New Mexico whitewater - Rio Grande, Taos County Taos county, Lee Trail to Chiflo Campground section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II-IV     14 miles   This stretch of Rio Grande in Taos County is 14 miles long and is according to American Whitewater a class II-IV section of whitewater. Whitewater rafting and kayaking in New Mexico is often easier than elsewhere, so if you're visiting here do keep in mind that many of the sections here are safe for beginners. The put-in is not too far from Taos, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. The scenic beauty of New Mexico and the beautiful way the water current moves down the stream are reasons enough to come here and paddle.     The nearby hotels are a bit away from the river, but if you don’t have reservations you might end up sleeping in your car. There are campgrounds quite near the river where you can camp. The Lee Trail to Chiflo Campground stretch is one of many paddling stretches in this river system. A good workout and just being out on the river for a while are great attractions for lots of people. If you hurry you can run this stretch in a day but why not make it an overnighter, so pack your camp stove. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way there are not so many other good places for that around here. Briefly about the general area: At Rio Grande through the warmest time of the year highs are in the 80's; the nighttime is slightly chillier of course, commonly in the 40's. Daytime highs all through the wintertime   are in the 30's, and after the sun is down during the winter temperatures at Rio Grande dip into the 0's. Rio Grande is pretty dehydrated frequently; of all the months in a year August is the one with the most rain, and January on the other hand is the driest. Sunshine Valley is close to Rio Grande and is a brilliant place. Rio Grande, Lee Trail to Chiflo Campground road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked. QUICK STATS AW Class: II-IV Length: 14 miles Average Gradient: 47 fpm    Putin Location Coordinates: Latitude: 36.8637 Longitude: -105.7055 Takeout Location Coordinates: Latitude: 36.7397 Longitude: -105.68241 Paddler input for Rio Grande, New Mexico: Submit Input: Your Name: Write or Paste Input here: Upload picture:      Input Submission Guidelines Current weather conditions at Rio Grande, New Mexico Local climate location: MANASSA 18 miles away RAFTING TRIP OUTFITTERS There are no whitewater outfitters currently listed for this river. Adobe and Stars Inn, Taos 18 miles away Come see the starry skies! In March of 1996, Adobe & Stars opened its doors to guests seeking striking accommodations and a high level of hospitality in a majestic setting. It is situated just outsi... Best Western Rivers Edge, Red River 20 miles away The Best Western River's Edge is located in a beautiful mountain setting in the heart of Red River surrounded by Carson National Forest. We are in the center of everything, within walking distance to ... El Pueblo Lodge, Taos 23 miles away Located on four beautifully landscaped acres on the north side of Taos, we are a short walk to the Historic Taos Plaza, in addition to shops, galleries and world class restaurants. Taos Pueblo and Tao...   All New Mexico Whitewater Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in New Mexico. Books about whitewater paddling on Rio Grande, New Mexico List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Rio Grande, New Mexico. Find a whitewater outfitter in New Mexico Whitewater Basics If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info. Outdoors Recreation Near Taos, New Mexico Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Taos, New Mexico, the metro area neareast to Rio Grande. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.       These outdoors activities are available near Rio Grande.   Whitewater Near Rio Grande: Rio Grande, Taos/Rio Arriba County , 6 miles away, Class V - 6 miles long (Chiflo Campground to Little Arsenic Trail) Rio Grande, Taos County , 10 miles away, Class II-III - 24 miles long (Lobatos Bridge Colorado to Lee Trail) Red River, -blank- County , 11 miles away, Class IV+ - 14 miles long (Highway 515 to Dunn Bridge) Rio Grande, Taos/Rio Arriba County , 12 miles away, Class II-III - 8 miles long (Red River confluence to John Dunn Bridge) Rio Grande, Taos County , 20 miles away, Class III-IV - 14 miles long (John Dunn Bridge to Taos Junction Bridge) Rio Pueblo de Taos, -blank- County , 25 miles away, Class V+ - 3.5 miles long (to Taos Junction Bridge)   Ski Areas Near Rio Grande: Red River, New Mexico , 20 miles away, 1600 vertical feet Taos, New Mexico , 20 miles away, 2612 vertical feet Angel Fire, New Mexico , 37 miles away, 2077 vertical feet Sipapu, New Mexico , 37 miles away, 1055 vertical feet Ski Santa Fe, New Mexico , 56 miles away, 1725 vertical feet Pajarito Mountain, New Mexico , 70 miles away, 1410 vertical feet Wolf Creek, Colorado , 85 miles away, 1604 vertical feet   Hotels Near Rio Grande: Adobe and Stars Inn, Taos , 18 miles away Best Western Rivers Edge, Red River , 20 miles away El Pueblo Lodge, Taos , 23 miles away Resort at Taos, Taos Ski Valley , 23 miles away Best Western Kachina Lodge & Meetings Center, Taos , 23 miles away   Camp Grounds Near Rio Grande: Sheep Crossing Campground, Taos County, 3 miles away Chiflo Campground, Taos County, 4 miles away Big Arsenic Springs Campground, Taos County, 7 miles away   National Parks Near Rio Grande: Great Sand Dunes National Monument, Mosca - CO , 47 miles away Santa Fe National Historic Trail, Santa Fe - NM , 59 miles away