Bisecting the Land of Enchantment, the fabled Rio Grande River is the lifeblood of the high desert. North of Santa Fe, it cuts a narrow chasm known to locals as “The Box,” where southwestern whitewater junkies make pilgrimages every summer. Load up the raft and strap up the kayaks - the Taos Box forms 20 miles of pure whitewater bliss. In between Class III and IV rapid sets, you’ll marvel at beautiful burgundy canyon walls peppered with sage and bighorn sheep. High above, onlookers will gaze down from the Rio Grande high bridge and wonder about the many wild things you have seen. But the current is fast, and soon you’re around the bend and out of sight down the next set of thundering rapids below.