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Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River

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. In 1988, thirty-one miles of the river were further federally protected by Congressional designation under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

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 portion of the Rio Chama (downstream from the Christ in the Desert Monastery) without a permit, but overnight float trips on the portion of the Rio Chama above the Monastery are also required to have a permit from the Bureau of Land Management Taos Field Office. Permits are obtained via lottery system issued by Recreation.gov.

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. Group size on the river above the Monastery and within the Chama River Canyon Wilderness is limited to 16 people.

General Information

Permits are required for floating in the upper canyon (above the Christ in the Desert Monastery) 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.

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.