Location: Big Bend National Park, Texas

Located in southwest Texas on the Mexican border, the Rio Grande is the ideal river rafting destination during the fall, winter, and spring when it is too cold in other parts of the United States to go river rafting. Remotely located in the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert, in Big Bend National Park, the Rio Grande is the quintessential desert river rafting experience. Big Bend rafting trips float on Class I-III rapids through magnificent canyons. In the spring, the Rio Grande’s banks are painted with a spectacular rainbow of wildflowers. There are numerous options for Big Bend river rafting trips on the Rio Grande. Stretches of the Rio Grande vary from open and mountainous landscape to high-walled narrow canyons. Rio Grande rafting trips range in difficulty from Class I to Class III and in length from a 1/2 day to 6 days depending on the stretch of river and time of year.

Colorado Canyon

Big Bend whitewater rafting trips on the Colorado Canyon section are either one or two days of Class II whitewater. The Rio Grande meanders through an incredible and unique volcanic landscape in Big Bend Ranch State Park. Overnight river trips allow time to explore stunning side canyons.

Santa Elena Canyon

Without a doubt, Santa Elena is the most photographed canyon in Big Bend. The Sierra Ponce Cliffs are high limestone walls that jut straight up from the Rio Grande and create a majestic canyon atmosphere. Santa Elena Canyon rafting trips generally take two days to complete which never seems like enough time. The rapids are mostly Class II and great for families.

Boquillas Canyon

The Rio Grande through Boquillas Canyon is officially part of the National Wild and Scenic River system, and it lives up to its classification. Rafting trips on the Rio Grande through Boquillas cover 33 miles of Class I and II rapids and flat water. Boquillas Canyon is extremely deep due to the Maderas del Carmen Mountains surrounding it.

Lower Canyons

The longest river trip on the Rio Grande is generally a canoe trip through seventy miles of remote wilderness. River trips on the Rio Grande through the Lower Canyons begin in the Black Gap Wilderness Area, maneuver through some great Class II rapids, and float downstream in dramatic high-walled canyons that have a fascinating geologic history. There are outstanding side hikes to explore, cold springs to drink from, and hot springs to soak in after a long day on the river.

Season: Year-round

The height of the rafting season in Big Bend is during spring break in March, however trips are offered in the beautiful canyons throughout the year.

A visit to Big Bend National Park would be incomplete without a one to six-day Texas whitewater rafting trip on the Rio Grande. Big Bend National Park is several hours away from any large metropolitan area, yet every year it attracts thousands of visitors to its magnificent desert landscape.

Rio Grande Rafting Trips (Class I-III):
High-walled canyons, dramatic desert scenery, and an incredible wilderness atmosphere set the stage for Rio Grande river rafting trips. River trips in Big Bend range in length from one-day float trips to multi-day river rafting vacations. One-day Rio Grande rafting trips meander through a mountainous landscape with a brief stop for lunch in Mexico. Two or three-day overnight river trips allow time to digest the splendor of Big Bend in Santa Elena Canyon, Colorado Canyon, or Boquillas Canyon. The longest and most remote Big Bend river trip is a multi-day canoe float through the isolated and stunning Lower Canyons.

More About Rafting in Texas

There are several outdoor activities in Big Bend including rafting and canoeing, hiking, ATV Jeep Tours, horseback riding and mountain biking. However, with warm to hot desert temperatures year-round, whitewater rafting is the most refreshing way to experience the dramatic canyons. Folks on Texas whitewater rafting trips enjoy not only the fun Class I and II rapids, cool breezes and spectacular scenery, but also the incredible history of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Location: Ontario, Canada

Located in Forester’s Falls, Ontario, the Ottawa River is just 75 miles from Ottawa City, the nation’s capital, and within five hours of major metropolitan areas including Montreal, Toronto, and Syracuse, NY.

The Canyon: Braided Channels and High Volume Rapids

Ottawa River rafting is all about big: big rapids, big wildlife, and big wilderness. It is the only river in the east with rapids as voluminous as the rapids on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Enormous waves seem to swallow eighteen-foot rafts and then spit them out on the Class IV stretches of the Ottawa River. Trips on the Main and Middle Channels of the Ottawa begin at the same place, split below the infamous McCoy’s Chute Rapid, and then join together again for Hell’s Half Mile. Both rafting trips maneuver in and out of small river islands with sandy beaches and beautiful waterfalls. There is also a stretch on the Lower Ottawa River that is perfect for first-timers and kids. Due to dams upstream that allow the water to heat up in the sun, the Ottawa River is warm and flows are consistent during the summer. Warm water and big rapids make for a great Ontario whitewater rafting vacation.

