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Float into one of the most under-pressured trout fisheries in the southern Rockies on a two-day guided run through the Rio Grande’s Middle Box. Meet at Far Flung Adventures Boathouse • 15 NM 522 El Prado NM 87529 and trade crowds for canyon walls, campfires and long mornings on the water.
Float into one of the most under-pressured trout fisheries in the southern Rockies on a two-day guided run through the Rio Grande’s Middle Box. Meet at Far Flung Adventures Boathouse • 15 NM 522 El Prado NM 87529 and trade crowds for canyon walls, campfires and long mornings on the water.
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Operated by Far Flung Adventures · El Prado, New Mexico
The Middle Box of the Rio Grande is a narrow, remote canyon cut into volcanic flows and carved by the river across northern New Mexico. This two-day guided trip — Middle Box Fly Fishing, Camping & Floating - 2 Day — meets at Far Flung Adventures Boathouse • 15 NM 522 El Prado NM 87529 and delivers anglers and outdoor lovers into a wild, little-pressured stretch of river inside the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument and Wild Rivers natural area. Aboard rafts and on foot you’ll fish runs and pocket water that produce trout uncommon elsewhere in the southern Rockies. Towering canyon walls, polished boulder chutes and braided riffles frame the water while osprey, other birds of prey, river otters and herds of bighorn sheep move along the cliffs. The trip also passes human artifacts: the crumbling hideout of an early 20th-century horse thief, an abandoned mining site and two seldom-visited archaeological sites that hint at long human ties to this corridor. The itinerary is deliberately unhurried. After a shuttle to the Cebolla Mesa trailhead and a guided one-mile descent, guides and packers set camp while you fish the Middle Box. Expect a camp set below steep walls, a multi-course hot meal around a fire, and mornings that start with fresh coffee and the sound of the river. Day two extends fishing time with an easy downstream float to the John Dunn Bridge takeout and a short drive back to Taos-area roads and the boathouse. This trip is unique because the Middle Box receives almost no pressure; Far Flung’s guided runs are among the few multi-day services operating here. That seclusion amplifies wildlife encounters, improves fly-to-fish ratios and preserves the feel of a real wilderness overnight. Accessibility is earned: the route requires walking, wading and occasional boulder-hopping, plus the uphill return logistics, so the experience favors fit beginners through experienced anglers who can handle uneven terrain. Bring quality waders and waterproof layers, a full fly box tuned for trout, sun protection and a commitment to Leave No Trace camping—this is pristine, fragile country. Guides provide local river knowledge, safety systems and backcountry cooking so you can focus on the fishing and the canyon’s quiet drama. For anglers who want a concentrated, remote wilderness escape close to Taos, this two-day Middle Box run is a rare combination of exceptional trout water, dramatic canyon scenery and genuine backcountry camping that rewards preparation and patience. Spaces are limited on this guided run; expect professional guides and packers to manage gear and safety, and consider upgrading to Far Flung’s three-day option for extra fishing time and deeper access—book early during shoulder seasons to maximize wildlife viewing and avoid high summer heat and bring layered clothing.
moderate.
2 days, 1 night.
Moderate fitness; you should be able to hike a mile downhill, wade, and handle uneven terrain for several hours.
Meet at Far Flung Adventures Boathouse • 15 NM 522 El Prado NM 87529 for check-in and shuttle to the Cebolla Mesa trailhead.
No—guides welcome beginners but anglers should be comfortable with basic casting and river wading.
Group size varies by trip date; check booking details on the referral link for current limits.
Guides handle camp setup and cook multi-course dinners; confirm which items are included when you book.
This section of the river receives very little pressure and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter other fishermen on the Middle Box.
Takeout is at the John Dunn Bridge with a short drive back to the boathouse and Taos-area roads.
The route passes an early 20th-century horse thief hideout and an abandoned mining site, plus archaeological sites that reflect long-term human presence along the river.
This stretch sits within Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument; practice Leave No Trace, pack out waste, and follow guide instructions to minimize impact.
All ages! • Easy to Moderate Difficulty
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