Rio Grande Gorge Rafting: Class II-III rapids and scenic float

Six and a half hours of paddling, wildlife, and whitewater in a canyon carved by one of North America's largest fault lines

Full-day rafting on the Rio Grande Gorge combines a scenic morning float through the Orilla Verde section with afternoon Class II-III whitewater on the Racecourse, a 6-mile stretch of action-packed rapids. You paddle alongside your guide in the raft, or choose an oar boat if you prefer to sit back. Inflatable kayaks are available at no extra charge. The trip runs daily from March through September, with a minimum age of 5 years old at most water levels, and includes all equipment, lunch, and guides who are knowledgeable about the canyon's geology and ecology.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day Rio Grande rafting adventure

• Meet guides at headquarters
• Get outfitted with gear
• Drive to river starting point
• Float through Orilla Verde section
• Practice paddling and swim
• Stop for riverside lunch
• Run Class III rapids of Racecourse
• Enjoy wildlife and scenery

The experience

You meet at the operator's headquarters at 8:30 a.m., where guides outfit you with all the gear you'll need and explain your options: paddle alongside the guide in a raft, let the guide handle an oar boat while you relax, or ask about an inflatable kayak for the adrenaline-focused. The headquarters has parking, restrooms, changing rooms, and a patio with shaded tables: a place to settle in before the short van ride to the river's starting point.

The morning float through Orilla Verde is a placid stretch where the Rio Grande winds through a broad canyon with lush riparian habitat. You'll see mule deer, river otter, beaver, and birds of prey along the banks while your guides walk you through paddling techniques and swimming. Somewhere in this section, you pull ashore for lunch: hot chicken fajitas prepared by your guides. The geology here is stable. The real shift comes when you enter the Racecourse in the afternoon.

The Racecourse is where the Rio Grande crosses the Rio Grande fault line, one of the largest intercontinental fault lines in North America, and the canyon's character changes radically. Six miles of Class II-III rapids follow: the Maze, Albert's Falls, The Narrows, The Thunderdome. Your guides navigate each one and call out paddling commands. At lower water levels, they'll surf the rapids if you ask. This section is built for everyone from first-time rafters to intermediate and experienced paddlers. There's something to grip onto for each skill level, and you will get wet.

What’s included

• All rafting equipment including paddles and life jackets.
• a choice of paddle raft, oar boat, or inflatable kayak.
• full-service headquarters with parking, restrooms, and changing rooms.
• expert guides in English or Spanish.
• lunch prepared by your guides.
• and a van ride to and from the river's starting point.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 20 Mar 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendly

Operated by New Mexico River Adventures

Is this one for you?The morning float gives you time to learn paddling technique before the afternoon whitewater, so first-time rafters and families with children from age 5 can build confidence in the calm section and tackle the Racecourse when they're ready. If you want to skip the paddling work entirely, the oar boat option lets you sit back while your guide rows through both sections.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What's the difference between paddling in the raft and taking an oar boat?

In the paddle raft, you sit alongside your guide and paddle along with them, following their commands to work the whitewater together. In an oar boat, the guide rows and you sit back as a passenger. Both craft run the same river sections. The choice is whether you want to actively paddle or let the guide handle the work.

How much of the day is actual whitewater, and how much is the scenic float?

The morning is a placid float through Orilla Verde with time to practice paddling and see wildlife. After lunch, you run the Racecourse, a 6-mile stretch of Class II-III rapids that makes up the action-packed afternoon half of the day.

What's included in the lunch, and when do you eat?

Lunch is a hot chicken fajita meal prepared by your guides and served on the riverbank during the float section, before you enter the Racecourse rapids in the afternoon.

Do I need to bring my own gear, or is everything provided?

All rafting equipment is provided, including paddles, life jackets, and helmets. The headquarters stocks sunscreen, water shoes, hats and other last-minute items if you've forgotten anything.

What's the Rio Grande fault line, and why does it matter?

The Rio Grande fault line is one of the largest intercontinental fault lines in North America. As you enter the Racecourse section, the geology shifts dramatically along this fault, and the river's character changes from a scenic float to Class II-III whitewater rapids.