Canoe and Kayaking the Gila near base flows

This idea might sound counter to what most river runners look for, but in the spring of 2025 we went out to see just how low the Gila river could be paddled. What we found was surprising and exciting.

Even on a good year the Gila is a challenging river for commercial operations. The river is remote and its conditions vary significantly from year to year, and with no rangers or real system for documenting changes every trip feels a little something like a “first descent”. That’s why in February of 2025, after considering what is done in canoes and kayaks on other rivers, we decided to give a scout trip a go at a whopping 50cfs – and the results were shocking. The river was not just navigable in 18ft canoes, it was also a blast! Moreover, the famous trees and logs of the Gila river were inconsequential at such low flows, making it a safe trip for beginner paddlers.

After our scout trip we booked a commercial trip for late March of 2025, taking NM Wild staff, scientists from the UNM Sky Islands project and a few friends. Our plan was for guides to paddle all the standard equipment and food in large gear canoes and for the guests to paddle inflatable kayaks with their personal gear.

The toughest portion of the trip is the first 1.5 days or so, in which there are more small rapids and places to get hung up. After that the river gets immensely more navigable and that character increases as you move downstream.

There is no doubt that low-volume expedition river running requires a certain mindset. You have to be out there for more than just the paddling, you have to be there for the wilderness and the experience. The boat is simply the vehicle that allows you to traverse the wilderness in more comfort and ease than backpacking and to see places where trails do not go. Although, you do have to accept getting your feet wet from time to time.

With two trips under our belts at low flows we feel very confident at our ability to operate these trips going forward, with the right groups of people. Beginner paddlers with a wilderness mindset will learn and be changed by this trip, and experienced paddlers who are open to a different style of trip will love it and perhaps take on new approach to river running.