EL PRADO GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Three Days Through the Rio Grande Gorge: Rafting Taos Box and Camping the Wild Rivers
A guided, three-day descent of nearly 40 miles of the Rio Grande Gorge featuring Class IV+ whitewater, one night of riverside camping, and opportunities to view wildlife and petroglyphs.
Three Days Through the Rio Grande Gorge: Rafting Taos Box and Camping the Wild Rivers.
Far Flung Adventures’ Whole Gorge Three-Day Trip threads nearly 40 miles of pristine Rio Grande Gorge in northern New Mexico, beginning with a mile-long descent into the Wild Rivers section and continuing through world‑famous whitewater, remote riverside camping, and stretches of volcanic canyon and open oxbows.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Class IV+ Adrenaline in Taos Box
The trip includes sustained Class III/IV+ whitewater—among the most demanding runs on the Rio Grande—culminating in the Taos Box and signature pitches like Powerline Falls and Sunset Rapid.
Canyon Wilderness Camping
This multi-day trip features one night camped in the remote bottom of the gorge and a second night with basic amenities at Orilla Verde Recreation Area, delivering both backcountry solitude and easier comforts.
Pristine Scenery and Wildlife Viewing
Paddlers pass hot springs, oxbows and volcanic canyon walls while watching for wildlife and visiting an ancient Native American petroglyph hunting camp along the route.
What the day feels like
What the Three-Day Descent Feels Like
The itinerary moves from a one‑mile hike into the Wild Rivers section to a splashy first day of Class II–III running and petroglyph visits, into a full day of continuous Class III/IV+ in the Taos Box, and finishes with a gentler Lower Gorge float and the Rio Grande Racecourse before the County Line takeout.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The trip runs in the spring-to-summer season and is described as a Moderate to Adventurous outing appropriate for ages 12 and older.
Meet at the Far Flung Adventures boathouse located at 15 NM 522, El Prado NM 87529; plan to arrive for an 8:00 a.m. departure on the first day with return to the office and vehicles around 4:00 p.m. on the final day.
Far Flung supplies all rafting and camping equipment; paddle boats are the standard configuration, though some guests request oar boats.
Participants should be active and in normal good health, prepared for paddling, possible swimming, and hiking on the Whole Gorge route.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is the minimum age for this trip?
Participants must be at least 12 years old.
How long is the trip and when does it start and end each day?
The trip begins at about 8:00 a.m. on day one and aims to return to the office and vehicles by about 4:00 p.m. on the final day; the itinerary includes one night of camping.
What level of whitewater will we encounter?
The itinerary includes a mix of Class II–III on the first day and sustained Class III/IV+ whitewater—particularly through the Taos Box—on the second day.
Is equipment provided?
Yes; the operator provides all rafting and camping equipment, with paddle boats as the standard configuration and oar boats available on request.
Will we camp in primitive sites?
The trip includes one night camped in the remote bottom of the gorge and a subsequent camp with basic amenities at Orilla Verde Recreation Area.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of swimming; guests should be active and in normal good health to handle paddling and any in‑water scenarios.