EL PRADO GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two Days in the Taos Box: Riverside Camping and a Full Dose of Class IV+ Whitewater
A guided, two-day run of the Taos Box and Lower Gorge on the Rio Grande—perfect for active beginners and thrill-seekers who want guided paddle-boat whitewater plus one night of riverside camping.
Two Days in the Taos Box: Riverside Camping and a Full Dose of Class IV+ Whitewater.
Conquer thrilling Class IV+ rapids through stark canyon walls, camp beside the river under high‑desert skies, and watch for deer, raptors and other wildlife on a two‑day guided journey through the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The Taos Box and the Hour of Power
Day one runs the famed 17‑mile Taos Box: warmup Class II miles give way to technical Class III/IV sections and culminate in six miles of continuous Class IV–IV+ whitewater, including the near‑vertical Powerline Falls and named rapids such as Rockgarden, Corkscrew and Boat Reamer.
Riverside Wilderness Camping in Orilla Verde
After an intense day on the river the canyon opens into Orilla Verde, where the trip takes-out and camps riverside with basic amenities—running water and restrooms—before a morning float through the Lower Gorge.
Volcanic Gorge, Wildlife and Photo Moments
Day two eases into gentle oxbows beneath an ever‑widening volcanic gorge with strong opportunities for wildlife viewing; photographers also capture guests during signature rapids such as Sunset Rapid and on the Rio Grande Racecourse.
What the day feels like
What Two Days on the Rio Grande Feels Like
The itinerary threads an adrenaline‑charged first day—long rafting mileage leading to an extended stretch of Class IV whitewater—into a restorative riverside camp night, followed by a scenic, wildlife‑rich second day that culminates in a popular half‑day whitewater section before returning to vehicles around mid‑afternoon.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip matches — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing runs from 8:00 am on day one until about 4:00 pm the following day and includes one night of riverside camping.
Meet at the Far Flung Adventures Boathouse at 15 NM 522, El Prado, NM 87529 where you will be outfitted before a short shuttle to the put‑in.
The operator equips guests with necessary river and camping equipment and provides guides who navigate paddle boats or oar‑powered rafts.
Paddle boats are the standard for this trip; some guests may request an oar boat. Guides will do the navigating.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is the minimum age to join?
Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate.
How long does the trip last and when do we return?
The trip departs at 8:00 am on day one and aims to return to the office and vehicles around 4:00 pm the following day, including one night of camping.
Do I need prior rafting experience?
Beginning rafters are welcome, but participants should be active, in normal good health and prepared for paddling, possible swimming and hiking.
What equipment do I need to bring?
The operator provides necessary river and camping equipment; guests should bring personal items as advised by the outfitter and be prepared for physical exertion.
Where do we meet and get outfitted?
Meet at the Far Flung Adventures Boathouse in El Prado (15 NM 522) where the group is outfitted before a 15‑minute shuttle to the put‑in.
Will photographers capture our runs?
Photographers capture guests during key rapids—Sunset Rapid on day one and during the Rio Grande Racecourse on day two.