top of page
Boating, Kayaking, boat rentals, fishing, tour guides in the Santa Fe and Taos area. Look for your next New Mexico River Adventure with Santa Fe Rafting.

Rio Grande Gorge
Full-day

THE COMBO TRIP

Time on the water: 4.5 - 5 hours

Location

Rio Grande

Adventure Level

first section- easy & mellow

second section- moderate & challenging

Departure Time

9:00 am

River Rating

class I-III

Minimum Age

5

Travel Time from Santa Fe

1 HOUR

Cost

$110.00 ADULT + TAX

$100.00 MINOR + TAX

FULL LUNCH INCLUDED

Welcome to the dynamic Rio Grande Gorge Full Day Adventure! Our Full Day Section combines the tranquility of the Orilla Float with the rapids of the Rio Grande Racecourse.

​

Orilla Float: Your river adventure begins with the Orilla Float, a leisurely 5-mile float from Lone Juniper to Quartzite. This section is perfect for those looking to ease into river life, as you soak in the serene surroundings of the Rio Grande. Take in the beauty of the gorge, engage in lively bird watching, and relish in the company of your family and friends. Weather permitting, enjoy the refreshing waters for a swim.

​

Upon reaching Quartzite (designated launch area), we'll pause for a rejuvenating full lunch. Indulge in a spread that includes chips and salsa, hummus and carrots, and a variety of sandwiches featuring meat, cheese, and veggies. Top it off with fresh fruit and delicious cookies to fuel up for the exciting adventure that lies ahead.

​

Rio Grande Racecourse: After lunch, get ready for the rapids on the Racecourse, a technical 6-mile stretch filled with Class II-III rapids. Brace yourself for the challenges of The Narrows, navigate the excitement of Big Rocks Rapids, and experience the grand finale at Sous Hole.

​

Tentative Schedule

This trip combines the scenic float of the Upper Gorge with the exciting Class II-III rapids of the Racecourse, making for a full day of adventure on the Rio Grande. While this schedule is a general guideline, timing may shift due to river conditions, group dynamics, and unforeseen circumstances.

​

Morning Schedule

  • 8:30 AM: Guests arrive at the Santa Fe Boatyard.

  • 9:00 AM: Depart for the Lone Juniper put-in.

  • 10:15 AM: Arrive at Lone Juniper, distribute gear, and give a safety speech, including paddle instructions.

  • 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM: Boat through the Upper Gorge section, enjoying scenic views and easy rapids.

​

Midday Lunch Break

  • 12:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Lunch at Quartzite. Guides prep and serve lunch while guests relax.

  • 1:00 – 1:20 PM: Cleanup and safety briefing for the Racecourse section.

​

Afternoon Schedule

  • 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Raft from Quartzite through the Racecourse, navigating exciting Class II-III rapids.

  • 4:00 – 4:30 PM: Take out at County Line, derig boats. 

  • 4:30 – 5:30 PM: Drive back to Santa Fe.

​

This full-day trip offers a blend of calm water, stunning canyon scenery, and thrilling rapids, making for an unforgettable Rio Grande experience. â€‹Book your spot now for a day filled with excitement and relaxation in the heart of New Mexico.​​

06_06_20 Racecourse 4.jpg

WHERE DO WE MEET?

Meeting Point: Meet your river guide at the Santa Fe Boatyard, located at 1000 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87505. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time, ensuring a seamless start to your expedition. If specific pick-up plans at your hotel or the river are arranged, follow the agreed-upon schedule.

​

Complimentary Shuttle Service: Santa Fe Rafting Co. takes pride in being the only rafting company in northern New Mexico based in Santa Fe. This unique advantage allows us to offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from the river, not only saving you gas money but also adding convenience to your entire river trip experience.

​

Guided Journey with Interesting Insights: During the 45-minute to 1-hour drive to the river put-in, enjoy the company of our knowledgeable guides. They'll share fascinating facts about New Mexico's history and geology, enriching your journey with insights into the local landscape.

​

Option to Meet at the River Take-out: While we encourage meeting at the Santa Fe Boatyard for the full experience, you do have the option to meet your guide at the designated river take-out. For instance, if your post-rafting plans involve heading towards Taos, feel free to park at the "take-out" location of your designated trip. This way, you can seamlessly continue your adventure without the need to return to Santa Fe. Plan accordingly based on your next destination.

Inform Us of Your Meeting Preference: If you choose to meet us directly at the river take-out, please call or email us in advance to inform us of your preference. Your communication ensures that we are well-prepared and ready to accommodate your chosen meeting point.

​

At Santa Fe Rafting Co., we strive to provide flexibility and convenience to enhance your overall experience. Whether meeting at the Santa Fe Boatyard or opting for a river put-in rendezvous, we look forward to ensuring your white-water rafting adventure is both thrilling and hassle-free. Feel free to reach out with any additional questions or specific requirements – we're here to make your river trip unforgettable!

​Santa Fe Rafting Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Period

Upon confirmation of your reservation, you may cancel your white-water rafting trip outside of 72 hours from the scheduled departure time and receive a refund minus a 12% service fee. This fee accounts for processing costs, administrative time, and scheduling efforts.

​

Forfeiture Within 72 Hours

Any cancellation within 72 hours of your scheduled rafting trip will result in the forfeiture of any refund for the reservation.

​

Assured/Guaranteed Reservation

Santa Fe Rafting Company operates under special permits from the Bureau of Land Management, Taos Field Office, and USFS Santa Fe National Forest. Reservations, once confirmed, become assured/guaranteed reservations.

​

Cancellation or Denial by SFR

SFR reserves the right to cancel or deny any person's participation in a trip or guided activity based on safety issues related to medical conditions, physical limitations, water levels, river conditions, and wildfire. Trips go out rain or shine, and river activities proceed even in the case of thunderstorms.

​

No Exceptions to the Cancellation Policy

Santa Fe Rafting Company does not make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including personal illness or injury. No refunds will be given for late arrivals, no-shows, or early departures.

​

Trip Insurance Encouraged

We strongly urge our guests to consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances through your preferred travel insurance company. We do not offer trip insurance through our booking system.

​

Refund Details

  • Outside 72 Hours: Reservations canceled outside of 72 hours from the scheduled departure time will receive a refund minus a 12% service fee.

  • Within 72 Hours: Reservations canceled within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time will not receive a refund or trip credit.

​​​

Thank you for your understanding and adherence to our cancellation policy. We look forward to providing you with an exceptional white-water rafting experience!

bottom of page