EL PRADO GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two Days Through the Rio Grande Gorge: Class IV+ Runs, Riverside Camp, and Taos Box
A guided, two-day rafting trip from Far Flung Adventures that runs 8am until 4pm the following day, combining hard-hitting Class IV+ whitewater, a night of canyon camping, and expert-guided paddle-boat navigation—useful for planning logistics, fitness expectations, and what to bring.
Two Days Through the Rio Grande Gorge: Class IV+ Runs, Riverside Camp, and Taos Box.
Conquer thrilling Class IV+ rapids through canyon wilderness as you float and camp in the bottom of New Mexico’s Rio Grande Gorge. This guided two-day run with Far Flung Adventures threads premier whitewater, isolated wilderness, and wildlife viewing inside the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument, with guides handling navigation in paddle or oar-powered rafts and an overnight riverside camp.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Adrenaline on Class IV+ Whitewater
The second day plunges through world‑famous Taos Box with sustained Class III/IV+ rapids—including Powerline Falls, The Rockgarden, Corkscrew, Boat Reamer and the finale Sunset Rapid—delivering the trip’s most extreme whitewater.
Riverside Canyon Camping
After roughly 10 miles of first‑day whitewater and canyon scenery, the group meets gear rafts and makes camp on the riverbank, spending one night beneath the gorge walls before the second‑day run.
Canyon Wilderness and Wildlife
The route threads the Wild and Scenic section of the Rio Grande National Monument, offering opportunities to view wildlife, hot springs, and a petroglyph site at an ancient Native American hunting camp.
What the day feels like
How the Trip Feels
The trip unfolds as a two‑stage descent: a first day of splashy Class II–III float punctuated by petroglyphs, hot springs and canyon scenery before an overnight riverside camp; then a second day that builds into sustained Class III/IV+ action through Taos Box, finishing in a relaxed stretch as the canyon opens toward Orilla Verde and the Taos Junction Bridge takeout.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The program runs from 8:00 am on day one until approximately 4:00 pm the next day and includes one night of riverside camping.
The meeting point is the Far Flung Adventures Boathouse at 15 NM 522, El Prado, NM 87529, where gear and final briefings are provided before transport to the trailhead.
Participants are provided rafting and camping equipment; bring personal clothing suitable for paddling, sun protection, and anything needed for an overnight riverside camp.
Guides navigate in paddle boats as the standard; some paddlers may request an oar boat. Guides will handle the running of rapids.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages can participate?
Participants must be at least 12 years old; beginning rafters 12 and up are welcome.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be active and in normal good health and prepared for the exertion of paddling, possible swimming and hiking (for the Whole Gorge sections).
What level of whitewater will we run?
The trip includes Class II–III on day one and sustained Class III/IV+ whitewater—especially through Taos Box—on day two.
Do I need prior rafting experience?
No—beginning rafters are welcomed and guides do the navigating in paddle or oar‑powered rafts, though active participation is expected.
What equipment is provided?
Far Flung provides all rafting and camping equipment; paddle boats are standard but some paddlers may request oar boats.
Where do we meet and when?
Meet at the Far Flung Adventures Boathouse (15 NM 522, El Prado, NM 87529) at 8:00 am on day one for gear issue and departure to the trailhead.