Since 1983, Big River Raft Trips has led guests through the dramatic canyons of New Mexico’s Rio Grande, blending safety, laughter, and local lore. Owner-guide Billy Miller spends ten months a year on the water and can call "forwa...
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Review summary
With an outstanding reputation backed by nearly 200 reviews, this outfitter delivers consistently memorable Rio Grande rafting adventures. Guides like Billy, Mads, Ben, and Jesse earn repeated praise for their deep knowledge of the area's geology and history, expertly navigating rapids while keeping groups safe and entertained. Families especially appreciate how welcoming the crew is across all ages—one group ranged from 4 to 67 years old and everyone had a blast. The Race Course route gets particular love for balancing thrilling rapids with calmer stretches perfect for swimming. What sets this operation apart is the personal touch. Guides add fun extras like building raft slides and setting up riverside snack tables, tailoring experiences to the group's vibe. First-timers consistently mention feeling at ease, even complete beginners and nervous kids. One isolated communication hiccup appears in the reviews, but otherwise logistics run smoothly and the equipment is top-notch. If you're looking for skilled, engaging guides who go beyond just steering the raft, this crew delivers adventure with personality.
What people are saying
In choosing an activity to enjoy with the family, we wanted something that was fun and exciting, and this did the job. We didn’t want to just have a calm river float, but we didn’t want anything dangerous. Billy made sure we had a really fun, safe time, including my 70-year old dad. What differentiated our experience versus other options in Santa Fe is Billy’s 36 years of experience and knowledge of the area. He was not just a raft guide, but also a tour guide- sharing insights about the history of the area. If you’re trying to decide which company to go with- don’t choose the big company with the 22 year old guide whose just started rafting and knows nothing about the history of the gorge…go with Big River Rafting and Billy. You won’t be disappointed.
Ryan DeBoer
May 19, 2025
In choosing an activity to enjoy with the family, we wanted something that was fun and exciting, and this did the job. We didn’t want to just have a calm river float, but we didn’t want anything dangerous. Billy made sure we had a really fun, safe time, including my 70-year old dad. What differentiated our experience versus other options in Santa Fe is Billy’s 36 years of experience and knowledge of the area. He was not just a raft guide, but also a tour guide- sharing insights about the history of the area. If you’re trying to decide which company to go with- don’t choose the big company with the 22 year old guide whose just started rafting and knows nothing about the history of the gorge…go with Big River Rafting and Billy. You won’t be disappointed.
Ryan DeBoer
May 19, 2025