Rafting in Taos is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering exhilarating rapids, breathtaking scenery, and expert guides to lead the way. The Rio Grande Gorge, one of the most stunning canyons in the Southwest, provides the perfect setting for every kind of rafter—from adrenaline-seekers to families looking for a fun, scenic float.

Just west of Taos, the Rio Grande Gorge is a dramatic basalt canyon shaped by millions of years of the river’s relentless flow. A visit to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is a must, offering a jaw-dropping view from hundreds of feet above the river. But for the ultimate perspective, take on the rapids below. The Taos Box, one of New Mexico’s most thrilling whitewater adventures, is a 16-mile stretch of world-class Class IV rapids with names like “Rock Garden,” “Boat Reamer,” and “Screaming Left-Hand Turn.” This full-day rafting excursion is a bucket-list experience for any whitewater enthusiast.

For those seeking a family-friendly adventure, the Racecourse section of the river provides a perfect mix of excitement and accessibility. This half-day trip south of Taos allows rafters to enjoy the stunning landscape, practice paddling, and navigate a few fun rapids—an ideal way to introduce kids and beginners to the thrill of the river.

The Taos rafting season runs from spring through fall, with local outfitters offering half-day, full-day, and multi-day excursions on both the Rio Grande and the milder Rio Chama. Choose a scenic float that ends with a breathtaking New Mexico sunset and a riverside dinner, or keep an eye out for wildlife like otters, beavers, herons, and mountain sheep along the canyon walls.

No matter which adventure you choose, rafting in Taos promises thrills, beauty, and memories that will last a lifetime.