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

Saddle Rock

Rio Grande - 07. Quartzite River Access to County Line River Access (NM)

Monitor this Rapid
Gauge Conditions
Rio Grande below Taos Junction Bridge near Taos, NM Upstream Primary
Runnable: 200.0 – 3,000.0 CFS

Flows of 250 cfs are ok for floating from sleeping beauty to Souse hole without dragging.

Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Saddle Rock
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description

Named for the large saddle-shaped rock at the bottom of the rapid. The popular line at the top of Saddle Rock is down the channel on river left, where boaters usually work their way to river right very close to shore, then weave their boats through rocks at the bottom. There is another favorite line not far from the left shore, available when water levels permit. At low flows the entrance on the left can be pushy and the river tends to push boaters into the left shore or one of the center rocks where a high side may be necessary. At high flows this marks the beginning of Mile Long Rapid, a class IV rapids that includes, into a continuous stretch of whitewater, the rapids of Saddle Rock, Albert Falls, Herringbone, Eye of the Needle, Narrows, Boulder Field, Dead Foot Falls, and Final Drop. Saddle Rock is easily scouted from the road on river left. 

Location
Type
Rapid
Difficulty
Class III
Mile Marker
1.0 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
07. Quartzite River Access to County Line River Access
Rio Grande
III 4.4 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater