EL PRADO GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Hidden Waters: Two Days in the Middle Box of the Rio Grande
A two-day guided fly-fishing, camping and floating trip through a remote, little-visited section of the Rio Grande—this guide lays out the logistics, route and what to expect on the Middle Box experience.
Hidden Waters: Two Days in the Middle Box of the Rio Grande.
The Middle Box is a pristine, under-pressured canyon of the northern Rio Grande where guides from Far Flung Adventures shuttle guests into a secluded stretch of river for remote wilderness camping, fly fishing and days of slow float-and-fish. The route threads past dramatic cliff walls, seldom-visited archaeological sites and relics of early 20th-century human activity while offering close encounters with river otters, large raptors and herds of bighorn sheep.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Dramatic canyon walls and a truly remote river corridor
The Middle Box runs through a breathtaking canyon—a wild, little-known stretch of the Rio Grande where the river hugs steep walls and the scenery is largely untouched.
A pristine, low-pressure fishery
This section of the Rio Grande is noted as an exceptional fishery with very little angling pressure, giving anglers time to explore big, productive holes and rare fish-holding water.
Remote camping and cultural discoveries
In addition to wilderness camping, the float passes human-history remnants—an early 20th-century horse thief’s hideout, an abandoned mining site and two seldom-visited archaeological sites—plus reliably good wildlife sightings.
What the day feels like
What the two-day trip feels like
You meet at Far Flung’s boathouse north of Taos, shuttle to the Cebolla Mesa trailhead, and descend into the Wild Rivers natural area with packer support to reach the river’s edge. From the put-in the pace is unhurried: guides get camp established while anglers fish the outstanding holes, evening meals are served around a campfire in the canyon, and the following day begins early with more floating and fishing before a takeout at John Dunn Bridge and a short drive back to the office.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a two-day, one-night guided trip; participants meet at the Far Flung Boathouse in El Prado and will be shuttled to the trailhead with a packer-assisted gear carry to the river put-in. The takeout is at John Dunn Bridge with a short drive back to the office.
Be prepared for a one-mile downhill hike on a rough but maintained trail and for days of walking, wading and possible boulder-hopping while fishing; bring appropriate wading footwear, layered clothing and personal items for an overnight riverside camp.
The operator welcomes rafters and anglers of all ages and rates the trip easy to moderate, but participants should be able to manage moderate hiking and river travel.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Middle Box trip?
This offering is a two-day, one-night guided trip.
Where do I meet for the trip?
You meet at the Far Flung Adventures Boathouse, 15 NM 522, El Prado, NM 87529, on the north side of Taos.
What level of fitness or skill do I need?
The trip is described as easy to moderate and welcomes participants of all ages, but guests should be prepared for a one-mile downhill trail and for walking, wading and possible boulder-hopping while fishing.
Will I encounter many other fishermen on the river?
The operator notes this section of the Rio Grande is under essentially no pressure and that it is unlikely to see other fishermen during their multi-day canyon trips.
What wildlife and cultural sights can I expect?
Expect wildlife such as large birds of prey, river otters and herds of bighorn sheep, plus human-history features including a crumbling horse thief hideout, an abandoned mining site and two seldom-visited archaeological sites along the float.
Where is the takeout and how do we return to the meeting point?
Takeout is at John Dunn Bridge; it’s about a 20-minute drive back to the Far Flung office and your vehicle.