Main Ottawa River: Class IV / Intermediate

Bus Eater and the White Faced Monster are two names of big Class IV rapids on the Main Ottawa River. Main Ottawa River rafting trips are full of boat-soaking waves, enormous “holes”, and beautiful, interesting scenery. Ottawa River trips on the Main section navigate through the channels and waterfalls that separate the famous Rocher Fendu islands. The Main Ottawa River rafting trips are high adventure, extreme rafting trips that will thrill even the most experienced rafters. Since the river water is warm during the summer, and Ontario is often quite hot and humid, no one will mind the waves drenching them!

Middle Ottawa River: Class III-IV / Intermediate

Rafting trips on the Middle Channel of the Ottawa River are run less often than the Main Channel. The Middle Channel, which is more remote, also has difficult Class II-IV rapids and it runs through the Rocher Fendu section as well. Whitewater rafters drop over waterfall rapids, paddle through skyscraper waves and plunge into huge hydraulics for a thrilling Ottawa River rafting trip. The Middle Channel of the Ottawa is known for requiring quick moves on its narrow, technical drops. Garvin’s Chute, a cascading fifteen-foot Class IV drop that requires guts and precision, is one of the most famous rapids.

Lower Ottawa River: Class I-II / Beginner

A rafting trip on the Lower Ottawa River is a great adventure for anyone nervous about rafting, newcomers to the sport, or families with children. Lower Ottawa River rafting still offers fun Class II rapids without the technical whitewater challenges of the Main and Middle Channels. There is an island on the Lower stretch called Fish Island, which is a fun spot for fishing.

Wildlife

Wildlife abounds along the Ottawa River including fascinating creatures such as elk, Bald Eagles, and bears. Although Ontario whitewater rafting adventures are driving distance from urban centers, the Ottawa River offers a true wilderness experience.

Season: May – September

The Ottawa River is dam-controlled and has consistent flows, so rafting trips are available throughout the Spring and Summer.

The seemingly endless wilderness and diverse landscape in Ontario allow for plenty of outdoor activities including river rafting on the Ottawa River just a few hours drive from Montreal, Toronto, and Syracuse, NY.

Ottawa River Rafting Trips (Class I-IV):

The most famous river for whitewater rafting in eastern Canada is the Ottawa River. It flows through the archipelago-like maze of hundreds of islands in the Rocher Fendu (Split Rock) region, a seven-mile stretch of channels with technical whitewater.

More About Rafting in Ontario

Ontario whitewater rafting trips on the Ottawa River feature roller-coaster-like Class IV rapids, calmer Class I-II rapids, and cascading waterfalls. There are numerous channels and because of the variety of routes, the Ottawa is one of the few rivers where rafters of all skill levels can begin and end their trip together. There are trip options for everyone from beginners to whitewater rafting pros. Depending on flows, Ottawa whitewater rafting trips are offered on the Main Channel, Middle Channel, and Lower Channel. Trips are generally one or two days in length. The Main Channel is run the most often for high-adrenaline rafting trips on the Ottawa’s well-known raft-drenching rapids. The Middle Channel is more remote and offers thrilling whitewater excitement and unique scenery. The Lower Ottawa is a fun float trip and fishing adventure for beginners and families with children. Ottawa River rafting trips run from May-September.

Location: Northern New Mexico, near Santa Fe

In the northern New Mexico, about 75 miles northwest of Santa Fe, the Rio Chama, a tributary to the Rio Grande, meanders its way through a stunning sandstone canyon. Pastel canyon walls that are a rainbow of orange, yellow, and rose are lined with ponderosa pines and cottonwood trees. Many of Georgia O’Keefe’s paintings are inspired by the enchanting Rio Chama region, which she called home.

