Upper Rio Grande

Location: North-central New Mexico (about 75 miles north of Santa Fe).

Length of trips: Taos Box 17 miles in six to eight hours; Lower Gorge 5 to 11 miles in two to six hours, depending on the water flow. Overnight trips are also available.

Season: Mid-April to mid-September. The water level depends on the snowpack and weather. Meltwater in April, May, and early June can make for a wild ride through the Taos Box, but in dry years the reduced water flow may make the river unrunnable.

Weather: Early spring temperatures average in the 60s and 70s (F) during the day but drop to around freezing at night. Summer’s hotter days (70°-90°) and chilly nights (high 40s) often include an afternoon shower. Bring insect repellent.

Lodging: Camping on the river at Orilla Verde Recreation Area south of Taos. Also a wide variety of inns, hotels, and motels in Taos.

Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Taos Box Class II, III, and IV; Lower Gorge Class I, II, and III. The cold (40°-50°), muddy water warms up in summer to the high 60s.

Special features:

  • The Taos Box offers the wildest white water in New Mexico through one of the most scenic sections of the Rio Grande Gorge. Suitable for seasoned, adventurous rafters.
  • The Lower Gorge ride is exciting but not as challenging as the Taos Box. Outfitters welcome seniors in good physical condition and families (check with your outfitter about age limits for children).
  • Abundant wildlife in the Taos Box, especially birds (mergansers, falcons, red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, kestrels, geese, herons, ducks).
  • Excellent fishing for trout (brown, rainbow) and in early spring for pike.
  • Good swimming in late summer.
  • Wilderness solitude.

Nearby excursions:

  • Taos and Taos Pueblo.
  • Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.
  • Ghost Ranch Living Museum in Abiquiu.
  • Bandelier National Monument.

For a list of outfitters:

  • Bureau of Land Management, Taos Resource Area, 226 Cruz Alta Road, Taos, New Mexico 87571-5983; +1 505 758 8851, fax +1 505 758 1620. Try to book at least two to three months in advance for late May and early June trips in the Taos Box. Try to book two to four weeks in advance for other times and for the Lower Gorge.

For more information:

  • Taos Chamber of Commerce, 1139 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, New Mexico 87571; +1 505 758 3873 or 800 732 8267, fax +1 505 758 3873.
  • New Mexico scenic drive story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, September/October 1994. To order a copy, please click here.

 
 
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