River to the Sky Expedition [RTS]

Friday, July 24th through Monday, July 27th, 2026: 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 Colorado Exploration photo gallery to preview the sections of the route and experience. LINK - https://tinyurl.com/bdfnrntn

Expedition Overview

NMBR’s wild and spectacular New Mexico to Colorado overland traversal route. Areas of exploration will include San Luis Valley, San Juan Mountains, and Continental Divide. // 4 Days & 3 Nights // Approximate Route Distance: 250-Miles // Approximate Elevation Range: 6,500 to 11,500 ft.

The Experience

This July, New Mexico Black Range 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 captivates the terrain surrounding the Rio Grande River’s path from the Taos Plateau to headwaters high above tree line. Route and landscape features include high desert, chaparral, dense forest, and alpine with elevations ranging from 6,000 to 12,000-feet. Areas of exploration will include Great Divide Trail (sections), Taos Plateau, San Luis Valley, and San Juan Mountains. Road types and conditions will include washboards, two tracks, primitive non-maintained, graded, mountain shelf, dirt byway, and (least of all) pavement.

The River to the Sky Expedition 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, EXP-4WD Training, and Camino del Tesoro may provide better suited options.

Where, When & Pricing

The River to the Sky Expedition will take place Friday, July 24th through Monday, July 27th, 2026. Participants will meet the morning of Friday, July 24th in northern New Mexico; the exact departure location and details will be provided during the registration process. Pricing for single driver (single participant) is $1,186 (plus tax). Pricing for each additional participant in vehicle (passengers, second drivers, minors) is $1,094.00 (plus tax).

Planning & Preparations

In order to participate in NMBR’s tours and training courses, minimum driver, vehicle, equipment & provision essentials requirements must be met. NMBR’s Overland, Expedition, & EXP-4WD Training Checklist can be found HERE. This checklist provides a categorized breakdown to help prospective participants properly prepare and gear up for the NMBR experience and beyond.

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. 

Check out NMBR’s FAQ page for information about NMBR’s trips and training experiences: https://newmexicoblackrange.com/faq/

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, Rio Grande National Forest, San Isabel National Forest, Gunnison National Forest, San Juan National Forest) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM Gunnison)