Best Family Rafting in New Mexico Posted On: May 2, 2022 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: New Mexico, River trips Tagged In: best rafting, family fun, New Mexico rafting, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument “What’s the best rafting trip for my family?” The Moon family The best rafting in New Mexico can be found on the Rio Grande, near Taos. For instance, it features thrilling Class 4 rapids of the Taos Box that are demanding and not for the timid. However, there are sections providing fun for the whole family (ages 4 and up). Your river adventure will be interspersed with calm stretches to swim, rapids and a unique river canyon. The class III rapids that provide constant excitement for school-aged kids and not appropriate for toddlers is The Race Course Section. On the contrary, not all kids are ready for the rigors of standard whitewater trips. The best trip for families with toddlers 4 to 5 years of age is the New Wave No Wave. This intro to rafting is perfect for young children and their wary parents. The most challenging adventure for families with teenagers is of course the thrilling Taos Box section. This full-day river trip traverses 16 miles of wilderness gorge, encountering demanding rapids. The Rio Chama offers up a unique family experience with Class 2/3 rapids. Characterized by multi-colored sandstone cliffs and cottonwood groves along the river. This trip is an extraordinary adventure. For all the details: New Wave Trips See You On The Rio! images courtesy of BrittRunyonImages.com
The Taos Box is Up & Running! Posted On: May 20, 2021 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: River trips Tagged In: Rio Grande, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, Taos Box Yes! The Rio Grande is UP! With the river level up we’re excited to offer the Taos Box. This full-day Class 4/5 adventure travels 16 miles through a 800′ deep remote wilderness gorge, encountering demanding rapids guaranteed to get you wet. This trip is NOT for the timid. Participants must be mentally and physically prepared to paddle in earnest and assist in their own rescue, if necessary. Wet suits and/or rain gear are provided. The trip begins with moderate whitewater and some placid sections, and climaxes with four miles of solid whitewater, called the Rio Bravo section. Also, the Rio Grande Gorge High Bridge crosses overhead at a point four miles into the trip. The Taos Box is a wilderness paradise with an intact ecosystem, and the pride of northern New Mexico. Read More…
Northern New Mexico’s Rio Grande Gorge Posted On: March 22, 2021 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: River trips Tagged In: New Mexico, New Mexico rafting, raft New Mexico, Rafting new mexico, Rio Grande, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument Northern New Mexico’s Rio Grande Gorge Northern New Mexico’s Rio Grande Gorge. Escape with our unguided float. The above image shows an early season father/son duo taking advantage of our Funyak Rentals. The rental trip goes from Taos Junction Bridge to Quartzite site, on our Monument Float section in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Scheduled departure times are 10 AM and 2 PM at the Quartzite River Access point. Escape to the cooling water’s on our Monument Scenic Float. Read More…
New Mexicans Getting Back to Nature Posted On: May 27, 2020 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Inflatable Kayak, Nature Tagged In: Bighorn sheep, inflatable kayak, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument 10 rules for New Mexicans looking to get outside: The health of others should still be your top priority. Bring a mask whenever you recreate and put it on when approaching other groups. Practice physical distancing. Forget about campfires. There are statewide fire restrictions in place. Check this site for details on fire bans before you go on a trip. Avoid crowded trailheads. Have a back-up plan if your favorite spot is too crowded. Remember, the State Parks that are open are operating under limited, day-use only capacity. Check for closures. Check the land management agencies’ websites before venturing out to recreate. Many of these places are closed right now to protect both recreationist and staff. Practice Leave No Trace principles.Pack it in, pack it out. Protect your fellow outdoor recreationist. Protect the natural resources. Be prepared. Many developed recreation sites (including bathrooms) remain closed. Be self-sufficient by bringing in your own snacks, waters, and trash bags. You can only camp overnight at dispersed, remote campsites. All public and private developed campsites remain closed. You can book some outdoor guided trips. You must still adhere to all group-size limits and physical distancing rules. Don’t go out if you are sick. If you are not exhibiting symptoms, wear a mask to protect your guide or coach. Follow all the Covid-safe practices outlined by the Governor’s Office. Public gatherings, events, and camping in developed sites are still banned. Gear rentals can resume. So long as the equipment is properly and thoroughly sanitized between uses. BIGHORN SHEEP IN THE RIO GRANDE DEL NORTE NATIONAL MONUMENT, NEW MEXICO Rule number 10 allows New Mexicans to get out and float the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. New Wave Rafting is presently renting our Inflatable Kayak (funyak) fleet for use on the Rio Grande. Thanks for stopping by.
Inflatable Kayak (funyak) Rental For All Posted On: May 13, 2020 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: River trips Tagged In: Funyak, inflatable kayak, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument Renting a Inflatable Kayak (FUNYAK) is social distancing at it’s best! The rental trip goes from Taos Junction Bridge to Quartzite site, on our Monument Float section in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. $60 for a single and $90 for a double. Rentals are NOT available for use on the Racecourse, or other Rio Grande runs. Please call 800.984.1444. Note: Rental of one of our funyaks is NOT for everyone, and requires some athletic ability. If you are over 250 pounds or in poor physical condition you may find it impossible to sit comfortably in a funyak. A remote, outdoor experience is one of the healthier and safer places to be. We believe being out on the river away from the crowds represents a welcome refuge from the hectic nature of our day-to-day lives. Our guides and staff look forward to helping you have the best experience of your life. Additionally, nature makes us feel better emotionally. It also contributes to our physical well being, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones. This short one minute video shows Funyaks on both the Racecourse section (guided) and the Monument Float (unguided). Lots more videos can be found on our YouTube Channel. We are taking multiple steps to minimize health risks to all involved in our rafting adventures. Below are some of the initiatives we are taking in response to this uncertain time: Participant screening Vehicle and equipment sanitation Enhanced active trip sanitation Trip change policies Thanks for following along. For all the information go here.
