Summary

Rio Grande Gorge

Prices From	USD$ $90.00
1st Departure	05.02.2009
Provider	New Wave Rafting
Destination	Rio Grande-New Mexico
Duration	5 hours
Challenge	Easy
Avg Rating	Not Rated

The morning portion of the Rio Grande Gorge full day trip floats through the Orilla Verde ('Green Banks") Recreation Area, with an occasional easy rapid. The federally-managed Orilla Verde Recreation Area is a very scenic 700' deep canyon rimmed by black basalt cliffs. The river begins to pick up speed after exiting Orilla Verde and passing through the village of Pilar. After a stream-side buffet-style lunch, the trip continues into the Racecourse section - five miles of moderate (difficult in high water) rapids. In this section, the river runs along the base of the reddish Pilar cliffs. Rockfall from these cliffs and from the bordering basalt mesas to the north create the rapids of the Racecourse. The trip ends at the County Line. Since the morning portion of this trip is the same as the New Wave No Wave Float trip, families with very young children (4 or 5 years of age) or aged or timid family members can have these individuals do the Float only - the morning portion and lunch - while the other family members continue after lunch into the rapids portion. A car will be left where the floaters get off, and they can watch the rest of the family go through the rapids from highway pull-outs and meet them at the end of the trip. The distance covered by this trip will vary according to water level.

Itinerary

Gear List

We provide lifejackets, helmets and rain gear. You provide adequate footwear, such as sneakers, Teva-type sport sandals or water shoes (NO FLIPFLOPS OR GOING BAREFOOT); clothes you intend to get wet in (synthetics are better than cotton); a change of clothes, sunscreen and eyeglass straps.

Travel Information