Red River
Taos Co. · 30 mi · Class I–III
42.8CFS/ 4.46 ft
Below Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 100–500 CFS · USGS #08266820
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Carson National Forest
The Red River drops from the ski valley above the town of Red River through a steep canyon in the Carson National Forest to its confluence with the Rio Grande. Thirty miles of Class I–III water through a narrow, forested mountain canyon in the Sangre de Cristos.
Trip sections
Red River town to Questa — Class II–III, mountain canyon
Questa to Rio Grande confluence — Class I–II, widening valley
Outfitters
Taos Mountain Outfitters
Red River guided paddling and fishing
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.