other couple, who we did not know, as a team -- it was a friendly, very enjoyable experience. Also, this was Connie's first trip river rafting and she was very nervous but came away proudly exclaiming it to be one of the most thrilling, memorable times ever!
Nate previously did a Class 4 on the Arkansas thru the Royal Gorge and was most enthusiastic in his praises of this trip as well. Again, our thanks and compliments to Los Rios River Runners and Jerry.”
Bob, Connie & Nate Conklin
Wild Rio Grande
2-day Overnight Rafting Adventure
The maximum Rio Grande wilderness rafting experience. Two days in the spectacular Rio Grande Gorge, the nation's first Wild and Scenic River: a basalt canyon plunging more than 800 feet to river level, dotted with ancient junipers and ponderosas, alive with the cries of falcons and eagles. And echoing with world-class whitewater.
The trips begins with a hike down into the remote Middle Box section, where you will find your boats awaiting you. After a day in this pristine wilderness, running challenging rapids and lunching beside a rock covered with ancient Indian petroglyphs, we enter the Taos Box and camp just below the first rapid, Ski Jump. Watch the constellations wheel overhead in the narrow strip of sky between the canyon walls, breathe in the cool, sage-scented air, and let the roar of the river lull you to sleep with promises of the white-knuckle whitewater day to come.
Two days, with almost no sign of human civilization. And some of the most exciting rapids in the US. Two days to remember for the rest of your life.
WHITEWATER RATING: Class 4+
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM AGE: 12 (14 in high water, 16 in super-high water)
MEET: 8.30 a.m., Los Rios boathouse (mile marker 40 on Hwy 68). Return to your vehicle approx 3-5 p.m. on Day 2.
SEASON: Variable. Usually April-July – sometimes later! Best in May and June. Check with us.
PRICE: $339. Does not include tax and federal user fee.
WE PROVIDE: All rafting and safety equipment including life-jacket and helmet; waterproof jacket and pants; all camping equipment including freshly laundered sleeping bag, luxurious 1 ½-inch thick self-inflating sleeping pad and one four-person tent per couple or single guest; drybag for your personal items; transportation to and from meeting place; all meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day. See below for sample menu.
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2-DAY OVERNIGHT: SAMPLE MENU
Day 1, lunch: chips and salsa, build-your-own sandwich deli-style buffet with a variety of breads, meats and fixings, fresh fruit, cookies, soft drinks and juice
Day 1, dinner: hors d'oeuvres; mixed grill of steak, chicken and fish, rice, steamed vegetables, salad, freshly baked cake, soft drinks and juice
Day 2, breakfast: omelets to order with choice of onions, ham, cheese, peppers, mushrooms, spinach; bacon or sausage; biscuits or tortillas; fresh fruit; orange juice, milk, tea and fresh-brewed coffee
Day 2, lunch: chips and salsa, chicken Caesar salad wraps, fresh fruit, cookies, soft drinks and juice
We are not licensed to serve alcoholic beverages. You are welcome to bring your own.
MAJOR RAPIDS OF THE MIDDLE BOX: |
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| La Junta |
Class 4 |
| Garrapata | Class 3 |
| Horse Thief Shorty | Class 3 |
| (plus many unnamed Class 2 rapids) | |
MAJOR RAPIDS OF THE TAOS BOX: |
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| Ski Jump |
Class 3 |
| Trash | Class 3 |
| Upchuck | Class 3- |
| Yellowbank | Class 3 (4+ in low water) |
| Lemonade | Class 3 |
| Dead Car | Class 3 (4 in low water) |
| Power Line Falls | Class 3+ |
| The Rock Garden | Class 4+ |
| Boat Reamer | Class 3+ (4 in high water) |
| Screaming Left Turn | Class 3+ |
| The Boulder Field inc. Gut and Corkscrew |
Class 3 (4 in very high and very low water) |
| Enema | Class 4 |
| Sunset | Class 3 (4 in high water) |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – WILD RIO GRANDE 2-DAY
Will I be in an oar boat or a paddle boat?
The most intense thrills are in a paddle boat, where participants power the boat following the guide's instructions. Most people prefer a paddle boat. You will be in a paddle boat unless you request an oar boat, where the guide is in full control of the boat and you can choose to paddle or just hang on. There is a surcharge for oar boats on the Wild Rio Grande trip.
Do I have to know how to swim?
We prefer participants to be able to swim, especially in high water. Risk is higher for non-swimmers. You must be able to assist in your own rescue in the event you fall out of the boat.
Am I going to fall out of the boat?
It’s possible. We try to avoid it. Good paddling will help keep you in the boat. The average number of people who take an unscheduled swim is probably well below 10%.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
Yes, helmets are compulsory on Class 4 runs.
Can you run the Wild Rio Grande 2-Day no matter what the water level is?
No. We need a certain minimum streamflow to get a raft through the big rapids of the Taos Box. Because water levels on the Rio Grande are unpredictable and change at short notice, we book all trips through the Taos Box as a "Mystery Tour." We reserve a boat and guide for your party, and speak with you the day before the trip. If the Box is runnable and suitable for your group, we will do the Wild Rio Grande adventure. If not, we will move to the Chama or do a Middle Box Funyak Overnight or a Middle Box / Lower Gorge combo.
Doesn't the whitewater rating go down in low water?
No. The rating is a measure of difficulty, not water. Some rapids are much tougher at low water levels.
Can my child go if he/she is below the recommended minimum age?
Maybe. It's a recommendation, not a rule. If your child is well-grown, adventurous, and a good swimmer, we will consider it. Please phone to discuss it with us.
What if the weather's bad?
We don't cancel because of rain: usually it doesn't last long. Early season trips are subject to our weather policy: if the high temperature is predicted to be less than 50 degrees, we give you the option of cancelling at no cost to you. This decision will be made no later than the morning of the day before the trip.
Do you have flush toilets and showers at your campsite?
No. We camp in the wilderness of the Taos Box section. We bring a "groover," with a toilet seat and sanitary supplies, which is set up in a screened area for privacy.
Will I be cold at night?
Not if you dress correctly. Polar fleece pants, top, and hat are recommended. The sleeping bags we provide are appropriate for the temperatures we’re most likely to encounter.
Does everyone camp together?
The campsite has trails through the sagebrush. It's easy to find privacy.
Do we have to sit on logs or on the ground?
No. The great thing about camping by raft is that we can bring all kinds of stuff to make us comfortable. We have folding armchairs, tables, four-burner stove, etc.
Do I need to let you know if I'm bringing wine and/or beer?
Yes, please. That way we can make sure we have enough coolers to carry it.
What if I'm vegetarian?
Just let us know, and we'll cater accordingly. Vegans too. We can also provide all organic food (an extra charge will apply).