New-Mexico Whitewater
HEADWATERS TO SANTA BARBARA CAMPGROUND
STREAMFLOW: 1,590 CFS
The Whitewater River Run from Headwaters to Santa Barbara Campground in New Mexico offers a thrilling adventure for experienced rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this section is between 300 and 800 cfs, providing exciting rapids while still being navigable. The class rating for this section of the river is between III and IV, meaning it is a moderately difficult run with technical rapids and obstacles.
The segment mileage for this section of the river is approximately 8 miles, taking roughly 3 hours to complete. Some of the specific river rapids and obstacles include the "Pinball" rapid, which is a series of tight turns and boulders that require precise maneuvering, and the "Wall Slammer" rapid, which has a steep drop followed by a large wall of water.
In terms of regulations, all boaters must wear personal flotation devices and helmets, and it is recommended that all participants have prior whitewater rafting experience. Additionally, there are restrictions on the total number of boaters allowed on the river at any given time to ensure the safety of all participants.
Get driving directions.
The segment mileage for this section of the river is approximately 8 miles, taking roughly 3 hours to complete. Some of the specific river rapids and obstacles include the "Pinball" rapid, which is a series of tight turns and boulders that require precise maneuvering, and the "Wall Slammer" rapid, which has a steep drop followed by a large wall of water.
In terms of regulations, all boaters must wear personal flotation devices and helmets, and it is recommended that all participants have prior whitewater rafting experience. Additionally, there are restrictions on the total number of boaters allowed on the river at any given time to ensure the safety of all participants.
Get driving directions.
| Last Updated | 2024-04-25 |
| River Levels | 1420 cfs (5.77 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 149% |
| Reporting Streamgauge | RIO CHAMA NEAR CHAMITA, NM |
| Elevation | 5,666 ft. |
| River | |
| Watershed | Upper Rio Grande |
Nearby Camping
| Location | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agua Piedra | 44 | 8,415 ft | |||
| Cuchillo | 3 | 8,208 ft | |||
| Cow Creek | 5 | 8,437 ft | |||
| Hodges | 14 | 8,453 ft | |||
| Santa Barbara | 22 | 8,842 ft | |||
| Las Petacas | 9 | 7,389 ft | |||
| Lower Hondo | 4 | 7,880 ft | |||
| Panchuela | 6 | 8,330 ft | |||
| Field Tract | 15 | 7,408 ft | |||
| Taos Junction | Numerous | 6,071 ft | |||
| La Sombra | 13 | 7,789 ft | |||
| Duran | 12 | 8,830 ft | |||
| Iron Gate | 14 | 9,410 ft | |||
| Holy Ghost | 24 | 8,239 ft | |||
| Capulin | 11 | 7,758 ft | |||
| Jacks Creek | 40 | 8,894 ft | |||
| Tererro - State Fish and Game | 10 | 7,714 ft | |||
| Cowles | 9 | 8,216 ft | |||
| Comales | 10 | 7,968 ft |
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