New Mexico whitewater - Rio Grande, San Juan and Jemez Mountains, Sandoval County
Sandoval
county,
Otowi Bridge to Cochiti Reservoir section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.
CLASS III 24 miles
The put-in is not too far from Los Alamos, as you can see on the road map further down. The beautiful scenery of Sandoval County and the sparkling of the sunlight on the water are in themselves reasons enough to come here to paddle. For all you camping people there are campgrounds nearby. There are no other stretches to paddle along Rio Grande than the Otowi Bridge to Cochiti Reservoir stretch. Since you're on this site you are probably into whitewater rafting or kayaking, either way there are not so many other good rivers for that around here. Getting your
paddling muscles activated and a chance to spend some time outdoors have a lot of people coming here. You can enjoy this section more if you take your time, so why not pack your camp stove too. The nearby hotels are a bit away from the river, and if you make reservations in advance
you're all set. The beautiful San Juan and Jemez Mountains scenery is an added bonus. Whitewater rafting and kayaking in New Mexico is often easier than elsewhere, so don't forget that a lot of the rivers here are suitable for beginners. The Otowi Bridge to Cochiti Reservoir section of Rio Grande in Sandoval County is 24 miles long and is rated by American Whitewater as a class III section.
Briefly about the general area: If you come to this river you will have a good time for sure. If you fancy a little side trip, try Ancho Canyon. Around Rio Grande
you don’t get a lot of rainfall; August is the wettest month with most rain while February is the month with the least amount of precipitation. At Rio Grande during the warm months highs are in the 80's. When the night sets in temperatures descend down into the 50's. Highs
during the winter are commonly in the 30's with winter lows in the 10's overnight here at Rio Grande. A short trip to Ancho Rapid is always worthwhile; do take a hike on the Cochiti Frijoles Trail. So much entertaining stuff to do in the San Juan and Jemez Mountains, not enough time. Spring 7 is an inspiring place to stop at while you're here, and the sights at Bandelier National Monument will blow your mind.
8 miles away
This downtown Los Alamos hotel offers the perfect location with breathtaking mountain views. Friendly service, comfortable accommodations and unique amenities describe the Best Western Hilltop House...
9 miles away
Located in downtown Los Alamos next to picturesque Ashley Pond and five minutes from Los Alamos National Laboratory, Ashley Hotel and Suites in Los Alamos is the perfect location for your stay in Los ...
9 miles away
The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Los Alamos is conveniently located just five minutes from the Los Alamos National Laboratory, twenty minutes to the Jemez Mountains with skiing, hiking, fishing,...
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 MexicoWhitewater Basics If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info.Outdoors Recreation Near Los Alamos, New Mexico Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Los Alamos, 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.