Private Rio Grande scenic float with interpretive guide, snacks, and gear included
3 - 3.5 hours
Raft gear, snacks, beverages
Float the Rio Grande through Rio Grande del Norte National Monument on a private, interpretive guided trip focused on scenery and natural history. Relax with provided snacks and beverages, with all rafting gear and a return shuttle included.
Trip duration varies with river flow (about 3 to 3.5 hours). Sunglass retention devices are available for $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 charged 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); 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.
Your trip includes rafting equipment plus snacks and drinks. You also get a boat, jacket, paddle, wetsuit booties, dry bags, a return shuttle, and an interpretive river guide.
Yes. Sign your waiver online before you arrive.
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
Run class III rapids on Big River Rafts’ most popular 3-hour trip
See Historic Taos Plaza, an adobe church, and the Rio Grande Gorge by van
Raft Class III rapids and eat a riverside steak picnic on the Rio Grande
Raft the Rio Grande with your own private guide
Float the Rio Grande del Norte with an interpretive guide and included snacks
Rent up to two vans for group rides, with pickup and drop-off at your location