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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.

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OUTDOORS
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

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Some content, including Reach Name, Class, Coordinates, and Length, comes from American Whitewater with permission.