Level of Difficulty: Class II / Beginner

Rio Chama rafting trips are relaxing and peaceful, but they have some fun whitewater to spice things up. An overnight rafting trip on the Rio Chama is an absolute treat. The Rio Chama is more famous for its tranquil beauty than for its whitewater, however, the Class II rapids add excitement to the river trip.

Wildlife and Scenery: Fishing and Hiking in a Desert Canyon

Rio Chama rafting trips are one, two or three days long and float up to 31 miles through one of the most spectacular desert river canyons in New Mexico. There is plenty of time on Rio Chama rafting trips to go on side hikes, fish, and relax in the canyon.

Season: April – September

Trips run from April to September and are great for rafters of all ages.

Location: Taos, New Mexico

The mighty Rio Grande’s headwaters are in 13,000 foot peaks in the San Juan Mountains. The second longest river system in the United States, the Rio Grande meanders, plunges, and cuts its way through Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas toward the Gulf of Mexico. In New Mexico, The Rio Grande has two main sections for rafting near Taos: the Taos Box and the Racecourse Run. Both sections feature beautiful scenery, black basalt cliffs, and numerous wildlife species; the difference between the two trips is mostly the difficulty of the rapids. The Taos Box, a more dramatic, deep canyon, is famous for its big, technical Class IV rapids, while the Racecourse Run is a Class III stretch better suited for first-time rafters and families.

Level of Difficulty: Class IV / Intermediate

Near the famous ski resort town, Taos, the Rio Grande flows through a deep, dramatic canyon that was formed by the river thousands of years ago. Ancient Native American pictographs and artifacts remind rafters of the fascinating history of the Taos Mesa. Due to its obvious beauty, wildlife, and history, the Taos Box section of the Rio Grande was one of the first eight rivers granted National Wild and Scenic status in 1968. The whitewater is an added bonus to the picturesque desert scenery. Advanced paddlers will delight while crashing through rapids such as Buzz Saw, The Cleaver, Boat Reamer, and Punk Rock. Taos Box rafting trips provide excitement, solitude, and an intimate way to explore the Taos Mesa.

Racecourse Run: Class III/ Beginner

A Class III section of the Rio Grande, the Racecourse Run is the perfect balance between great whitewater and slower sections that will allow rafters time to enjoy the spectacular setting. Like the Taos Box, rafting trips on the Racecourse Run enjoy outstanding scenery, Native American history, and numerous species of wildlife that live in the Rio Grande canyon. Eagles, falcons, owls, geese, and mergansers are just a few of the birds that dwell in this healthy bird sanctuary.

Season: Taos Box: April – July; Racecourse Run: May – October

Taos Box rafting is available during the Spring and early Summer and rafting trips on the Racecourse Run are offered from May through October.

Everything from mild family rafting trips to heart-stopping whitewater rushes is available in New Mexico. Two rivers, the Rio Grande and the Rio Chama provide several options for New Mexico whitewater rafting trips near Taos.

Rio Grande Rafting Trips (Class II-IV+):The Rio Grande has several sections that range from Class II to Class IV+. The Wild and Scenic Taos Box is an excellent choice for thrill-seekers, while the Racecourse Run is great for more timid folks and beginning rafters. Rio Grande rafting trips run April through September.

Rio Chama Rafting Trips (Class II-III):A tributary to the Rio Grande, the Rio Chama is in northern New Mexico, and offers a 32-mile overnight rafting trip with astounding scenery, noteworthy wildlife, and fun whitewater rapids. The sandstone walls of the Rio Chama canyon rise 1500 feet into the sky in places. Rafting trips on the Rio Chama run throughout the spring, and there are sporadic releases in the summer and fall.

More About Rafting in New Mexico

The rivers have cut deep canyons through the rugged desert terrain creating a dramatic setting for any New Mexico river trip. The pastel desert colors are a tranquil backdrop to the swift moving rivers. Juniper, cedar, and sage fill the air with sweet desert smells. Several species of wildlife including elk, bears, cougar, beavers, and Bald Eagles are seen on river trips in New Mexico. Trout fishing is superb, and New Mexico rivers are home to the native Rio Grande cutthroat trout. The stunning beauty and classic American west landscapes of the Rio Grande and Rio Chama river canyons have attracted artists—including Georgia O’Keefe—musicians, fishermen, and of course whitewater enthusiasts.

