The best places to go kayaking on the Rio Grande

A trio of kayakers float past Corrales on a full and fast-flowing Rio Grande Sunday, May 19, 2019.

ROBERT BROWMAN

Rachel Driskell Rachel Driskell Rachel Driskell Special to the Journal

Published September 6, 2024 - 9:00 a.m. Modified June 17, 2025 - 8:36 a.m.

Albuquerque offers a handful of unique kayaking opportunities for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

Here is a guide on where you can go kayaking on the Rio Grande in Albuquerque.

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park

Looking to learn more about the river before exploring it? One of the most scenic river points is at the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. A day fee of $3 applies per vehicle. This state park offers lots of activities and educational resources for exploring this well-known waterway.

Address: 2901 Candelaria Road Northwest (505) 344-7240

Hours: Open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day

Gates: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Visitor Center: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Front Desk: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Nature Shop: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Tuesday-Thursday), 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Friday-Monday)

The Rio Grande river access

The Albuquerque stretch of the Rio Grande generally offers calm water and no technical rapids, making this an ideal area to learn and practice kayaking. You can access various points along the river. Here are five spots to enjoy kayaking on the Rio Grande:

The northwest side of the Alameda Bridge, located in the Village of Corrales, is a popular place to launch. Please call the Village of Corrales for more information at 505-897-0502.
The Calabacillas Arroyo on the west side of the river east of Coors Blvd. has parking and access to the river with some walking required. Calabacillas is located on the west side of the river about one mile north of Paseo del Norte on Coors Road. Take Coors north to Westside Drive, Westside east to the dirt levee road, and then east to a dirt parking lot.
The north side of the Central Avenue Bridge on both sides of the river offers limited access for boaters with some walking required to get to the river. The Rotary Club Park on the northeast side of the bridge has shaded picnic tables and walking trails.
The northwest side of the Bridge Street Bridge has good river access adjacent to existing multi-use trails (some walking required). Limited parking is available on the southwest side of the bridge.
The Rio Bravo Bridge has access with some walking required to reach the river. The northeast corner has ample parking and a picnic area. This site also offers a wheelchair accessible fishing pier.

Several access points for boaters are available outside of the City of Albuquerque. Call the Boating Safety Officer at New Mexico State Parks at (888) NMPARKS or view more information about boating in New Mexico State Parks.