7-hour Rio Grande rafting with Class III rapids, scenic gorge float, and picnic lunch
6.5 - 7 Hours, depending on the flow of the river
Rafting gear, lunch, shuttle
Combine Class III rapids with a scenic Rio Grande Gorge float on this full-day rafting trip. Spend about 6.5–7 hours on the river and enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks.
Sunglass retention devices are available for an extra charge of $8.
Cancel more than 14 days out: 20% fee. Cancel 4–14 days ahead: 50% fee. Cancel 3 days or less: 100% fee. No-shows: full price. Full refund or credit if operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Wear quick-drying clothes (synthetics work best). On hot days, wear a bathing suit; on cool days, add a sweater or light jacket. Choose soft-sole shoes or sandals with heel straps; cotton is not recommended.
Yes. Sign your waiver online before you arrive.
Your trip includes rafting equipment plus lunch, drinks, and snacks. You also get a boat, jacket, paddle, wetsuit booties, dry bags, a return shuttle, and an interpretive river guide.
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. Look for a van plainly marked Big River Raft Trips.
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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