A Quick Guide to New Mexico’s Best Whitewater Rafting Trips

Get to Know the Rio Grande and Rio Chama

There’s more to New Mexico than desert landscapes. With over 108,000 miles of river—including 120 designated as Wild and Scenic—it’s a place where adventures are easily had. The iconic Rio Grande offers everything from the adrenaline-pumping Class IV rapids of the Taos Box to the mellow, scenic waters of Orilla Verde and the playful Class III Racecourse, perfect for families. For a multi-day trip, the Rio Chama winds through canyon walls that reveal 250 million years of geologic history—and side hikes lead to fossilized dinosaur tracks. Whether you’re into rafting, fishing, hiking, or soaking in a quiet hot spring, the rivers here deliver. With a season that stretches from March through October, New Mexico is a river-lover’s dream.

The Rio Grande – The Southwest’s Iconic Rafting Destination 

Originating in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado, the Rio Grande flows more than 1,900 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. In northern New Mexico, the river cuts through volcanic canyons and rugged desert, offering some of the region’s best whitewater. Just outside Taos, the Taos Box section delivers a challenging 15-mile stretch of Class III to IV+ rapids, surrounded by sheer basalt cliffs and home to wildlife like bighorn sheep. Paddlers descend nearly 800 feet into the Rio Grande Gorge and pass beneath the striking Taos Gorge Bridge, which towers 650 feet above the canyon floor.

As the river continues through the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, it mellows into the Orilla Verde and Racecourse sections, offering scenic views and splashy Class II-III rapids suitable for families and beginners. Along the way, you’ll find signs of the area’s deep geologic and cultural history, including volcanic rock formations, rare minerals near Pilar Cliffs, and petroglyphs etched into canyon walls.

The Rio Chama – New Mexico’s Premier Multi-Day Rafting Trip 

The Rio Chama is New Mexico’s go-to river for a laid-back multi-day adventure. This Wild and Scenic river winds through remote canyons lined with stunning, colorful sandstone cliffs that showcase millions of years of geologic history. You’ll float through calm sections and splashy, beginner-friendly rapids—perfect for rafting, kayaking, or paddle boarding by day and camping under the stars at night. The area has inspired artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, and it’s easy to see why.

The 22-mile trip is typically done over three days and two nights. If you want to run it on your own, you’ll need to win a spot in the annual permit lottery held each February for trips between April 15 and September 15. Don’t have a permit? No problem—outfitters like New Mexico River Adventures offer guided trips, including fun specialty options like beer and gourmet-themed floats.

New Mexico Rafting Season and the Best Time to Go 

Rafting on the Rio Grande runs year-round, but spring and early summer are the sweet spots, and when commercial outfitters begin their seasons. That’s when snowmelt from the southern Colorado Rockies and New Mexico mountains sends fresh flows down the river, making for fast, splashy fun.

In late summer, the monsoon season brings another boost—thanks to afternoon storms that add water and excitement to the Rio Grande. 

The Rio Chama gets its flow from controlled releases out of El Vado Dam, which keeps things more predictable but still seasonal. The Rio Chama’s rafting season usually runs from April through September, depending on dam releases. 

Quick Guide to River Flow Timing:

• March–June: Peak flows from snowmelt
• July–August: Monsoon rains add extra water
• September: Chama season winds down—fewer crowds, cooler temps
• Year-round: Rio Grande Racecourse stays runnable and fun

Want to check current river conditions? You can find up-to-date flow info on the USGS website.

Permits and Private Boating on the Rio Chama and Rio Grande

If you’re hoping to do a private trip on the Rio Chama, you’ll need a permit. Applications are due to the National Park Service by January 31st for the upcoming season. Didn’t snag a spot? Any unclaimed permits become available again on April 1st each year.

The Rio Grande, on the other hand, is open to private boaters year-round. Favorite sections like the Orilla Verde and the Racecourse (with fun Class II–III rapids) offer plenty of options for a DIY adventure. Just be sure to check river flows and weather before heading out—New Mexico’s conditions can change fast.

If you’re not an experienced boater, the best way to experience the wild side of New Mexico is through a whitewater adventure with a reputable outfitter who will provide all of the gear and equipment, safety briefing and experienced guides.