Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River


Area Status: Open

The Rio Chama is about 120 miles long, beginning in the southern San Juan Mountains of South-Central Colorado and joining the Rio Grande near Espanola, NM.  In 1978, the River was designated as a State Scenic and Pastoral River thus designating part of the Santa Fe National Forest as Chama River Canyon Wilderness.  Thirty-one miles of the river were further protected as a Federal Wild and Scenic River in 1988. 

All commercial outfitters must have a special use permit, usually issued for the Rio Chama by the Bureau of Land Management Taos Field Office.  Private boaters may float the Scenic portion of the Rio Chama (downstream from the Christ in the Desert Monastery) without a permit, but overnight float trips on the Wild portion of the Rio Chama (above the Monastery) are also required to have a permit from the Bureau of Land Management Taos Field Office. 

A float down the river offers access to many interesting side canyons, with trails leading to peaks and mesa tops.  This is the country of brightly colored cliffs and fascinating badlands made famous by artist Georgia O'Keeffe.

The river corridor is a flyway for many bird species which depend on the water and riparian vegetation.  Ducks mergansers, Canada geese, great blue heron, raptors and neo-tropical migrator species can all be seen along the river.  Large number of swallows make their nests on the riverside cliffs. 

The Rio Chama Canyon provides excellent habitat for raptors.  Both bald and golden eagles are found within the canyon, with several species of hawks, owls, and falcons observed occasionally during the year. 

Fishing is allowed in accordance with the NMG&F Dept. regulations.  Major fish species found in the Rio Chama include brown trout, Rio Grande chub, fathead minnow, rainbow trout, longnose dace, and carp.

Motorized vehicles or mechanized equipment are prohibited in the Chama River Canyon Wilderness.  

At a Glance

Permit Info: Permits are required for floating in the upper canyon through the wilderness from April 15 through September 15.  These are obtained through Recreation.gov and overseen by the BLM Taos Field Office, 575 758-8851.  Permits are assigned by lottery in February.  Applications are accepted from December 1 to January 31.  There is a fee for application and launch.  Group size is limited to 16 people.  No advance permits are required and no fee is charged for launching on the lower section of the canyon below the Monastery, at Chavez Canyon Put-In.
Usage: Medium-Heavy
Best Season: Spring /Summer
Busiest Season: Spring/Summer
Restrictions:
  • Motorized vehicles or mechanized equipment are prohibited in the Chama River Canyon Wilderness.
  • All pets must be on a leash.
  • All boaters must use a washable-reusable human waste container that can be pumped at an RV dump station,
  • Regulations require that you wear your life jacket at all times while on the river.
Closest Towns: Abiquiu, NM
Water: No/use filtering systems
Restroom: No
Operated By: Forest Service /BLM
Information Center:

Leaving No Trace on the Rio Chama

Plan Ahead and Prepare/Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces
  • Choose an established site that will not be damaged by your stay.
  • Restrict activities to areas where vegetation is compacted or absent.
  • Keep pollutants out of water.
  • Stay on existing trails, or choose the most durable surfaces available: Rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
Pact it In, Pack it Out/Leave What You Find

Activities

River and Stream Fishing

Fishing is allowed in accordance with the NMG&F Dept. regulations.  Major fish species found in the Rio Chama include brown trout, Rio Grande chub, fathead minnow, rainbow trout, longnose dace, and carp.

Status: Open
Hours of Operation: open year round
Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate

Viewing Scenery

 

The Rio Chama Canyon is nestled within the striking multi-colored cliffs of the Colorado Plateau.  The vegetation is a mix of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir with pinyon Juniper an sagebrush.  Willow and cottonwood line the riverbanks.

A float down the river offers access to many interesting side canyons, with trails leading to peaks and mesa tops.  This is the country of brightly colored cliffs and fascinating badlands made famous by artist Georgia O'Keeffe. 

Status: Open
Difficulty Level: Easy

Boating - Non-Motorized

Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

Water levels affects the difficulty of running the Rio Chama.  Individual experience and skill in boat handling and river reading make a major difference.  The Rio Chama is not recommended for novice recreationists.  Some rapids are Class III.  Regulations require that you wear your life jacket al all times while on the river.

General Info:

Directions

The Rio Chama is the third largest tributary of the Rio Grande, about 120 miles long.  Beginning in the southern San Juan Mountains of south-central Colorado, it joins the rio Grande near Espanola, NM.


Status: Open
Hours of Operation: open year round
Difficulty Level: More to Most Difficult