Tours and Tickets
Rio Grande Racecourse
5

Rio Grande Racecourse

By Far Flung Adventures
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
About
New Mexico visitors that want to try river rafting, but don't know where to begin, shouldn't miss this beginner-friendly Pilar rafting excursion that's perfect for first-timers. Just meet your group at the Pilar Yacht Club, and gear-up for your ride. You can cruise through the Rio Grande's Class I, ,II, and III rapids—from easy to moderate-level—with a guide there to show you the basics.

Ages 6-99, max of 100 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
  • First-timers learn rafting basics on an all-ages Rio Grande whitewater ride
  • Glide through moderate rapids like Souse Hole, Big Rock, and the Narrows
  • Choose a time that works for you, with morning and afternoon departures
  • Get a great value, with a guide, all gear, lifejacket, and snacks included

  • Professional guide
What's not included
  • Product is all inclusive from the meeting point on.


Start:
  • 85 NM-570, Embudo, NM 87531, USA
    Departure Point: Far Flung Adventures Riverside Office, Pilar New Mexico
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 56593P1

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • This is a shared activity. Guests may expect to share vehicles and/or rafts with other parties.
    • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 56593P1

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    Itinerary
    • You'll start at
      85 NM-570
      85 NM-570, Embudo, NM 87531, USA
      Departure Point: Far Flung Adventures Riverside Office, Pilar New Mexico
      See address & details
    • 1
      Pilar
      Stop: 3 hours
      Gear up and get ready for New Mexico’s favorite half-day Class III whitewater adventure. This exciting 3-hour tour is our most popular half-day trip, and is perfectly suited to families, groups, first-timers, and those of all ages and abilities!
      Read more
    • You'll return to the starting point
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Far Flung Adventures
      453
      El Prado, United States
      Joined in September 2011
    • tracyaschall
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great Rafting Experience!
      My husband Kurt and I had a great time with Bobby as our guide. Bobby is very experienced and has a great sense of humor. He put us at ease as this was our first white water trip and we are ~60 years old. His directions on paddling were easy to follow and we never felt awkward or uncomfortable on the raft. This was one of the highlights of our week in New Mexico. You won't regret it!
      Written 30 September 2023
    • ShelleyC1334
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Highlight of the week
      Bobby is an outstanding tour guide. He explained things making the rafting seamless. Highlight of our week in the area!
      Written 21 September 2023
    • dorseyb2020
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun time on Rio grande
      The river was low but they let us go down in the inflatable double kayak. Greta guide. Excellent energy: It was so much fun.
      Written 19 September 2023
    • HAVACRUISER
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Wonderful Experience
      We wanted to do something that was a little more adventurous while staying in Taos for a few days and this tour perfectly fit the bill. Christine, our guide for the afternoon float trip, was excellent. She made sure that we had all the necessary information for a safe journey on the river and provided us with a lot of history of the area and sights along the way. If you are visiting this area, I would not hesitate to use Far Flung Adventures for one of their tours.
      Written 17 September 2023
    • Curious55794893166
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best experience in Taos
      This was the mild level. With water down, we all got out knee deep to push along. My group happened yo be great as was Garrett our guide
      Written 12 September 2023
    • Stay33099480424
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Rio Grande half day
      The group was a perfect sizes. There were 9 of us decided in two boats. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly. The trip was so much fun. Mostly very calm water.
      Written 11 September 2023
    • GoGoLizzie
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Gorgeous Views, Expert Guide
      Such a GORGEOUS trip made extra special thanks to awesome pro guide, Brian. We learned about the wildlife, the history, the geology and land formation. It was glorious and those views are firmly planted in my mind and heart. Thanks, Far Flung!
      Written 28 August 2023
    • Vacationer682584
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Monday/Funday
      We did the 12:15-3:00 scenic raft tour. It was nice due to some cloud cover. Our guide Garrett was very knowledgeable and had a great dry sense of humor! He pointed out points of interest and went exactly by the checklist. He checked all of our life jackets to make sure they were being properly worn. We had a good time although the water was really low ….
      Written 22 August 2023
    • camillel756
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Beautiful river float!
      All of it. Guide and chef were great! The float was calm with a few small rapids but nothing frightening in any way. The dinner (steaks/filet mignon) was delicious too. Thank you fir a great time Lucas & Chef!
      Written 21 August 2023
    • curtisn806
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun! Fun! Fun!
      It was our first time rafting. My wife and I enjoyed every min. The scenery was amazing. Had lots of fun, great laughs and lots of memories. Thanks for being informative fun guide Lucas.
      Written 21 August 2023
    • louannem666
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best river guide!
      We had a great river guide named Meghan! Meghan is also an RN! We were impressed with our guides knowledgeable and ability to get a raft down the river with lots of gravel beds! My daughter and I enjoyed it and can’t wait to do it again. Thank you!
      Written 19 August 2023
    • Daydream52218450960
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Good music, good food, good times
      As a former river Ranger whose job was monitoring and reviewing commercial activity on rivers I can tell you this is a top notch operation. Good equipment, knowledgeable guides, and incredible food. Well organized and well run. The weather and scenery were amazing as well, although I’m not sure how much credit I can give them for that. We were on a 3 day music trip and I highly recommend this as a good way to go. Thumbs up all the way.
      Written 11 August 2023
    • kenbR889MQ
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      River Music
      The three-day Chama River trip with Butch Hancock (and several other talented musicians) was fantastic! Highly recommended.
      Written 8 August 2023
    • erinmX9490OR
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great views, Jim is an excellent guide
      The views were beautiful, the rafting/kayaking was perfect for our family with kids ranging in age from 7-14, it had some fun little rapids but nothing where I was nervous the kids would fall out. My husband and I were so impressed with our guide, Jim. He was so kind and patient with our kids! He was an excellent teacher and gave the impression that he genuinely cared.
      Written 4 August 2023
    • U3659VDlorettac
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      First Time Rafters Had a Great Time
      Abby, our tour guide, was wonderful. We were absolute beginners and she took us on a fun trip that we all enjoyed. Everyone from the front desk to other guides we met along the way were so friendly! We were surprised to discover one of the guides is from our hometown (Hi, Bobby! Call your Mom.) If we are ever anywhere close in the future we will definitely use Far Flung Adventures again.
      Written 3 August 2023
    See all 453 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles157 reviews
    Excellent
    153
    Very good
    2
    Average
    2
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    0

