New Mexico whitewater, Rio Grande Sandoval county, Otowi Bridge to Cochiti Reservoir section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS III     24 miles   Prior to the closing of Cochiti Dam in the 70s, this was the place where everyone learned to kayak.  Now, it is seldom visited. Gorgeous basalt canyon.  Lots of birds during migration periods.   There are a couple of fun rapids (Water Canyon and Ancho), but the gradient drops below Bandelier NM.  It's a long paddle out across the flat water and the lake.  Rafts will run aground except at high water. Optional hikeout at Bandelier for the     fit. Says Cullen Hallmark The starting point is not too far from Los Alamos, please print out a copy of the road map further down the page so you won’t get lost. This section of Rio Grande in New Mexico is 24 miles long and has been rated as a class III section by American Whitewater. The beautiful scenery of New Mexico and the sparkling of the sunlight on the water make the trip here worthwhile. Great exercise and just being out on the river for a while are great reasons to come. If you've been whitewater rafting and kayaking outside New Mexico you might find the rivers here a bit more manageable, so if you're visiting here do keep in mind that many       of the sections in this state are safe for beginners. This is one of a small number of paddling stretches in this river system, there are a few others too. Whether you're whitewater rafting or kayaking in this general area   you won't find many other paddling rivers. No need to look hard for hotels, but you'd better reserve in advance because these hotels fill up quick. If you're a camper you can camp at one of the great campgrounds nearby. This stretch is long enough for an overnight trip if you take your time, so why not pack your camp stove too. The beauty of the San Juan and Jemez Mountains is a great plus for this river. Rio Grande, Otowi Bridge to Cochiti Reservoir road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked. Submit Input: Your Name: Write or Paste Input here: Upload picture:      Input Submission Guidelines     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Rio Grande.   Whitewater Near Rio Grande: Rio Grande, SandovalCounty, 9 miles away       Class III - 24 miles long (Otowi Bridge to Cochiti Reservoir) Whitewater Outfitter - Santa Fe Rafting Outfitters, Santa FeCounty, 19 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Kokopelli Rafting Adventures, Santa FeCounty, 19 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Rio Santa Cruz, Santa FeCounty, 25 miles away       Class IV-V - 1 miles long (Cundiyo to Santa Cruz Reservoir) Whitewater Outfitter - Known World Guide Service, Rio ArribaCounty, 29 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Jemez River, SandovalCounty, 29 miles away       Class -blank- - 50 miles long (Battleship Rock to Zia Pueblo)   Ski Areas Near Rio Grande: Pajarito Mountain, New Mexico , 14 miles away, 1410 foot drop, 7 lifts, 37 runs Ski Santa Fe, New Mexico , 29 miles away, 1725 foot drop, 7 lifts, 69 runs Sandia Peak, New Mexico , 34 miles away, 1700 foot drop, 6 lifts, 30 runs Sipapu, New Mexico , 52 miles away, 1055 foot drop, 4 lifts, 31 runs Taos, New Mexico , 71 miles away, 2612 foot drop, 13 lifts, 110 runs Angel Fire, New Mexico , 74 miles away, 2077 foot drop, 7 lifts, 74 runs Red River, New Mexico , 77 miles away, 1600 foot drop, 7 lifts, 58 runs   Marinas Near Rio Grande: Cochiti Lake Marina, Pena Blanca , 13 miles away   Hotels Near Rio Grande: Hampton Inn Suites Los Alamos, White Rock , 4 miles away Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites LOS ALAMOS ENTRADA PARK, Los Alamos , 7 miles away Hilltop House Hotel, Los Alamos , 8 miles away Comfort Inn & Suites Los Alamos, Los Alamos , 9 miles away Sunrise Springs Resort Spa, Santa Fe , 14 miles away   Campgrounds Near Rio Grande: Juniper Campground, Los Alamos County, 4 miles away Road Runner RV Park, Santa Fe, 15 miles away Santa Fe Skies Recreational Vehicle Park, Santa Fe, 16 miles away   Trails Near Rio Grande: Natural Arch Trail, Los Alamos , 12 miles away Highline Trail, Rio Arriba , 20 miles away   Public Lands Near Rio Grande: Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos - NM , 7 miles away Santa Fe National Historic Trail, Santa Fe - NM , 16 miles away Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico , 27 miles away Hyde Memorial State Park, New Mexico , 27 miles away Fenton Lake State Park, New Mexico , 36 miles away   Golf Courses Near Rio Grande: Los Alamos County Government Recreation Division Golf Course, Los Alamos , 10 miles away Pueblo de Cochiti Golf Course, Cochiti Lake , 10 miles away Black Mesa 1 Golf Course, Espanola , 16 miles away   Lakes Near Rio Grande Los Alamos Reservoir, Los Alamos , 11 miles away