Trip Description
Get set to get wet as the Rio Grande snakes through the towering cliffs of Pilar Canyon and races you down exciting Class I - III rapids such as Albert Falls, The Narrows, and Big Rock.
The Racecourse is our most popular trip and provides 2 - 3 hours of nonstop fun. The Racecourse provides thrills for your entire family throughout the summer.
Be prepared to enjoy beautiful scenery, Native American history, and numerous species of wildlife that live in the Rio Grande canyon. Eagles, falcons, owls, geese, and mergansers are just a few of the birds that dwell in this healthy bird sanctuary.
Trip Meeting Times
- 9:00 a.m.
- 12:30 p.m.
This five-mile trip begins at 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. daily and lasts for 2 - 3 hours.
Please meet your river guides promptly at our meeting location.
Pricing
- Adult - $50.00
- Child - $40.00
* Child: 12 and under
* Group rates available for parties of 6 or more
* Raft guide gratuity appreciated
Price Includes...
- Certified and experienced river guides
- High performance rafts
- Coast Guard approved flotation devices
- River splash gear (if desired)
- Transportation to and from meeting location
- Snacks and beverages (lunch included on full day trip)
- Professional photographers take group portraits and action photos of every trip
Participant Requirements
We welcome rafters of all ages and abilities. The Racecourse is well suited for families and first-timers. The minimum age is 6 years at low flows and 12 years or 90 lbs. at high flows (3000 cfs and above). Cottam's Rio Grande River Trips reserves the right to raise the age limit depending on water levels.
Our guides will teach you how to paddle as a team as most of the rafts we take are paddle boats. For those seeking extra adventure, consider rafting down the river in a 1-man inflatable kayak (funyak).
Season
Our rafting season begins with high water in May and extends through the fun-filled Summer months and finishes with scenic tours of Fall (May 1 - mid September).
Some trips are more appropriate during spring and early summer, when the river is a maze of churning whitecaps, sudden dips, and swift, spinning currents. Other river runs are better in the later summer, when water quantity and speed have diminished and the challenge consists of navigating around boulders and through chutes.
Terms & Conditions
- Trips operate rain or shine.
- No-shows receive no refunds under any and all circumstances, including those who arrive after scheduled departures.
- It is your responsibility to locate and arrive on time at our meeting location.
- Cottam's Rio Grande River Trips is not responsible for personal property both on the river and off.
- All participants must wear our personal flotation device (life jacket) at all times on the river.
- All participants must read and sign our Acknowledgement of Risk Waiver and Release Form.
Please note that whitewater rafting is a natural adventure that we cannot fully control. No whitewater trip is free of risk. Risk typically increases as river classification (difficulty rating) increases. Please consider your capabilities when selecting a trip. We recommend that non-swimmers and those looking for minimal risk participate in our Lower Gorge float trip.
Reservation & Deposit Policy
A 50% deposit is required to secure your spot on the trip of your choice. Reservations booked within 14 days of departure will be collected in full. We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover or American Express to hold and guarantee your reservation. Availability is first-come, first-served. We encourage you to save 10% on your trip by reserving your trip online
Some trips are limited in the number of people we can take on the river by the BLM. Weekends and holidays also tend to book quickly. Reserve early in order to get the date and trip you want!
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the trip will forfeit the deposit. Cancellations made more than 14 days prior will receive a refund of the deposit minus a service charge of 25% for trip costs. Cottam's Rio Grande River Trips reserves the right to cancel any trip due to weather conditions, river levels, acts of God, or other circumstances beyond our control, in which case a full refund will be given.
