Rio Chama

Location: North-central New Mexico (about 80 miles northwest of Santa Fe).

Length of trips: 31 miles in two or three days. Day trips are also available.

Season: April through mid-June (peak runoff) and July through August (dam releases on weekends).

Weather: Early spring temperatures average in the 60s and 70s (F) during the day but drop to around freezing at night. Summer’s hot days (80s) and cool nights (high 40s) sometimes include an afternoon shower. Bring insect repellent.

Lodging: Campsites tucked in pine and fir trees or next to sandstone cliffs.

Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Class II and III. The chilly water (mid-50s) turns muddy during dam releases.

Special features:

  • Mellow, pristine beauty celebrated in the art of Georgia O'Keeffe—piñon-forested desert canyons bounded by cliffs of pale orange, creamy yellow, light rose, and muted gray beneath azure skies.
  • Lovely canyons for hiking and photography.
  • Fossilized dinosaur tracks, hot springs, and a monastery along the river.
  • Deer, elk, black bears, wild turkeys, raptors, waterfowl.
  • Wildflowers and cactus blooms in spring.
  • Wilderness solitude on weekdays.
  • A relaxing float trip suitable for families, seniors in good physical condition, and the physically challenged who are comfortable in and around the water.

Nearby excursions:

  • Taos and Taos Pueblo.
  • Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.
  • Ghost Ranch Living Museum in Abiquiu.
  • Bandelier National Monument.
  • Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railway from Chama, New Mexico, to Antonito, Colorado.

For a list of outfitters:

  • Bureau of Land Management, Taos Resource Area, 226 Cruz Alta Road, Taos, New Mexico 87571-5983; +1 505 758 8851, fax +1 505 758 1620. Try to book at least two or three months in advance.

For more information:

  • Taos Chamber of Commerce, 1139 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, New Mexico 87571; +1 505 758 3873 or 800 732 8267, fax +1 505 758 3873.
  • Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railway story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, July/August 1992. To order a copy, please click here.
  • New Mexico scenic drive story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, September/October 1994. To order a copy, please click here.

 
 
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