Northern New Mexico Rivers & Lakes
Rivers
Rio Grande
Orilla Verde
Class I-II
Length: 3.5-8.0miles
Location: Pilar, NM.
Put-in: Taos Junction Bridge
Take-out: Lone Juniper or Quartzite
The Orilla Verde section is Northern New Mexico's most accessible river trip — perfect for families, first-timers, and anglers. This scenic float offers calm water, towering canyon walls, and excellent fishing in rafts or inflatable kayaks. Run it as a half-day trip from Taos Junction Bridge to Lone Juniper (about 6 miles), or extend to a full day ending at the Quartzite boat ramp on Highway 68.
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Scenic. Calm. Perfect for beginners and families.
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Getting There: Take NM Highway 68 south to Pilar, turn left on Highway 570 to access boat ramps."
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Rio Chama
Day-stretch
Class I/II
8.5 miles
Location: Ghost Ranch/Abiquiu
Put-in: Chavez Boat Launch
Take-out: Big Eddy
The crown jewel of Northern New Mexico river trips. This 8-mile stretch flows through a stunning canyon of red and purple sandstone cliffs that inspired Georgia O'Keeffe herself. The Chama offers gentle Class I-II rapids — challenging enough to keep things interesting, mellow enough for confident beginners. Popular with Santa Fe and Taos boaters for good reason.
Water Season: Weekend releases from El Vado Dam (typically Sat/Sun, May-August)
Note: Water levels drop significantly mid-week — check current flows before planning a weekday trip"
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Rio Grande
Racecourse
Class II/III (IV Above 2500 CFS)
5.0 Miles
Location: Pilar, NM.
Put-in: Quartzite Boat Launch (Hwy 68)
Take-out: County line (Hwy 68)
This is where Northern New Mexico boaters earn their stripes. Named for the legendary raft race held every Mother's Day since the 1950s, the Racecourse is steep (28 feet per mile), fast, and filled with technical rock gardens. Unlike the wide, leisurely Orilla Verde, the Racecourse demands quick reads, precise moves, and solid paddling skills.
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The Bottom Line: At lower flows (below 400 cfs), it's more technical than scary, but it's never casual. If "relaxing float" is what you're after, this isn't your run. If you want a challenge and can handle Class II-III whitewater, the Racecourse delivers."
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Rio Grande
Lower (Taos) Box
Class III/IV
15.5 Miles
Taos, NM
Put-in: John Dunn Bridge (Lower Arroyo Hondo)
Take-out: Taos Junction Bridge
Raft/Paddle Cat/Hard Kayak
*Not suitable for an Inflatable Kayak or SUP Board
This is the run that defines Northern New Mexico whitewater. Fifteen miles of wilderness Class III-IV through the heart of the Rio Grande Gorge — remote, beautiful, and utterly committing. The Lower Box has humbled countless boaters and earned its reputation as one of the Southwest's most serious whitewater objectives.
What You're Getting Into:
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Class IV rapids: Powerline, Rock Garden, Screaming Left, Screaming Right, Sunset
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Class III action: Ski Jump, Yellowbank, Deadcar
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The heaviest water loads into the final 5 miles (Rio Bravo)
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500-foot gorge walls with no escape routes
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Lava rock banks that shred boats and bodies
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Zero roads, trails, or cell service until take-out
If you swim and lose your boat, you may be spending the night in the canyon. Seriously. Carry a lighter in your PFD, know how to build a fire and improvised shelter, and never—NEVER—run this solo or late in the day.
Minimum Requirements:
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Solid Class IV experience
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Strong roll or reliable combat roll
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Wilderness first aid and self-rescue skills
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Early start (finish in daylight)
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Partner with rescue experience
The Lower Box is not for intermediate boaters working on their skills. It's for experienced paddlers who understand commitment and consequences."
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Lasauses
Rio Grande
Class I/II
8.6 miles
Location: New Mexico/Colorado Stateline
Put-in: Lasauses Cemetary
Take-out: Labotos Bridge
A mellow 8.6-mile float that crosses the Colorado-New Mexico state line and marks the beginning of the Rio Grande Gorge. The trip starts in open agricultural country (no dams or wires to worry about), then transitions into rugged high desert as the canyon walls begin to rise. Perfect Class I-II water for a relaxed day trip or the start of a multi-day adventure.
Difficulty: Class I-II
Bonus: Link with the Ute Mountain Run (Labotos to Lee's Trail) for a multi-day trip — but be ready to hike out at the end."
Lakes
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Hopewell Lake
A peaceful high-country gem tucked in the Tusas Mountains between Tres Piedres and Tierra Amarilla. This small alpine lake sits right off Highway 64, offering easy access to excellent fishing for rainbow trout, brook trout, and lake trout. Perfect for a quiet morning in an inflatable kayak with a fly rod and a thermos of coffee.
Access: Highway 64, Carson National Forest
Fishing: Rainbow, brook, and lake trout
Best For: Anglers, photographers, families seeking calm water
Ideal Craft: Inflatable kayaks, fishing pontoons
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Eagle's Nest Lake
A beautiful high-country reservoir just 30 miles west of Taos on Highway 64. Eagle Nest offers some of Northern New Mexico's most diverse fishing — rainbow and brown trout, kokanee salmon, yellow perch, and the occasional northern pike. The lake sits in the Moreno Valley with stunning mountain views in every direction, making it ideal for kayak fishing, casual paddling, or simply getting on the water.
Access: Highway 64, 30 miles west of Taos
Fishing: Trout, kokanee, perch, pike (must be harvested if caught)
Amenities: State park with boat ramps, camping, picnic areas
Best For: Anglers, families, scenic paddling"
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Platoro Reservoir
For paddlers willing to make the drive, Platoro delivers. This mid-sized reservoir sits high in Colorado's San Juan Mountains at the headwaters of the Rio Conejos. The 45-minute forest service road approach keeps crowds thin and the fishing quality high — rainbows, browns, and brookies in clear alpine water. Launch an inflatable kayak and work the shoreline or stillwater. You'll likely have the place to yourself.
Getting There: Colorado Hwy 17 → FS Road 250 (rough but manageable with clearance)
Distance from Taos: ~2 hours
Worth It: Absolutely"