    Sierra R
    Norman, OK2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wow what an amazing day! We did the full day lower gorge. Nick our guide was extremely accommodating, he changed the raft to an oar raft and rowed us the entire way because of one of us wasn’t able to paddle. He always ensured our safety and made sure we were having fun. He was knowledgeable about the geology, history and wildlife! Lunch was sandwiches and snacks it was tasty. The whole day was so nice and relaxing with a few great rapids. Definitely would go on another trip with Nick and far flung!
    Written 5 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    JMSkeff
    Darien, IL4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2020 • Family
    Our guide, Sydney, was awesome!!! Her instructions were clear, she kept us safe, she was super knowledgeable about the course and she kept us laughing the whole trip. The lunch provided to us was amazing. They were super accommodating to my niece who has a dairy allergy.
    Written 25 July 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    StorySearcher
    Atlanta, GA44 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2023
    This was amazing. We (father and teen daughter) had never been white-water rafting before, and we had an absolute blast. We appreciated the professionalism and friendliness of the staff; not once did we get even an inkling of a shortcoming in expertise or preparedness on their part. Our guide not only stewarded our boat down the river in masterful fashion; she also was our teacher and coach along the way. We were able to enjoy the thrill of some wild rapids without any nagging doubts about personnel or equipment. We were in good hands. Our only regret is that we didn't have a waterproof camera along; we would have made abundant use of it.
    Written 9 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Jennifer Lapitsky
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2022 • Family
    Highly recommend this group for your rafting adventure. Sidney was our guide and she was amazing! Terrific knowledge of the area, historic as well as loads of detail about the landscape. The outfit was well organized and super friendly. Heard they have a reputation for a long-standing crew on their team who have been guiding on the Rio Grande some 20+ years. I was with my teenage son who loved the trip.
    Written 22 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Mary S
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2023 • Family
    EXCELLENT experience with our guide Nick and his colleague Alyssa and training guide Gil. River was a fun and fast Class IV, which I had not ever been able to experience in all the various vacation-type rafting experiences we had had before in other locations. Nick prepared us all, made sure everyone was comfortable with what to expect and, as he said, didn’t “sugar coat” the possibilities of getting wet or our boat tipping due to the rapids. He calmly explained all the instructions, explained the physics of each of the rapids as we approached and what we would be asked to do, along with what we should do if we got tipped out. It was exhilarating but also felt very safe. With his calm and very clear direction, and even with the “toilet bowl” rapid, none of us riders got knocked out of the boat and we all had a great time. Would highly recommend this experience!!!
    Written 31 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Brett D
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2023 • Family
    We are a reservation of 4 (2 adults and 2 kids) and absolutely LOVED the entire experience directly due to our guide JoeJoe. He was so knowledgeable and you could tell he truly loves the water!! He introduced the entire group with safety rules; his explanations were thorough and detailed, but interesting and even entertaining to listen to. He guided us through the water with seamlessness. It was such an awesome adventure. He was a joy to hang out this all afternoon. His stories of the history of the area was fascinating and attention-grabbing. After the experience of sharing the afternoon with him, all of us agreed that we are doing the full-day excursion on our next adventure with Far Flung. The Duarte’s wanted to compliment his services. He was fantastic! Thanks again Far-flung!

