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Top Taos landmarks
Beyond Taos

Racecourse half day class 3 most popular in New Mexico

Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Taos, USA
Popular pick
Booked 5+ times last week!
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
·
· James_H ·
May 2026
Billy was our river guide and he is top notch, very skilled and very knowledgeable about the area. My girlfriend and I are in our 60’s so this was a perfect 3 hour trip. Not crazy rapids but just right for us to give us a little rush every now and then! The scenery is beautiful Thanks Billy, we had a ball!
· Lisa_B ·
Mar 2026
I’m so glad I choose this experience. It was amazing! Our guide, Ben was so knowledgeable, funny and personable. He made the experience feel personal not business like. The scenery was beautiful. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone.

Overview

Feel the thrill of the Rio Grande’s rapids as you embark on a white-water rafting tour along the Rio Grande. Head to the launch site located in the northern New Mexico town of Taos and gear up for your adventure. Then, navigate class III rapids with your group and guide, admiring the desert landscapes while you paddle.
  • Keep your eyes peeled for local flora and fauna
  • Explore the artist town of Taos after your adventure
  • All necessary rafting equipment is provided
  • Choose from a morning or afternoon tour

What's Included

  • all necessary equipment provided. you bring a hat and sunscreen opt? T-shirt and shorts, bathing suit etc. sneakers or strappy sandals, no flip flops!
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • wet shoes provided
  • splash tops and bottoms
  • dry bags

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • NM-68 & NM-570
      New Mexico 87531, USA

      Rio Grande National Monument Visitor Center in Pilar NM. 2178 state road hwy 68

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    1

    Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Featured review

    Lisa_B
    I’m so glad I choose this experience. It was amazing! Our guide, Ben was so knowledgeable, funny and personable. He made the experience feel personal not business like. The scenery was beautiful. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone.

    Reviews

    4.9
    based on 120 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
    Sort by: Most insightful

    Great family trip at Taos

    paula_b, Jul 2026
    There were seven of us traveling together, so too many for one raft: and I have to say both of our guides were so much better than the other rafting company we kept passing on the river. They were very skilled and knowledgeable of the river. Great at providing commands because it was a first time to try whitewater rafting. I highly recommend this rafting group.

    Rio Grande

    Elizabeth_P, Jul 2026
    We had a great time rafting down the Rio Grande. We couldn’t ask for better guides than Miguel and Seth.

    Water a little low but guide was excellent and getting wet on the first hot day 95 was great

    Bernard_M, Jun 2026
    First time rafters We enjoyed following the commands of the guide as we helped paddle the boat through some low areas and against the wind. Great experience

    Experienced Guide was Excellent with Big River Raft Trips

    Ginger_H, May 2026
    I cannot say enough nice things about Big River Raft Trips and our guide, Jessie! It was absolutely such a fun time - and our family agreed it was our favorite activity we did on our 8 day "out west" trip. The difference was having such an experienced guide - and Jessie has 15 years of being out on whitewater. He set it up so my sons (11 and 14) could ride on the front of the raft during one area. They had a blast! We all worked together to make the raft trip positive. The homemade salsa is also a nice touch! Definitely recommend - but you have to choose Big River Raft Trips!

    Great river raft trip for all ages

    James_H, May 2026
    Billy was our river guide and he is top notch, very skilled and very knowledgeable about the area. My girlfriend and I are in our 60’s so this was a perfect 3 hour trip. Not crazy rapids but just right for us to give us a little rush every now and then! The scenery is beautiful Thanks Billy, we had a ball!

    I’m so glad I choose this...

    Lisa_B, Mar 2026
    I’m so glad I choose this experience. It was amazing! Our guide, Ben was so knowledgeable, funny and personable. He made the experience feel personal not business like. The scenery was beautiful. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone.

    Family Fun!

    Kristin_W, Mar 2026
    We had a great time whitewater rafting in Taos! The experience was fun and relaxed, with fairly calm waters but still a few splashes to keep it exciting. It ended up being a perfect introduction for us—and we’re already thinking we’re ready for the next level next time! Ben was a fantastic guide. He made us feel safe the entire time and shared a lot of knowledge about the area, which made the trip even more enjoyable. The snacks were a great touch, and everything felt easy, well-organized, and fun from start to finish. Highly recommend!

    Ben, was a wonderful...

    stacy_h, Mar 2026
    Ben, was a wonderful guide and was very knowledgeable about the area. Although I was worried because it was quite cold, the rafting was great. We were provided with gear that kept us comfortable. Im so glad we didn’t cancel as this was the highlight of our trip!

    Billy was so much fun!!...

    MARIBEL_S, Oct 2025
    Billy was so much fun!! Gave great instructions and was very knowledgeable!! We had an amazing time and we will be diffidently be booking with him again!

    Rained Out!

    leesa_t, Sep 2025
    We were rained out. We will be back! Billy is very accommodating. Cold, rainy, not our thing! Blah blah blah.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    We go rain or shine. I did not cancel. you did, so why the review

    Billy is the best!

    kelsey_B, Sep 2025
    Billy is very skilled and knowledgeable. Not only was the trip fun, it was also interesting to learn about different things Billy had to share.

    Big river raft trips 'racecourse'

    Jolene_S, Aug 2025
    Big river raft trips was the best. They took photos of us from the shore, let us swim, gave us snacks, joked the whole time, and the guides were so helpful and friendly, they even got everyone to sing me happy birthday. Miguel "Miggs" was the best. 🫶

    What a fun afternoon!!

    JoAnna_S, Jul 2025
    Our guide was Billy, he was so skilled, knowledgeable about the area, and funny. We learned while we paddled and had a wonderful time.

    A Lot of Fun!

    Giselle_S, Jun 2025
    This was my first time, and it was a lot of fun! Ben was our guide. We left the visitor center a little before 1. He clearly explained the expectations on the trip. The trip was five miles. Wished there were more rapids during the last 1.5 mile. Had chips, salsa, cookies, and drinks provided during our break. If you want to have the best photos, suggest you stay in the front or on the left side.

    Fun and Informative

    Tamatha_E, Oct 2024
    We enjoyed our trip with Brian, who was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of interesting information. The river was low, so the rapids were not large, which we expected. We had fun and enjoyed the stop for snacks. Our only complaint was that the description indicated we would receive water socks and wet gear. We were not offered either until after we questioned multiple times where we should put our shoes ( at which time we were offered wet socks). We would have brought our own gear, but for the description. I suggest bringing water shoes and wet gear if you think you want it.

    Great way to experience the beauty surrounding RioGrandeRiver

    Nancy_S, Oct 2024
    While the rafting experience and sights were amazing our guide Miguel made this experience exceptional. He was kind, informative, comical and engaging. We highly recommend Big River Rafting and this beautiful experience.

    Response from Host, Oct 2024

    Thank You!

    Rafting

    SANDY_F, Sep 2024
    Paris was amazing and gave us great advice and places to eat. He shared stories along the trip. Definitely recommend him as your guide

    Great rafting trip

    Robert_S, Jul 2024
    Brian was an amazing guide, so skilled in navigating the rocks down the river and full of interesting information on the surrounding terrain. The surprise snack in the river was great too!

    Response from Host, Jul 2024

    Thank you Robert!

    Amazing Family Adventure

    Ron_N, Oct 2022
    The experience was amazing, the river was fast and the scenery was beautiful, but our guide Zack made the experience one to remember. Awesome family trip remember to ask for river guide extraordinaire Zack

    From $80.00

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 25 days in advance.