EL PRADO GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
From Saddle to Whitewater: A Full-Day Ride and Run Through the Rio Grande Gorge
A guided, full-day multisport outing—horseback along canyon rims, a rimside lunch, a hike to the river and Class III rafting—that this guide distills into route, logistics, and traveler-fit notes.
From Saddle to Whitewater: A Full-Day Ride and Run Through the Rio Grande Gorge.
Wild Rivers Paddle Saddle pairs a two-hour guided horseback ride along the rim of the Red River Canyon with a mile-long descent into the Rio Grande Gorge and a paddle through Class III rapids in the Middle Box—an active, full-day southwest adventure that visits ancient Native sites and abundant wildlife beneath ponderosa pines.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Saddle along canyon rims, descend to Class III whitewater
The day combines a two-hour guided horseback ride along the Red River canyon rim with a mile-long pack-animal descent to the river and a paddle through fun, exciting Class III rapids in the Middle Box.
Varied southwestern canyons and ponderosa pines
Travelers move from rim-top pine and juniper vistas down into pristine canyon riverine terrain, visiting sections of the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument and ancient Native hunting sites.
A full, active day suited to groups and families
This is a multisport, full-day outing designed for active groups and families seeking a varied southwest adventure that pairs horseback riding with river-running.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You begin with horses beneath pines and junipers, tracing the rim toward the Rio Grande Gorge; stop for a homemade lunch on the rim; then guides load rafting gear onto horses and mules for the mile-long descent to the river. Once on the water you paddle through a pristine canyon stretch and Class III rapids while exploring Native sites and watching for local wildlife, returning to the boathouse later in the afternoon.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip is made for — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Guides provide and transport the rafting equipment—packing it onto horses and mules for the descent from the rim to the river.
A homemade lunch is served on the rim around mid-day while guides prepare the gear for the river section.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Wild Rivers Paddle Saddle trip?
The trip is about 8 hours in duration.
What is the minimum age to participate?
The minimum age for participation is 6 years old.
What is the difficulty level on the river?
The river section includes Class III rapids.
Where and when do we meet?
Meet at the Far Flung Adventures Boathouse, 15 NM 522 El Prado, NM 87529, typically at 8:00 AM for the full-day outing.
When is this trip offered during the year?
The season runs from April 1 through October 1.
When will we be back at the office?
The operator plans to return participants to the office and their cars around 4:00 PM.