New Mexico · Taos Co.

Red River

Taos Co. · 30 mi · Class I–III

Optimal: 100–500 CFS · USGS #08266820

36.3CFS

4.45 ft gauge height

Below Optimal

→Stable

Avg flow: 180 cfsHist. median: 160 cfsUSGS #08266820

Carson National Forest

About

From Red River town through Taos County's Carson National Forest, this mountain tributary cuts a technical canyon down to the Rio Grande confluence over 30 miles of Class I-III water. The upper section from Red River town to Questa runs Class II-III through narrow canyon walls, while below Questa the gradient eases to Class I-II as the valley widens toward the Rio Grande. At 180 CFS average, optimal flows run 100-500 CFS on USGS gauge 08266820. Taos Mountain Outfitters runs commercial trips on the river. The Red River offers high-desert paddling with snowmelt-fed flows that peak in late spring and drop through the summer season.

Solunar Fishing Activity

🌒

Waxing Crescent

15% illumination

Poor

★ Moon overhead
9:26 AM

Moonrise
1:38 PM

Moonset
5:15 AM

★ Moon underfoot
9:26 PM

Next full moon: May 3111 days

Outfitters

Taos Mountain Outfitters

Red River guided paddling and fishing

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 access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.

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