5K+ Adventures 4.8 Avg Book Direct

Adventure, Curated

Explore 5,000+ human-powered experiences — handpicked outdoor adventures for all skill levels with max stoke, zero hassle.

Local Legends, Real Reviews

We partner with the best in the business — trusted local outfitters and guides who know the trails, tides, and terrain. Backed by 185,000+ reviews, averaging 4.8⭐

Book Direct, Best Price Guarantee

Get the best price, availability, and flexibility you need by booking directly with the outfitter or guide.

Protect What You Love

Your adventure gives back. Every booking supports conservation and keeps wild places wild.

logo

Rio Grande Racecourse Half Day

Guided ·
5.0
(4840)
See all whitewater rafting trips in Santa Fe
Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Shuttle Included
Beginner Friendly
Free Cancellation
Instant Book

This adventure isn't instantly bookable online, but may still be available

Pricing

Guest

Ages 12 and up

$74
Youth

Ages 5-11

$64

All Prices

Guest

Ages 12 and up

$74
Youth

Ages 5-11

$64

Description

Half-Day Rio Grande Rafting Trip - New Mexico Float Trip

This five-mile section known as the Racecourse is our most popular half-day trip on the Rio Grande. Ranging from a wild class III-IV ride during the spring high-water to a more technical and demanding class III run as the water goes down and the rocks come up in summer. In May and June, be prepared for cold water, big waves, and plenty of interactive excitement. As summer progresses and the water goes down, your guide will be depending on you to help maneuver and power the raft through many tight spots and narrow channels. With the lower water comes warmer water, allowing for more opportunities to jump in and go swimming, and surfing the raft in the waves. The Racecourse is runnable all season long. If you are looking for the highest water, come in late May and early June.

Duration

About 3 hours from start to finish

Location / Where to Meet

Raft Meeting Location: Dixon, NM
Please arrive 20 minutes BEFORE the start time to meet up with the guides. 
Directions from Santa Fe, New Mexico (50 miles):
The river meeting location is 1 hour north of Santa Fe, New Mexico according to Google. We suggest giving yourself at least 1.5 hours to allow for traffic or changing road construction. We will meet at County Line River Access. Please look at your email for clickable directions.
Directions from Taos, New Mexico (28 miles)
The river meeting location is 30 minutes from Taos, New Mexico according to Google. We suggest giving yourself at least 1 hour to allow for traffic or changing road construction. We will meet at County Line River Access. Please look at your email for clickable directions.

Ages & Requirements

Ages 5+
No experienced required!

What's Included

  1. Safety orientation
  2. PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices), a.k.a. life jackets — Sorry, no personal PFDs allowed.
  3. Transportation to and from the river
  4. Professionally-trained raft guides

Not Included

  1. Lunch
  2. Gratuity - Please note that cell service is spotty, so cash for gratuity is recommended.
  3. River booties and splash gear are available to rent if necessary

What to Bring / Wear

  • Sturdy shoes - All guests must wear shoes that strap to their feet such as old tennis shoes, Chacos, or Tevas. Flip-flops and slip-on shoes are not permitted.  If you don’t have the right shoes, river booties can be rented from our location for your convenience.
  • Quick-dry clothing - You will be getting wet so wear clothing that dries fast such as swimsuits or workout clothing. Avoid cotton and denim.  Cheap sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are encouraged.
  • Change of clothes and towel for after your trip
  • Sunscreen and water are highly encouraged
  • You may bring Go-Pros or other waterproof devices. 
  • Avoid bringing your phone, electronic key fobs, wallets, or anything else that cannot get wet, lost, or broken on the raft.

Rio Grande Racecourse

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours

FAQs

When does the Rio Grande Racecourse run?

This section of the Rio Grande typically runs from May through August.

The Racecourse is runnable all season long. If you are looking for the highest water, come in late May and early June.

With the lower water later in the summer comes warmer water, allowing for more opportunities to jump in and go swimming, and surfing the raft in the waves.

Is there storage available for our belongings while we're on the trip?

Day trips do not have storage. Please leave all personal items in a hotel room or vehicle.

Are parking and restrooms available at the meeting point?

Parking is available on-site, as well as restrooms & changing areas.

What does trip insurance include?

By adding the trip insurance option, your whole group can get trip protection that allows you to cancel any time 12 hours BEFORE your trip launch date and get a full refund in the form of a non-expiring gift card. If canceled within 12 hours of your launch date no refund or gift card will be given.

I have my own life jacket. Can I wear it on the trip?

Sorry, no personal PFDs are allowed due to permitting and insurance regulations.

Do you raft when it's raining?

We go rafting in all weather, rain or shine. If the weather looks rainy, bring a rain jacket. We will have fun no matter what the weather does. We also rent out splash gear in case you forgot your rain jacket at home.

Cancellation Policy

If the need arises to cancel after your reservation, we require a 72-hour notice on all other adventures to get a full refund, or full charges will apply.
Read more
Read more

Availability

October 2026

SuMoTuWeThFrSa

There is no instant booking availability for this adventure. Drop us a line using the contact form below and we'll do our best to help you book this adventure or suggest some alternative options

Reviews

5.0
(4840)
5.0 (4840)

Location

Address

360 South Camino Del Rio Suite #200

Durango, CO, 81301

US

Get Directions

ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT

Explore More