River to the Sky Expedition [RTS]

Saturday, July 22nd through Tuesday, July 25th, 2023: Expedition-based traverse of the remote backcountry and rugged backroads of the Rio Grande Rift and San Juan Mountains – Guided by NMBR’s Jake Quiñones.

Expedition Preview

Visit NMBR’s River to the Sky Expedition photo gallery to preview the route. LINK - https://bit.ly/2Daxcje

Expedition Overview

Northern New Mexico & Southern Colorado // 4 Days & 3 Nights // Approximate Route Distance: 250-Miles // Approximate Elevation Range: 6,500 to 12,500 ft. // NMBR’s wild and spectacular New Mexico to Colorado overland traversal route. Areas of exploration will include Sangre de Christo Mountains, San Juan Mountains, and Continental Divide.

The Experience

This July, New Mexico Backroads will be guiding a four-day expedition that captivates the best of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado’s backcountry. A route and experience five years in the making, the River to the Sky Expedition charts the Rio Grande River’s path from the Taos Plateau to its headwaters high above tree line. Landscape features will include high desert, chaparral, dense forest, and alpine with elevations ranging from 6,500 to 12,500-feet. Areas of exploration will include Sangre de Christo Mountains, San Juan Mountains, and Continental Divide. Road types and conditions will include washboards, two tracks, primitive non-maintained, graded, mountain shelf, dirt byway, and (least of all) pavement.

The RTS will provide outstanding views, an incredible range of scenery, backcountry camping, and aggressive elevation contours. Please note: Due to the vast amount of terrain that must be covered during the RTS, this expedition is geared towards overlanders that “drive to thrive”—meaning the trip will feature long drive days, widely varying road types/conditions, and minimal instruction/education sessions. For those individuals seeking an overland experience provides more skills training and educational content, NMBR’s Gila Overland, Gila Legends Expedition, Overland Training, and Camino del Tesoro may provide better suited options.

Where, When & Pricing

The River to the Sky Expedition will take place Saturday, July 22nd through Tuesday, July 25th, 2023. Participants will meet the morning of Saturday, July 22nd in northern New Mexico; the exact departure location and details will be provided during the registration process. Pricing for single driver (single participant) is $1,061.00 (plus tax). Pricing for each additional participant in vehicle (passengers, second drivers, minors) is $894.00 (plus tax). Please note: Due to the remote setting of NMBR's overland and expedition traversal routes, services of any kind, including cell, fuel, food, water, resupply, and/or medical services may be unavailable for stretches of 150-miles or more (if re-routes occur).

Planning & Preparations

The River to the Sky Expedition will require participants to be self-supportive with regards to vehicle, equipment, meals, and supplies. Services or re-supply of any kind, including cell signals, fuel, food, water, or anything remotely civilized, will be unavailable for stretches of up to 150 miles or more (if re-routes occur).

Go Boldly with NMBR - Over the past decade, NMBR has written a series of informative overland travel-based articles (NMBR’s Field Preparedness Manual) with topics ranging from field kit assembly, to vehicle maintenance and upkeep, to equipment and gear advice. These articles, paired with extensive checklists and instructions, are provided to registered participants as a solid foundation for what to expect, how to prepare, and what to bring for the adventure. During the RTS pre-trip planning and preparation period, NMBR will be available to provide expert opinions and feedback to registered participants for any questions or concerns related to getting ready and gearing up for the adventure. The self-sufficient aspect of NMBR guided expeditions, overland adventures, and training courses challenges and prepares participants for their future 4WD based endeavors—to go boldly, prepared, and with confidence.

Register

Ready for your next great adventure? If you are interested in joining NMBR's River to the Sky Expedition, or would like to receive extended details for experience, please email jake@newmexicoblackrange.com and additional driver/equipment requirements and registration information will be provided.

New Mexico Black Range LLC is an equal opportunity provider operating under a special permit administered by the USDA Forest Service, Carson National Forest