The Rio Grande is more than a river, it is a boundary between countries. But even so, it remains remote and lonely, the Chihuahuan Desert surrounding it closely as opposed to city after city. As a rafting experience, the Rio Grande is unique as well as lonely, the stark walls on either side stretching high above, sometimes one half in Mexico and the other in the United States . . . even if neither country has much in the way of outposts on these rugged canyons.
The best parts of the Rio Grande to raft are those canyons, and the roughness of the trip depends on which canyon. The Boquillas Canyon is very gentle while the Lower Canyons are tricky, expert runs.
Click on any of the river segments below for more detail.
The Lower Canyons are daunting. A typical route down this portion of the Rio Grande takes anywhere from five to ten days and the rapids range from Class II to Class IV in intensity.
Boquillas Canyon marks a long and leisurely run between canyon walls that climb to 1,200 feet, but despite their size, are more awesome than oppressive.
You can't even reach this canyon without four-wheel drive, it's so remote. It's also pretty short; the run's only ten miles long, but it's ten miles run between limestone cliffs that are almost as tall as Santa Elena's walls (these climb up to 1,400 feet).
Santa Elena Canyon is the most popular part of the Rio Grande to raft, not just because it's about as accessible as accessible can get, but because it's gorgeous.
The Lower Canyons are daunting. A typical route down this portion of the Rio Grande takes anywhere from five to ten days and the rapids range from Class II to Class IV in intensity.
Boquillas Canyon marks a long and leisurely run between canyon walls that climb to 1,200 feet, but despite their size, are more awesome than oppressive.
You can't even reach this canyon without four-wheel drive, it's so remote. It's also pretty short; the run's only ten miles long, but it's ten miles run between limestone cliffs that are almost as tall as Santa Elena's walls (these climb up to 1,400 feet).
Santa Elena Canyon is the most popular part of the Rio Grande to raft, not just because it's about as accessible as accessible can get, but because it's gorgeous.
River Details
Setting:
Desert Canyon
Class:
Class II - IV
Time
4 or more days The entire raftable river would take up to two weeks to explore.
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Vallejo Bay Area
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Bay AreaYour Bay Area Fun Starts Here. Explore San Francisco and the Napa/Sonoma wine country and stay in our affordable hotels. Attractions include Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Mare Island Historic Park, Jelly Belly factory, Sonoma Raceway, world-class golf, unique shopping, a thriving downtown arts & entertainment district, and direct ferry service to and from San Francisco! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Specialty Guides
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Maverick Helicopters
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We also have the following visitor guides in California. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive.
Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country
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Southern California Wine CountryThe vineyards of California have produced some of the best wines the world over. A sampling at a local winery in Stockton is a great way to experience what is special about this beautiful part of California. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Lake Havasu City Western Arizona
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Western ArizonaWelcome to Lake Havasu City…where you can Play Like You Mean It®! Located on the Arizona shoreline of Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City is a destination for boaters, water sport enthusiasts, hikers, nature lovers, car enthusiasts and history buffs. It attracts 775,000 visitors a year with its calm waters, beautiful beaches and desert weather with more than 300 sunny days a year. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Visalia Sequoia and King's Canyon National Parks
Visalia
Sequoia and King's Canyon National ParksIn the heart of California is one of America's most vibrant destinations—Visalia CA. The breathtaking mountain scenery is met with a friendly, warm culture and provides an ideal backdrop for inspired vacations. The area boasts a thriving arts community, diverse outdoor adventures, a fun and inviting downtown, numerous historic attractions and amazing food. To assist your members and clients in planning the perfect Visalia getaway, we offer you this introduction and overview of what to expect when you visit Visalia. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Carmel-By-The-Sea Monterey Peninsula
Carmel-By-The-Sea
Monterey PeninsulaIn Carmel-by-the-Sea you can dine at a number of four-star restaurants or eat al fresco at the beach. You can collect art or just covet art at almost 100 galleries and antique shops and you can buy anything from trinkets to Tiffanys. Even those who travel the world are unlikely to encounter another place that has so much to offer in one location. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Oceanside Southern California
Oceanside
Southern CaliforniaOceanside is a classic California beach community with its warm sandy beaches, historic wooden pier and Cape Cod-style harbor village complete with unlimited water sports and recreation. Offering a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle, visitors still experience the casual spirit that made Southern California’s beach culture legendary. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Visit Buena Park Southern California
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Southern CaliforniaWith thrilling attractions, interactive dining experiences, and plenty of shopping options, Buena Park offers fun on just about every corner. A vacation hot spot, the lively city of Buena Park is not only known for it's premier location in Orange County but for its world famous entertainment - including Knott's Berry Farm®, Soak City USA Water Park, Knott’s Independence Hall, Medieval Times, and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Catalina Island Southern California
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Southern CaliforniaDiscover the magical island of Catalina, just off the coast of Southern California. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a place to bring the entire family, or just need a few days to unwind, Catalina Island is the perfect destination. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Vallejo Bay Area
Vallejo
Bay AreaYour Bay Area Fun Starts Here. Explore San Francisco and the Napa/Sonoma wine country and stay in our affordable hotels. Attractions include Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Mare Island Historic Park, Jelly Belly factory, Sonoma Raceway, world-class golf, unique shopping, a thriving downtown arts & entertainment district, and direct ferry service to and from San Francisco! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Specialty Guides
Maverick Helicopters Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and California
Maverick Helicopters
Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and CaliforniaUnforgettable Tours Offered in Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and California. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.
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