Testimonial Britt – 8/7/19 Posted On: August 9, 2019 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Great guides Tagged In: Britt Runyon, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, testimonial Testimonial Britt – 8/7/19. Your testimonial is greatly appreciated and can be left on Trip Advisor, Yelp or our Facebook page. The Moon family “Hi Britt!. These photos are awesome! Yes what fun! So much fun! We are so grateful to you. What an amazing day. What a memorable day for all of us… With warmth and thanks to you! Christina “ The Moon family Great scenery, great water level, great weather. Can’t be beat! Read More…
Otters are the Greatest Posted On: July 8, 2019 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Nature Tagged In: Otter, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument Otters in New Mexico? New Wave guide and photographer Britt Runyon photographed these baby otters in the Taos Box run of the Rio Grande. They were not afraid of the rafts, and stuck around. You never know where you will see them next, since they move upstream and down all the time. They were transplanted into the river by environmental nonprofits from across New Mexico, including folks from Taos Pueblo, Amigos Bravos and the BLM. Otter looks at the photographer Read More…
The Box, June 8, 2019 Posted On: June 11, 2019 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: River trips Tagged In: Rio Grande, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, Taos Box Taos Box, June 8, 2019. Jarod Bottinelli took this great video, on his June 4 trip. Thanks Jarod! Water level is up around 3800 cfs and rising, as summer temps begin to arrive (high of 84 degrees today). Based on the remaining snowpack, this and higher levels should persist well into July. The Box is the centerpiece of the wild Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. About the Taos Box Trip Meets At: Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center at 10:00 AM, and returns at approx. 4:00 PM (see map) This full-day river trip traverses 16 miles of wilderness gorge, encountering demanding rapids guaranteed to get you wet. This is our most exciting whitewater river trip and is NOT for the timid. Participants must be mentally and physically prepared to paddle in earnest and assist in their own rescue in the event of a “swim” or flip (Class 4/Difficult, Class 5/Very Difficult, in high water). The Box season begins in April, with the highest flows usually occurring around early June. Minimum age is 12. The first rapid, Ski Jump rapid of the Taos Box. Check reviews on Yelp. What compares to a river? Hardly anything, and that’s why we raft. The rapids, the calm stretches, the wildlife, the riverside groves and flowers – it’s all there, waiting for you and your family.
Spring Birds and Flowers Along the Rio Grande Posted On: May 6, 2019 By: Steve Miller Filed Under: Nature Tagged In: canada geese, cholla cactus, cottonwood, green hedgehog cactus, indian paintbrush, Rio Grande, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, robin, western wallflower Spring Birds and Flowers Along the Rio Grande. In the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, the Indian paintbrush and other spring flowers, brand-new leaves on the cottonwoods, blooming cliff fendler bushes and the green hedgehog cacti are giving the birds a run for their money, as far as beauty goes. Indian paintbrush Indian paintbrush Read More…
Wet winter gives rise to robust Rio Grande Posted On: May 6, 2019 By: Steve Miller Filed Under: River trips Tagged In: Britt Runyon, Dixon NM, Rio Grande, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument Excerpts from article in the Santa Fe New Mexican, May 5, 2019, by Robert Nott Wet winter gives rise to robust Rio Grande RIO GRANDE DEL NORTE NATIONAL MONUMENT — The Rio Grande was running fast, high and wide … as John and Michelle Hood stood near a 14-foot rubber raft, preparing their 4-year-old daughter for her first rafting trip. Was Elizabeth Hood excited about her watery sojourn? “Yeah,” said the girl, whose family was visiting from Denver. Minutes later, the Hoods were off, paddling a raft helmed by longtime river guide Britt Runyon of Dixon-based New Wave Rafting. The party trailed behind a small flotilla of at least a half-dozen rafts moving down the river. With the river benefiting from runoff generated by a strong snowmelt this year, Runyon predicted a good season for river tourism. “Everybody says it’s gonna be a huge year and I think they’re right,” he said. Below the surface, that runoff could serve an even greater benefit, Runyon said. The rushing water will clear away sediment that had collected on the river bottom during drier years. It will provide water to the flora and fauna along the banks, offering nourishment to insects and other land animals. The fish, in turn, will have more bugs to feast on and the wet conditions will help those fish spawn. That’s because the Rio Grande, long accustomed to dry spells, will, in essence, get to take a much-needed drink of water. Runyon, who has worked for New Wave Rafting since 1984 and has traveled the Rio Grande since 1968, keeps a daily journal of his observations about the river. He doesn’t think there is a “normal” anymore when it comes to the Rio Grande. “It’s like a lot of rivers,” he said. “It’s having trouble because of water, or a lack of it.” Wet winter! Britt Runyon