Many staff members and friends of New Mexico Wild contributed to the creation of this publication.

Leading the project
Mark Allison, Executive Director, New Mexico Wild
Tisha Broska, Deputy Director, New Mexico Wild
Bjorn Fredrickson, Conservation Director, New Mexico Wild

Principal author
Jim O’Donnell

Contributing writers
Mark Allison
Bjorn Fredrickson
Tricia Snyder, Rivers and Waters Program Director, New Mexico Wild
Aidan Manning, Rivers and Waters Program Associate, New Mexico Wild
Mollie Fullerton

Cartographer
Akashia Allen, Conservation GIS Specialist, New Mexico Wild

Photo editor
Sara Bergthold, Communications Coordinator, New Mexico Wild

Website design
Sara Bergthold, Communications Coordinator, New Mexico Wild

Graphic designer
Lois Manno, Glassbird Studios

Production
Devon Naples, Operations Manager, New Mexico Wild
Terry Richey, consultant

Copy editor
Tania Soussan-Watt, consultant

We appreciate the photographers who have contributed to this guide. Photos credits are shown with each image.

This project was made possible by the generous support of the Walton Family Foundation, the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division, Stone Forest (Michael and Julie Zimber) and New Mexico Wild’s thousands of contributing members. 

Rivers can be wonderful places for recreation, reflection, and renewal. They can also be dangerous. More than 200,000 Americans drown in rivers and streams each year. Many of the river segments in this guide are in remote areas where rescue is difficult, and cell coverage may not be available. Please observe the river safety recommendations linked in this guide.

Rivers are constantly changing in terms of water levels, hazards, and even their course. While we have worked to make this guide as accurate as possible, river users must use their own judgment and find updated information about conditions before they venture out. Weather can drastically change in New Mexico, and any river excursion should include preparation for weather change.

New Mexico Wild (New Mexico Wilderness Alliance) makes no representation as to the safety of any river segments, trails, or access points described in this guide. It is your responsibility to assure you have the experience, skills, and gear needed to be safe on your state’s rivers and streams.

Be safe and have fun!