The Rio River Run dates back to the 1970's when it was a public event sponsored by radio station KPAS. Avid Rock N Roll listeners would fabricate a sort of floating craft out of anything that would float and cruise down the Rio drinking beer and having a great time in the water. At the end of the run there was a music festival and awards ceremony with food/drink/free vinyl records etc. I can personally remember participating in a few of these and although never winning the actual race, I did in fact forge many friendships and fond memories. When KPAS finally gave up the ghost, KLAQ picked up the sponsorship. After two races, the logistics and civil liability of the event became too much of a burden and they also disbanded the practice. Now if you want to do this run you will have to organize it as a private venture.....kind of how the whole thing began years ago. |
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| What does this have to do with climbing? Absolutely nothing! But it's a lot of fun and a great way to beat the summer heat. |
Rio Grande River Run
| Starting point Caballo Lake State Park Ending point Levee Park on Pichacho Ave in Las Cruces Distance 50+/- miles |
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To start this thing....take I-25 toward Truth or Consequences, NM and pull into the Caballo Lake State Park campground. You will want to put into the water just below the dam. Stay on the right side of the bank because the first portage will be just before Percha Dam. |
| Here's Percha Dam, or what you will see just before you get in the spillway. Look to your right for a trail that follows around the dam and crosses a metal bridge into Percha Dam State Park. |
| Another portage or two, an overnighter on the levee by the Hatch interchange and it's clear sailing the rest of the way. |
| Then you're out whenever and where ever you see fit to end your trek. The tricky part is trying not to become submerged in the process! |
| After that you have a few hours of great distances of open water. Have a bit of water fun or do some fishing! |
| Put in after the spillway and stay toward the right side bank as to avoid submerged trees on the left side. The current here is fast...Be alert and paddle strongly |
