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1st Departure:
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04.17.2010
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Destination:
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North America and Caribbean > USA > New Mexico > Rio Grande-New Mexico
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Duration:
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3 hours
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Skill Level:
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Intermediate
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Challenge:
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The five miles of the Racecourse rapids run below the steep Pilar cliffs on the south and basalt mesas on the north. Rockfall from these formations have created the Racecourse rapids, named for raft and kayak races held there on Mothers' Day. These rapids become difficult at high water (above 3000 cubic feet a second of flow). At low water inflatable kayaks ("funyaks") are used, along with smaller rafts. The river warms to swimming temperatures (70+) in mid-summer.