Run class III rapids on Big River Rafts’ most popular 3-hour trip
3 hours
Rafting gear, guide, snacks
Raft the Race Course on the Rio Grande with a guide on a medium-difficulty (class III) run designed for fun without prior experience. You’ll take time to gear up, learn about the river, and stop on the beach for snacks.
Sunglass retention devices are available for an extra $8. Meet at the Rio Grande Gorge Visitor's Center parking lot between mile markers 28 and 29 on Highway 68, and arrive 15 minutes early.
For cancellations more than 14 days out there is a 20% fee, for 4-14 days ahead there is a 50% fee and a 100% fee for 3 days or less. Full refund or credit if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows charged full price.
No. No experience is necessary for this class III (medium difficulty) trip.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Wear quick-drying clothes (synthetics work best); wear a bathing suit on hot days and add a sweater or light jacket on cool days. Choose soft-sole shoes or sandals with heel straps. Cotton is not recommended.
Arrive 15 minutes early.
We meet you across the street at the **Rio Grande Gorge Visitor's Center** parking lot located **between mile markers 28 & 29 on highway 68**.
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.
We had a great experience with Ben as our guide on the river on June 26th - three CO gals on a road trip together. He was awesome at providing detailed information about the plant life, animals, local history of the area, and gave us a great suggestion on a local New Mexico restaurant and a hike in the area - awesome by the way!!! Worked out perfect with two of us having vertigo issues :). He made my first white water rafting experience a great one and I will be recommending him to my friends who plan on visiting NM! We will be coming back!
Lisa Rodriguez
July 7, 2026
We had a great experience with Ben as our guide on the river on June 26th - three CO gals on a road trip together. He was awesome at providing detailed information about the plant life, animals, local history of the area, and gave us a great suggestion on a local New Mexico restaurant and a hike in the area - awesome by the way!!! Worked out perfect with two of us having vertigo issues :). He made my first white water rafting experience a great one and I will be recommending him to my friends who plan on visiting NM! We will be coming back!
Lisa Rodriguez
July 7, 2026
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