THE RIVER GUIDES US
We are River Guides but,
OUR MISSION
The New Mexico River Outfitters Association is dedicated to protecting and sustaining the rivers that support our communities, economies, and way of life. We represent a network of outfitters, guides, and river professionals who provide meaningful access to New Mexico’s waterways for local families, youth, and visitors from around the world.
Our mission is to advocate for healthy, flowing rivers through responsible stewardship, equitable water management, and policies that recognize rivers not only as resources, but as living systems essential to the future of New Mexico.
OUR MEMBERS
MAGGIE &
JARED
President
CISCO GUEVERA
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BRIT
RUYNON
WILL & BILL
BLACKSTOCK
MATT &
WENDY
MISTY BLAKESLEY
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DAVID
MOHLER
BILLY
MILLER
Outdoor recreation is not just an industry; it is a pathway to a more connected, resilient, and thriving society.
OUR CONTRIBUTION
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
River outfitters across New Mexico are a critical part of youth development, partnering with public and private schools, Pueblos, NMSD, YouthWorks, behavioral health programs, and community organizations to deliver outdoor education, job training, adaptive recreation, and free safety clinics that build leadership, skills, and environmental stewardship. These programs reach tens of thousands of young people statewide and are foundational to education, workforce pathways, and community health
ECONOMIC IMPACT
New Mexico’s river outfitters are far more than recreation providers. We are a cornerstone of the state’s outdoor economy. River recreation helps drive billions of dollars in economic activity, supports tens of thousands of jobs, and fuels the hotels, restaurants, retailers, and rural communities that depend on tourism. Our rivers attract visitors from around the world, strengthen local economies, preserve cultural traditions, and connect future generations to New Mexico’s landscapes. None of this happens without water. Healthy, flowing rivers are the foundation of an industry that sustains livelihoods, communities, and one of New Mexico’s most valuable economic assets.
ADVOCACY
River outfitters across New Mexico are strong advocates for protecting and restoring healthy instream flows, because without water in the river, the foundation of our work, and the broader outdoor recreation economy, collapses. Without immediate, meaningful action, the state risks losing not only river recreation, but also clean water, wildlife habitat, recreational access, tourism revenue, local businesses, and cultural heritage, while undermining critical investments in youth programs and outdoor equity that depend on thriving rivers; we are prepared to work with leaders and communities to act now to ensure New Mexico’s rivers, and all they support, endure for generations.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
We are deeply invested in community outreach, sponsoring local schools and programs, hosting river cleanups, partnering with conservation groups for safety training, and collectively training hundreds of private and commercial boaters each year through guide schools and swift water rescue courses. We believe that more experienced people on the river create safer rivers and stronger communities. All this extending our impact far beyond the canyon into local businesses, schools, and civic life.
NEW MEXICO'S FUTURE AT RISK
NMROA represents more than 50 years of commercial guiding, education, and river stewardship across New Mexico. For generations, we have provided safe, responsible access to iconic river sections including the Rio Grande Racecourse, Orilla Verde, White Rock Canyon, the Rio Chama day and overnight sections, and the legendary Taos Box, a Class IV+ run that is now unrunnable due to critically low flows. Under these same conditions, the other river sections we operate on are rapidly approaching the same fate.
LONG-TERM VISION
We envision a future where New Mexico’s rivers are healthy, flowing, and resilient ecosystems that sustain wildlife, protect cultural traditions, support thriving communities, and provide meaningful access for generations to come. We envision rivers that are recognized not only for what they provide, but for what they represent: the lifeblood of our landscapes, a foundation for our outdoor economy, a place where families connect, communities gather, and people develop a lifelong commitment to stewardship.
Our vision is a future where every New Mexican can experience the beauty, adventure, and connection of a thriving river system and where future generations inherit rivers that are cleaner, healthier, and flowing stronger than they are today.
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RIVER STORIES
"I've never seen rivers so untouched and I didn't understand how we are able to leave nothing behind. I learned that these companies train and teach people how to preserve and keep the rivers pristene. And I wouldn't have know that with out their experience."
Mary S.
"It's one thing when people say you have to save the water, it's another thing to go out there and see it yourself. Then you really can appreciate what it is. It has been a life changing experience to be on this river."
Leonard S.
"I believe NM River Outfitters have a big voice when it comes to protecting our rivers. Their support in conservation efforts can make a big difference"
Nick S.