    Dawn and Brett (Braxton age 13 and Beckett age 11)
    San Antonio, TX

    (We found your info via Groupon and will recommend your company to our friends and family.)

    Written 1 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Desertdwellingmom
    Las Cruces, NM29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023
    This was the full-day package with the famous Racecourse in the afternoon and the Lower Gorge in the morning. We reserved online for the Taos Box but that day the water was too low and we were called by kind staff people to see if we would be interested in something else. We were flexible so no problem. Our guide, Garrett, was extremely knowledgeable about rafting and safety. You are in good hands with him. He made us a nice lunch of deli meat sandwiches and potato salad, and cookies. His great attitude and dry humor made for a perfect day. You'll get wet, but you'll have fun.
    Written 2 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    DV-Prez
    Tucson, AZ17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2021
    Really enjoyed spending the morning on "Racecourse" with the team from Far Flung Adventures. The guides were all great - especially ours. ;-) Even though the trip was coming out of COVID they did a great job of making everyone feel safe. Will likely be back to do another course with Far Flung.
    Written 20 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Wendy W
    1 contribution
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2020 • Friends
    My group did the full day lower gorge rafting trip. We had a single kayak tagging along for the day, not part of our group. Our guide spent the entire first half of our trip instructing the kayaker on what to do and how to navigate the rapids. Our boat had never rafted before and we were very disappointed and a bit upset that our guide did not spend the time with use explaining and teaching how to raft the rapids. When he got to the rapids he just started yelling instructions to us, we figured it out and had a good time but we were disappointed we didn’t have our guide‘s full attention/instructions during our day. Rafts and kayaks should be separate trips or at least separate guides. Also our photos have yet to be uploaded, when called Far Flung I was instructed to call the photographer, so who knows if we have any photos of our trip. Over all the last half of the day was a lot of fun, but the first half of the day and the fact of no photos uploaded was frustrating and disappointing. Doubtful I’d book a second trip with Far Flung more likely try another company.
    Written 14 July 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi there, We are very sorry that your experience did not meet your expectations. It is industry standard to combine groups during rafting trips, and as this year we are not combining groups in rafts we are asking that smaller parties who meet the qualifications go in kayaks. This is also commonplace for groups that just want different experiences, and BLM regulation allows us to send a two kayaks along with a single raft. With more than two we are required to send along a guide for the kayaks, but up to two it is our experience that it is within the capabilities of the guide to provide a safe and fun trip for both the raft and the kayakers. As for paddling practice in the raft, It sounds like your trip went great in the whitewater stretch, so all I can guess is that the guide felt that your paddling skills were up to the job or else they would have spent more time getting your prepared! If in the future you would like a private trip we do offer those and are happy to provide one, though it is an upcharge. As far as photos, the company Southern Exposure is a completely different company from us and even though we do our best to help with any issues or complaints that involve them, in the end we have no control over their product or their business. We are happy to do our best to help resolve your photo issues or to help you get in touch with them and sort the issue out. In any case, we would love to have your business again and are happy to offer you a 10% discount on your next adventure with us! Just mention this conversation while making your reservation and we will be happy to provide We hope to see you again out on the Rio, Will Blackstock
    Written 16 July 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Tracy C
    Norman, OK3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2022 • Family
    What an incredible trip! Four of us went for an afternoon, my 15yo daughter got light headed and fainted before we launched (we are from OK - altitude changes are no joke). Nick and Chaz are both EMTs and were amazing. They moved her to the shade, got her water, checked her vitals, cooled her off in the river and made sure she was safe to go. Nick made sure she was right next to him in the raft in case she felt sick again. She did great and had a fantastic time (we all did). But, I felt so much better knowing there were guides with medical training as well as river guide expertise. They were awesome and I will DEFINITELY be back to paddle with them again.
    Written 8 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    Rio Grande Racecourse provided by Far Flung Adventures