"I want you to know that my wife and I had a blast [on our all-day funyak trip] ... John was a great guide. He made our trip fun, entertaining, and we learned a lot about the history and geology of the area. I will continue to recommend your company to my friends."
Terry Priestley
Los Alamos, NM
"Thanks again for the fabulous funyak trip down the Rio Grande. It was the highlight of our vacation!"
Sarah Wallbaum & Scott Sampson
Urbana, IL
"We just wanted to let you all know how much we enjoyed our two rafting trips with you. Neither of us had ever been whitewater rafting, so we really weren't sure what to expect. Thanks again, Los Rios! We will be back next summer for another rafting adventure!"
Richard and Karen Ramey
Middle Box Full Day Rafting Adventure
The Middle Box is pristine wilderness, the most remote and rarely-visited section of the Gorge. As dramatic as the Taos Box, with old-growth trees and soaring eagles – and Indian petroglyphs too. There is no road access, so the trip begins with a one-mile hike downhill into the canyon. Only two companies are allowed to launch here each day. Our party will probably be the only human beings you see.
The Middle Box is ideal for adventurous people who have never paddled a funyak before. We do this trip in low water only, in the later part of the season.
Funyaks, also known as duckies, are inflatable one-person boats that you paddle with a kayak paddle. They are stable and easy to maneuver. You will get a comprehensive lesson at the beginning of the trip, so you can learn the basic strokes. Your expert guides then accompany you downriver through the rapids, paddling their own funyaks, giving you instruction and help every step of the way. There is plenty of calm water to practice in, as well as trickier Class 2 rapids. There is one Class 3 rapid on the day trip, which you can walk around if you like.
WHITEWATER RATING: Class 3
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM AGE: 12 to paddle funyak; younger kids can ride with an experienced adult or a guide
MEET: 8.45 a.m., Los Rios boathouse (at mile marker 40 on Hwy 68). Return to your vehicle approx. 4 p.m.
SEASON: Usually July to September. Earlier in low-water years.
PRICE: $130. Does not include tax and federal user fee. Group discount available.
WE PROVIDE: All rafting and safety equipment including life-jacket and helmet, waterproof jacket and pants, wetsuit and neoprene booties if desired, transportation to and from meeting place, generous deli-style buffet lunch.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – MIDDLE BOX FUNYAK:
Can I really do this if I've never paddled before?
Yes. The Middle Box isn't flat water, but it's pretty forgiving. And you can walk around the one major rapid if you don't feel up to it. Your guide will paddle your boat through.
Do I have to hike out of the canyon at the end?
No. There is road access at the takeout. The only hiking is downhill.
Do I have to hike in my boating shoes, or boat in my hiking shoes?
It's best if the shoes you hike in can be your wet boating shoes. If not, you can bring a change of footwear. We will put your hiking shoes in a drybag to take down the river.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
Yes. Funyakers are required to wear helmets.
Do I have to know how to swim?
No. Low water is not very fast-flowing. You should have little difficulty getting back into your funyak if you fall out.
Can my child go if he/she is below the recommended minimum age?
Yes, younger children may ride in a two-person funyak with an experienced parent or a guide.
What if the weather's bad?
We don't cancel because of rain: usually it doesn't last long.
What exactly does lunch consist of?
As soon as we hit the beach, we provide chips and salsa and drinks (sodas, juice, and water) while the guides prepare a fresh sandwich buffet. Typically we have two or three choices of bread (whole wheat, rye, sourdough, etc.); sliced meats (roast beef, turkey, ham); sliced cheese (cheddar and mozzarella); fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, red onions, lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, and avocadoes; and condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard, hot sauce, green chile, salt and pepper. Have more than one sandwich if you like! This is followed by freshly sliced fruit such as pineapple or melon and cookies.
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