This is typically a 6 or 7 day trip of 83 miles that begins at Heath Canyon. This is big canyon country. Over 40 miles of deep canyons provide one of the most exciting and challenging wilderness adventures in the Southwest. The hiking is excellent. The Rio Grande is a silt-laden river and the fishing is minimal (mostly catfish). The river, however, has the high volume that is typical of a major river. There are a handful of serious rapids, many riffles and a lot of flat, moving water before you come to the take out at Dryden Crossing.

Additonal information on the Lower Canyons:
1. Keith Bowden's Solo Raft Trip in Low Water, December, 2001
2. The Challenges of the Lower Canyons
3. Panthers and Other Wild Things on the Rio Grande
4. Summer Flooding in the Lower Canyons
5. The Rescue Party and True Love of the Canyons
6. Ever Been on the Lower Canyons at Spring Break?
7. Birding on the Lower Canyons
8. Friends of the Lower Canyons