Location: Upstate New York

The Moose River’s source starts high in Adirondack National Park and makes its way through the counties of Hamilton, Herkimer and Lewis before finally joining the Black River. Located two hours from Syracuse, and 2 1/2 hours from Albany, the Moose River is a fantastic New York whitewater rafting destination. Rafting enthusiasts of all kinds will enjoy the Moose River because it features two very different sections of white water runs.

Middle Moose River Rafting: Class I-III / Beginner

The most popular section of the Moose River is the Middle Moose, near Old Forge, about five hours north of New York City. Families, youth groups, and whitewater lovers of all ages frequent the Middle Moose section of the Moose River. Class I-III rapids offer fun and excitement for first-time rafters and veterans alike.

Lower Moose River Rafting: Class IV-V / Advanced

The Moose River’s Lower section offers a completely different New York rafting experience. The Lower section is an intense and action-packed whirlwind of Class IV-V rapids that will test the skills of adrenaline seekers. The Lower Moose’s challenging whitewater requires that rafters attempting its fast water and big drops have had previous Class IV experience and are in good physical shape.

Season: Middle Moose: May – October; Lower Moose: April

Middle Moose River rafting trips are offered throughout the spring and summer while Lower Moose River rafting is only available when the snow melts in the early spring, typically in April.

Location: Adirondack Mountains, New York

The Adirondack Mountains create a stunning landscape for Hudson River rafting trips. The Hudson River, whose source is high in the Adirondacks, features crystal clear water and five hundred foot granite walls that will awe and inspire New York river rafters in between thrilling whitewater. The most popular run is the Upper Hudson River Gorge, and the Middle Gorge is a great whitewater experience when water levels allow.

Located 4 hours north of New York City on the scenic New York Thruway (RT 28), 3 hours from Syracuse, and 4 1/2 hours west of Boston, the Hudson River Gorge is easy to access from major metropolitan areas. However river rafting trips in this upstate New York region are still very remote and pristine.

Level of Difficulty: Class III-V / Intermediate – Advanced

The Upper Hudson River Gorge is one of New York’s most popular and dynamic whitewater rafting runs. Flowing 17 miles through the Adirondack Wilderness, the Hudson River Gorge is an excellent choice for both novice rafters and whitewater enthusiasts. River trips begin on the Indian River, three miles above the confluence with the Hudson. The whitewater rapids, such as the Narrows, Givneys, and Greyhound Bus Stop, range from class III to class V depending on the season. Experienced rafters enjoy trips on the Hudson River in the spring, when snowmelt makes for higher flows and more difficult class IV and V rapids. During the summer, the flows are dam-controlled, creating the perfect class III whitewater rafting experience for families and beginner rafting trips. Fall trips offer some of the most spectacular scenery when the famous New England foliage dramatically changes colors.

Season: April – October

The dam-controlled Hudson River rafting season is from April through October.

For natives and visitors alike, New York Whitewater Rafting is the perfect antidote to the concrete jungle and busy nightlife of the state’s urban centers. There are several rivers to choose from, ranging from Class I to Class V.

Hudson River Rafting Trips (Class III-V):
The Hudson River offers great whitewater rafting from Class III-V. Spring rafting trips are thrilling for rafters with previous experience. Class III summer and fall trips are dam-controlled and ideal for family rafting trips.

Moose River Rafting Trips (Class I-V):
The Moose River has two sections: the Middle Moose’s Class I-III runs are perfect for family rafting trips May-Oct, while the Lower Moose River’s Class IV-V rapids are the ultimate New York whitewater rafting challenge in early spring.

Black River Rafting Trips (Class III-V):
The Black River offers two whitewater adventures in one: Class IV-V exciting rapids in the high water spring and fun but accessible Class III river trips in the summer, June-Sept. The Black River whitewater section is 7 miles long.

More About Rafting in New York

New York offers whitewater adventures for newcomers and veterans of the sport alike. People who’ve never experienced a river trip will enjoy the accessible rapids on the Hudson River or the Black River’s rich fishing grounds. Those who want nothing but the biggest and most challenging adventure will thrill to the fast water and intense action of the Lower Moose River or the Black River Gorge during high water spring months. Nature lovers will enjoy the steep canyon walls that house the beautiful water of the Hudson River and the quiet bends of the Black River.