Santa Fe , United States

Rio Grande Gorge Full Day

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(194 reviews)

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About this experience

The Lower Gorge of the Rio Grande is a broad canyon with lush riparian habitat along the banks of the Rio. A fantastic full day adventure for families, first time rafters and groups. The first half of the day is beautiful float through the Orilla Verde section of the Rio Grande with incredible scenery, gorgeous riverside lunch stops and ample opportunity to work on your paddling in preparation for the exciting whitewater of the Racecourse to come in the afternoon. The Rio Grande Gorge full day trip meets at our headquarters at 8:30 a.m. daily and the minimum age during most of the year is 5 years old

Available options

Rio Grande Gorge Full Day

What's included

World Class Guides

Safe, Secure Parking,

Full Service Headquarters

All rafting Equipment

Lunch

Signature, Hot Chicken Fajita Lunch

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Starting Out

We start at our headquarters where you’ll meet your guides for the day who will outfit you with all the gear necessary for the day on the river. At the headquarters, you will find safe secure parking, clean restrooms, changing rooms, shaded picnic tables on our patio rooms, and any last minute items you might have forgotten including sunscreen, water shoes, hats and much more. This is the perfect place to start your adventure. Craft choices are dependent on water levels. The large majority of our guests like to participate and paddle along with the guide in the back of the boat giving paddling commands, however, you may also choose to sit back and let the guide do the work on an oar boat. And for the adrenaline junkies, ask about an inflatable kayak at no extra charge.

Floating the Rio Grande Gorge

After the short drive to the starting point in our vans, your river trip begins with a placid morning float through one of the most scenic parts of the canyon with great opportunities to see a variety of wildlife including mule deer, river otter, beaver and many different birds of prey. This section also affords us time to practice paddling techniques, swimming and simply enjoying the Rio Grande. Somewhere in this stretch, we’ll stop on the side of the river for a nice lunch put together by your guides. After lunch, we run the Class III rapids of the “Racecourse.” The Lower Gorge of the Rio Grande is a broad canyon with lush riparian habitat along the banks of the Rio. As we enter the “Racecourse” section the geology radically changes as we pass onto the Rio Grande fault line, one of the largest intercontinental fault lines in North America. But let’s not forget the whitewater! The Racecourse is 6 miles of action-packed class 2-3 rapids. Perfect for everyone from beginners to intermediate/experts. There is something for everyone to enjoy on this section. With rapids like the Maze, Albert’s Falls, The Narrows, and The Thunderdome make sure you are braced in and ready to get wet! Listen to your guides as they negotiate these rapids and don’t forget to ask them to surf when the water levels are lower.

Guides for the Rio Grande Gorge Full Day

Our guides are the best in the business, focusing on safety and guest service as a top priority. All are extremely knowledgeable about the area’s geology, ecology and history and just love being on the river. Our Guides have experience on rivers all over the country and across the globe, I know you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do. They will certainly help to make your day on the river the best possible.

Full Day Rio Grande rafting trips available EVERY DAY starting in March through September. Our minimum age at most water levels is 5, however, at the higher flows, that minimum age rises to 13. Book online or call us anytime, 1-800-983-7756, to reserve your space.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

191 reviews

5★

182

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Meeting point

Our physical address is 2273 Hwy 68, Embudo NM 87531

Please Note: Using your GPS will get you close to us, however, due to our rural location, it won’t usually lead you all the way to our headquarters so please follow the written directions below and call with any questions.

About Santa Fe

Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico and is renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture, vibrant arts scene, and rich history. The city's unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures creates a distinctive cultural landscape that appeals to history buffs, art enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.

Top Attractions

Santa Fe Plaza

The heart of Santa Fe, this historic plaza is surrounded by shops, galleries, and restaurants. It's a central gathering place and the site of many festivals and events.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free

Loretto Chapel

Famous for its miraculous staircase, this chapel is a must-see for its unique architecture and religious significance.

Historical/Religious 30 minutes Small donation

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

Dedicated to the works of Georgia O'Keeffe, this museum offers a deep dive into the life and art of one of America's most celebrated painters.

Museum/Art 1-2 hours $20 (adults), $10 (students), Free (children under 17)

Bandelier National Monument

This ancient pueblo site offers a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Visitors can explore cliff dwellings and petroglyphs.

Historical/Nature Half day $20 per vehicle

Canyon Road

A scenic and historic street lined with art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants. It's a great place to experience Santa Fe's vibrant arts scene.

Art/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Green Chile Stew

A hearty stew made with pork, potatoes, and green chiles, a staple of New Mexican cuisine.

Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Blue Corn Enchiladas

Enchiladas made with blue corn tortillas, filled with cheese or meat, and topped with a red or green chile sauce.

Dinner Contains dairy, can be made vegetarian or vegan

Posole

A traditional soup made with hominy, pork, and red chile sauce, often served with toppings like lettuce, cheese, and sour cream.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Biscochitos

A traditional New Mexican cookie flavored with anise and cinnamon, often served with coffee or tea.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Skiing Rafting Spa treatments Yoga classes Scenic drives Wine tasting

Best Time to Visit

September to October

The fall season offers pleasant weather, beautiful fall foliage, and fewer tourists compared to the summer. It's ideal for outdoor activities and cultural events.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Santa Fe is generally a safe city for visitors, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services.

Getting there

By air

Santa Fe Municipal Airport • 10 miles (16 km) from downtown
Albuquerque International Sunport • 65 miles (105 km) from downtown

By train

Santa Fe Depot

By bus

Santa Fe Depot

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and convenient for getting around the city. Buses are equipped with bike racks.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Railyard District Historic Eastside South Capitol

Day trips

Taos

75 miles (120 km) north of Santa Fe • Full day

A charming town with a rich history and vibrant arts scene, offering a mix of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures.

Bandelier National Monument

22 miles (35 km) north of Santa Fe • Half day

An ancient pueblo site offering a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people, with cliff dwellings and petroglyphs.

Chimayo

30 miles (48 km) north of Santa Fe • Half day

A small town known for its historic church, El Santuario de Chimayo, and its traditional weaving traditions.

Festivals

Santa Fe Indian Market • Second weekend of August Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta • Late September Santa Fe Fiesta • Labor Day weekend

Pro tips

Visit the Santa Fe Farmers' Market for fresh produce, local crafts, and a taste of the city's local culture.
Explore the historic adobe architecture and vibrant arts scene in the Railyard District and on Canyon Road.
Take a day trip to Bandelier National Monument to explore ancient pueblo sites and learn about the Ancestral Pueblo people.
Try local foods and beverages, such as green chile stew, blue corn enchiladas, and biscochitos.
Attend a cultural event or festival, such as the Santa Fe Indian Market or the Santa Fe Opera, for a unique and memorable experience.