DIXON RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Kokopelli Full-Day on the Rio Grande — Racecourse & Lower Gorge: a float, riverside lunch, and Class II–III whitewater
A six-hour door-to-door full-day rafting combo that pairs a mellow canyon float and wildlife viewing with a six-mile Racecourse of Class II–III rapids.
Kokopelli Full-Day on the Rio Grande — Racecourse & Lower Gorge: a float, riverside lunch, and Class II–III whitewater.
This full-day Kokopelli rafting outing on the Rio Grande in Dixon blends a relaxed morning float through scenic canyon walls with an action-packed afternoon in the Racecourse and Lower Gorge. Expect wide-open canyon views, wildlife such as mule deer, otters, beavers and birds of prey, a riverside lunch prepared by your guide team, and a six-mile stretch of Class II–III rapids featuring named drops like the Maze and the Thunderdome.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A two-part river day: mellow float then the Racecourse
The trip combines a relaxed float where you can practice paddling, swim, and watch for wildlife, followed by a six-mile Racecourse section of Class II and III whitewater that’s a guest favorite.
Riverside lunch prepared by guides
Midday the group pulls ashore for a riverside lunch prepared by the guide team — a chance to refuel and take in the canyon before the afternoon rapids.
Named rapids and dramatic gorge scenery
As the trip drops into the gorge, dramatic cliffs and fault-line–shaped rock formations frame rapids such as the Maze, Albert’s Falls, the Narrows and the Thunderdome — with surf waves available when flows are low.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The outing unfolds like two complementary halves: a calm, scenic morning that gives paddlers time to settle into the river and take in wildlife and canyon vistas, then a shorter, concentrated stretch of whitewater in the Racecourse where guided runs through Class II–III rapids deliver the day’s adrenaline. Between the two there’s a leisurely riverside lunch before you drop into the gorge and its steeper, rock-lined rapids.
THE ROUTE
A two-part river day: mellow float then the Racecourse
The trip combines a relaxed float where you can practice paddling, swim, and watch for wildlife, followed by a six-mile Racecourse section of Class II and III whitewater that’s a guest favorite.
THE MEAL
Riverside lunch prepared by guides
Midday the group pulls ashore for a riverside lunch prepared by the guide team — a chance to refuel and take in the canyon before the afternoon rapids.
THE RAPIDS
Named rapids and dramatic gorge scenery
As the trip drops into the gorge, dramatic cliffs and fault-line–shaped rock formations frame rapids such as the Maze, Albert’s Falls, the Narrows and the Thunderdome — with surf waves available when flows are low.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing is a six-hour door-to-door full-day trip.
The meeting location is Santa Fe, New Mexico.
No flip-flops or sandals; wear sturdy footwear such as old tennis shoes (river shoes are available to rent). Rafts have little storage—leave personal valuables in your hotel or vehicle.
Sign the digital waiver ASAP (look for an email titled “DUE NOW ~ Waiver Link ~ Sign TODAY” which may land in junk). For questions call Durango Rivertrippers at 505-983-3734.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Kokopelli full-day Rio Grande trip?
The trip is six hours door-to-door.
Where do we meet for this trip?
The meeting location is Santa Fe, New Mexico.
What age limits or participant restrictions are there?
The trip accepts participants ages 6 and up.
Is lunch provided?
Yes — the group stops for a riverside lunch prepared by your guide team.
What should I wear and bring?
Do not wear flip-flops or sandals; sturdy footwear like old tennis shoes is recommended. River shoes are available to rent. Rafts have limited storage, so leave valuables in your hotel or vehicle.
Do I need to sign anything before the trip?
Yes — sign the digital waiver as soon as possible; look for an email titled “DUE NOW ~ Waiver Link ~ Sign TODAY” (check your junk folder).