New Mexico River Adventures (NMRA)
Highway 68, Embudo, NM · Full-Day Rio Grande Gorge Trip · Class II–III Rapids
In the summers of 2023 and 2024, my family — my wife Joanne, our son Chance, our daughter Kaitlyn, and I — spent unforgettable full days rafting on the Rio Grande near Taos with New Mexico River Adventures (NMRA). We'd heard nothing but great things about them being one of the top family-friendly outfitters in the area, and they lived up to every review from the moment we pulled into their headquarters along Highway 68 in Embudo.
Morning: Smooth Start & Scenic Magic
The morning started smoothly. The staff were friendly and efficient, walking us through waivers, fitting us with comfortable life jackets and helmets, and giving a clear, reassuring safety briefing. Kaitlyn was bursting with excitement right from the start — she couldn't wait to get on the water. After loading into the van, we took the short shuttle to the put-in point in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. The kids were full of energy as we pushed off onto the sparkling river beneath those towering basalt cliffs.
The first half of the day was pure scenic magic. We floated gently through the gorge, surrounded by dramatic rock walls dotted with juniper and cottonwoods. Our guide shared interesting stories about the area's geology, history, and even pointed out petroglyphs high on the rocks. Chance kept scanning the banks for wildlife, while Kaitlyn lit up every time a little water splashed over the front of the boat. I swear that girl is part fish — she loved every drop and kept giggling and asking for more.
Midday: Chicken Fajitas & River Swims
Midday, we beached on a sandy bank for lunch. NMRA's hot chicken fajitas were a real highlight — fresh tortillas, sizzling chicken with all the fixings, cold drinks, and plenty more. The kids devoured everything like they hadn't eaten in days. We cooled off with a swim in the refreshing river, practiced our paddle strokes, and enjoyed some sunny downtime together on the shore. It was the perfect break, and Joanne and I snapped plenty of family photos while I kept the jokes coming.
Afternoon: Class III Thrills on the Racecourse
The afternoon brought the thrills on the Racecourse section, with its Class II and III rapids like Eye of the Needle, Big Rock, and Souse Hole. Our guide was fantastic — professional, safety-focused, and great at getting the whole family involved with clear commands and lots of encouragement. "Paddle hard on the left — now!" We'd all dig in as a team, laughing through the waves and splashes.
Chance was in his element, shouting and high-fiving after every rapid. Kaitlyn was all energy and smiles the entire time, giggling through the bigger drops and yelling "Again!" after one especially splashy wave that soaked us completely. We came up laughing so hard our sides hurt. Joanne and I kept exchanging those proud-parent looks as both kids handled the rapids like naturals.
The Verdict
The whole day felt perfectly balanced: scenic and peaceful in the morning, exciting and splash-filled in the afternoon. We took out around 4 p.m., changed into dry clothes, and even got to see some fun action photos from the rapids. The drive back toward Taos was filled with nonstop chatter — Chance reliving every rapid in detail, and Kaitlyn already planning our next adventure and talking about bringing cousins along.
Our day with New Mexico River Adventures created one of those special family memories that sticks with you. If you're in the Taos area and looking for a memorable family rafting experience, I highly recommend their full-day Rio Grande Gorge trip. Just bring sunscreen, a change of clothes, and your sense of adventure — the river and this excellent outfitter will take care of the rest.