From its headwaters in southern Colorado, the Rio Grande River flows southward across the entire length of New Mexico, forming a boundary between Mexico and Texas on its way to the Gulf of Mexico. The 1,885-mile long river is the third longest in the United States. In the section from near the Colorado border to south of Taos, it offers some of the Southwest's best whitewater rafting, including the world famous “Taos Box,” which has rapids as challenging as any enthusiast might desire.This 48-mile section across the Taos mesa won the nation’s first designation of “Wild and Scenic River” in 1968. Here, the Rio Grande flows through a gorge that reaches 800 feet deep in places, thundering its way over sudden drops, with towering basalt cliffs on either side. The “Box” itself is about 16 miles of tumbling rapids amid boulders as large as buildings, which have fallen into the river from the sides of the gorge. Eagles, falcons, mergansers, geese, herons, and ducks build their nests in this spectacular habitat. Rafters frequently spot elk, deer, beaver, and sometimes mountain lions as they pass through the gorge.
This protected section of the Rio Grande has something for rafters of every age and ability. The lower Taos Box is for the more experienced—or at least the most daring—with many Class 3 and 4+ rapids. The names Dead Car Rapids, Powerline Falls and Crazy Screaming Left Hand Turn fail to describe the thrill of facing them. North of the John Dunn Bridge near Arroyo Hondo is a milder section called the “Middle Box,” and south of Taos Junction Bridge near Pilar, the river widens and becomes more suitable for family outings. This section is called “Orilla Verde,” or “green shore.” The five-mile “Racecourse” near Pilar (Class 2 and 3+ rapids) is a popular half-day trip, suitable for children who are strong enough to hold on tight! The “Upper Box” is class 5 and 6—unrunnable.
Whitewater experts grade rapids on a scale of 1 to 6. Class 1 is mostly flat, gently moving water and Class 6 is impossible to navigate. Class 5 is like a spinning, drenching roller coaster and the other classes are in between. Rafting companies from Taos and Santa Fe offer one, two, and three-day trips on the Rio Grande, as well as on the more docile Rio Chama to the west. Some tours are more appropriate during spring and early summer, when the river is a maze of churning whitecaps, sudden dips, nerve-wracking holes, and swift, spinning currents. Other runs are better later in summer, when water quantity and speed have diminished and the challenge consists of navigating around boulders and through chutes without getting stuck.
Some of the popular rafting companies on the Rio Grande include:
Los Rios River Runners (www.losriosriverrunners.com)
Native Sons Adventures (www.nativesonsadventures)
Big River Raft Trips (www.bigriverrafts.com)
Far Flung Adventures (www.farflung.com)
Cottam's Rio Grande River Trips (www.cottamsoutdoor.com)
Kokopelli Rafting Adventures (www.kokopelliraft.com)
New Wave Rafting Company (www.newwaverafting.com)
Known World Guides (www.knownworldguides.com)
Santa Fe Rafting Company (www.santaferafting.com)
Some companies also offer kayak tours and “Funyak” outings. "Funyaks" are one-person inflatable kayaks. When you sign up for a tour, you receive detailed information on what to wear and bring—no blue jeans or other cotton clothing! –and also facts about safety and the release you will be asked to sign. On overnight trips, most companies provide tents, cooking utensils and food, at the very least; and your guides prepare your meals. The experience of exhilarating whitewater rafting followed by camping alongside a beautiful wild river eating delicious food and laughing with congenial friends is something most rafters remember for years afterward.
During the peak rafting season (May through August), a professional photographic company, Southern Exposure Inc., photographs rafters on the Racecourse and in the Taos Box. These photos can be viewed and purchased at www.raftphotos.com
During the 2004-2005 winter and spring, precipitation has been significantly higher than normal. The Rio Grande is expected to run higher and faster than it has for at least ten years during the entire rafting season! For current river conditions see http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nm/nwis/
Make your headquarters before and after your Rio Grande raft trip the AAA Four Diamond Alma del Monte Bed and Breakfast, just seven miles from the John Dunn Bridge put-in site in Taos County. Alma del Monte is Spanish for “Spirit of the Mountain,” aptly named because it is nestled on the slopes of the snow-topped Sangre de Cristos, a southern range of the Rockies. Alma del Monte’s king-size beds, whirlpool baths and hot tub will soothe your aching muscles. Its unmatched breakfasts, elegance and amenities will calm your spirit, and its spectacular setting will remind you of the wild beauty you experienced on the river. For an unforgettable adventure, raft the Rio Grande and relax at Alma del Monte this year!
Article By Linda Thompson
