Serene Rio Grande Float in Bernalillo, NM

As the Rio Grande passes through Corrales and Sandia Pueblo, the river slowly widens, braiding into multiple channels as it meanders through seemingly endless cottonwood Bosque. Although this adventure is essentially adjacent to the sprawling development of greater Albuquerque, it's a surreal wilderness experience on the water, as the east bank is dominated by the Sandia Pueblo lands, while the west bank is dominated by the protected Corrales Bosque preserve.

Numerous islands and sandbars along the way offer multiple options to break for a snack or a refreshing swim. Approaching Alameda, the Rio spills into numerous narrow channels, winding its way through several small islands, providing a tropical wetlands feel. Songbirds and waterfowl are plentiful in this section (it's recognized as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society), and the views and sense of solitude are remarkable. At average flow conditions (800 - 1200 cfs), this is a very mellow float trip with few sections of fast moving water.