"We had an excellent trip with Los Rios (once again!) ... Our guide (Jerry I think) was excellent and made us feel like pros going over those big rapids!
Excellent water and a really good time! Thanks Again,"
Yvonne Swartz-Lewiecki
Tijeras, NM
"We would like to thank you for the best birthday experience I have had in my whole life. I celebrated my 52nd birthday on your PM Racecourse trip on 5/27/05. Thanks, Thanks, Thanks."
Jay Mayer
Tijeras, NM
"Our overall experience with Los Rios River Runners was great! I would recommend this company to anyone. From the excellent & informative customer service to our wonderful river guide. My first time to white water raft and they made my experience wonderful!!!
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A Yahoo user
Ponca City
"Thanks for a fantastic experience! I had a ball. I particularly want to thank the guides who made the mechanics of the trip easy as pie. And who made me feel safe and capable. (And are great cooks.) You folks run a great operation, making this kind of natural adventure fun and accessible. I've already recommended you to a complete stranger on the plane home."
Dan Diggles
New York, NY
Racecourse Half Day Rafting Adventure
Our most popular trip. Two to three hours of Class 2 and 3 rapids. A rollercoaster ride of whitewater thrills. Perfect for first-time rafters and adventurous families.
FUNYAK IT! For extra thrills at low and medium water levels, paddle your own inflatable one-person or two-person miniature raft, accompanied by a guide. You will get a comprehensive lesson at the beginning of the trip. NO EXTRA CHARGE!
WHITEWATER RATING: Class 3 (4 in high water)
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM AGE: 6 (12 in high water, 16 in super-high water)
MEET: 9.30 a.m. or 1.30 p.m., Rio Grande Gorge Visitors Center (Hwy 68 in Pilar, between mile markers 28 and 29). Return to your vehicle 12-12.30 p.m. or 4-4.30 p.m.
SEASON: March to November. (Los Rios rafts earlier and later than any other company.) High water usually late May/early June. Low water has steep, bouldery drops and is more technically challenging.
PRICE: $49 adults, $39 children 12 and under. Does not include tax and federal user fee. Group discount available, extra discount for school and Scout groups.
WE PROVIDE: All rafting and safety equipment including life-jacket, helmet if desired, waterproof jacket and pants, transportation to and from meeting place, snack of chips and salsa, fresh fruit, and cookies. Wetsuit rental $10. Neoprene booties rental $5.
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MAJOR RAPIDS OF THE RACECOURSE: |
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| The Maze |
Class 3 |
| Albert Falls | Class 3 |
| Eye of the Needle | Class 3 (2 in high water) |
| The Narrows | Class 3 (3+ in high water) |
| Dead Foot Falls | Class 2+ |
| No Name Rapid | Class 2+ |
| Big Rock | Class 3+ (4 in high water) |
| Sleeping Beauty | Class 3 |
| Souse Hole | Class 3 (4 in high water) |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - RACECOURSE:
Will I be in an oar boat or a paddle boat?
Most people prefer a paddle boat, where participants power the boat following the guide's instructions. You will be in a paddle boat unless you request an oar boat, where the guide is in full control of the boat and you can choose to paddle or just hang on.
Do I have to know how to swim?
We prefer participants to be able to swim, especially in high water. Risk is higher for non-swimmers. You must be able to assist in your own rescue in the event you fall out of the boat.
Am I going to fall out of the boat?
It’s possible. We try to avoid it. Good paddling will help keep you in the boat. The average number of people who take an unscheduled swim is probably well below 10%.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
Helmets are now mandatory on the Racecourse at all water levels.
Can you run the Racecourse no matter what the water level is?
Yes.
Doesn't the whitewater rating go down in low water?
No. The rating is a measure of difficulty, not water. Some rapids are trickier at low water levels.
Is low water boating boring?
No! It's not the wet and wild rollercoaster you see on TV – it's more like a wet bumper-car ride.
Should I funyak it?
Funyaking the Racecourse is a challenge. Some paddling experience (rafting, canoeing, kayaking) is desirable. If you've never paddled before, consider the Lower Gorge full-day in a funyak: the mellow Orilla Verde section in the morning will give you practice before you meet the Class 3 rapids of the Racecourse. Go to Lower Gorge. We funyak at levels below 800 cfs.
Can my child go if he/she is below the recommended minimum age?
Maybe. It's a recommendation, not a rule. If your child is well-grown, adventurous, and a good swimmer, we will consider it. Please phone to discuss it with us.
What if the weather's bad?
We don't cancel because of rain: usually it doesn't last long, and let's face it you're going to get wet anyway! Early- and late-season trips are subject to our weather policy: if the predicted high temperature is less than 50 degrees, we give you the option of cancelling at no charge to you. It helps if you can be flexible within a few days so we can choose the most suitable day for boating. The decision is made the day before the trip.
What if the water's high, and I want to take my 6-year-old rafting?
When water levels are high enough for us to raise our recommended minimum age on the Racecourse, that means the Orilla Verde section is more exciting too. Our guides will move any group they consider unsuitable for the Racecourse to the Orilla Verde.
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