The river enters northcentral New Mexico in a remote, mountainous area between US Highway 285 to the west and SH 522 to the east. It flows about 450 miles to the Chihuahuan desert of southcentral New Mexico where it forms the national border between Texas and Mexico. Along the way it flows through the Rio Grande Gorge National Recreation Area and the Towns or Cities of Taos, Espanola, Albuquerque, Socorro, Truth or Consequences and Las Cruces. Joining the Rio Grande along the way are the Rio Brazos, Rio Chama and Rio Embudo, all located in northcentral New Mexico, and all offering excellent whitewater runs when they flow. Rio Brazos and Rio Embudo are hairboat runs for expert kayakers ONLY!