Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Rapid NM Class III

Cieneguilla Rapid

Rio Grande - 06. Taos Junction Bridge to Quartzite River Access (NM)

Gauge Conditions
Runnable: 200.0 – 3,000.0 CFS

Description

Generally this is a class II rapid but at times it has been considered class III in the past. At moderate to high flows the rapid isn't usually difficult with the most popular line left of center or along the right shore. At lower flows an island forms in the middle of the rapid and the most popular line is the rock-chocked left channel. Be careful at the bottom of this rapid if running the left channel: the river pushes boaters toward the left shore and in the past boaters have been pulled out of their boat by the Russian olive trees overhanging the river! Another challege in this rapid is the line can be significantly altered due to large washes of water and rocks coming down into the Rio Grande from the Cieneguilla Arroyo on the left.  

Location
Type
Rapid
Difficulty
Class III
Mile Marker
6.0 mi
Directions
View Full Run
06. Taos Junction Bridge to Quartzite River Access
Rio Grande
II 6.6 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater