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Rio Chama River
New Mexico, USA
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Location: Rio Arriba county, US Highway 84
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Distance (from Ghost Ranch): Approximately 8 miles northwest of Ghost Ranch.
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Directions (from Ghost Ranch): To get there from Ghost Ranch, Turn right at Ghost Ranch gate onto Hwy 84 for about 2.5 miles. Turn left on Rd 151. Continue on the dirt road for another 5-7 miles for access to the river and camping.
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Description: The Rio Chama River is North of Abiquiú. The Chama River Canyon Wilderness area is 50,000 acres of rugged canyon terrain with limited trail access and varying river water levels. The Rio Chama is a major tributary of the Rio Grande in northern New Mexico. It flows through a multi-colored sandstone canyon which is at times 1,500 feet deep, and through areas that are designated as wilderness or as wilderness study areas. Car camping is popular on the lower 8 miles, and floatboaters enjoy two or three day trips on Class II rapids on the entire 31-mile segment (advance permits required), or half day trips on the lower segment (no advance permits required).
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Co-managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service, the Rio Chama was designated Wild and Scenic in 1988. Applications for floatboating permits in the upper canyon can be obtained by contacting the BLM at the address/telephone below. Applications for the lottery must be received by February 1 of each year.
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- Bureau of Land Management
Taos Field Office
226 Cruz Alta Road
Taos, New Mexico 87571
Telephone: (505) 758-8851
Recorded River Information: (505) 758-8148
- Carson National Forest
208 Cruz Alta Road
Taos, New Mexico 87571
Telephone: (505) 758-6200
- Santa Fe National Forest
1474 Rodeo Road
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87502
Telephone: (505) 438-7825
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Related Online Stories & Sources:
 2001 Rio Chama Release Dates
For up to the minute daily live feeds of the Rio Chama River.
Chama River Canyon Wilderness
New Mexico Public Lands web site with description, contact info, reservations, activities, services and facilities.
Chama River Canyon Wilderness
Located in the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests in New Mexico. This brief overview the 6-mile stretch on the Chama is from GORP Adventures.
Rio Chama River: National Park Service
Designated reach of the Rio Chama, river classification, river mileage and reservation information.
Heron Lake State Park
Access the hiking trail along the gorgeous Rio Chama from the dramatic caprock stairway near Heron Dam. The 5.5 mile trail which crosses the river by suspension bridge, affords panoramic views and an adventurous route to neighboring El Vado Lake.
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Maps
Abiquiú Focus
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Abiquiu, New Mexico Area map
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