Rio Chama Wild And Scenic Two-Day River Trips

Rio Chama in Northern New Mexico is a dam-controlled stream, impounded by El Vado Reservoir. The 25 mile Rio Chama trip begins in Alpine woodlands as a clear, rushing trout stream and ends at the head of Abiquiu Reservoir as a silty desert river, rolling among the rainbow cliffs so typical of the Four Corners region. Lovely, wooded campsites and lively, but easy rapids make the Chama one of the best family river outings anywhere.

DATES: May Through Early June Two-day trips are available to groups of 2 or more and for smaller parties on recreational release weekends.

PARTICIPANTS: We welcome first-time rafters seven years of age and older. You should be in normal
good health. Guides will do the navigating in our oar-powered, self-bailing rafts. Groups of 4-6 may request the more exciting paddle boat or an individual inflatable kayak.

COSTS: ^$340 per person, with a 50^% advance deposit required. Plus NM sales tax. Organized groups of 12 or more are always welcome and may be eligible for a group discount. Please contact us if you would like assistance in organizing your group.

SAMPLE ITINERARY: The first day, our (1 1/2 hr.) shuttle to the put-in features vistas of the craggy peaks of the San Juan Mountains, the massive Brazos Cliffs-over 3000 vertical feet high, and the village of Tierra Amarilla, the center of Reies Tijerina's land grant revolt of the l960's. Our launch point is at El Vado Ranch, a rustic, riverside fishing resort. The Chama River immediately whisks us away through a series of swift riffles and into the evergreen-lined canyon. We enter the Chama Canyon Wilderness and negotiate Aragon Rapids (Class II). Our camp is on an old high-water bench, under shelter of ponderosa pines and douglas firs. Besides the peace and beauty of
a designated Wild and Scenic river, Far Flung travelers also enjoy abundant opportunities for trout fishing and hiking.

The second day, we encounter longer, steeper rapids and multi-hued sandstone cliffs up to 1000' high. Emerging from the canyon wilderness area, we observe a quiet zone as we pass the Christ in the Desert Monastery. Now begins the lively whitewater run (Class II-III) into the headwaters of upper Abiquiu Reservoir. Taking out at mid-afternoon, enables us to return you to your vehicles around 3 PM.

Our Meeting Place: We meet at 9:00 AM at Bode’s General Store. You’ll find Bode’s General Store
located in Abiquiu, NM, 24 miles northwest of Espanola on Highway 84 at mile marker 212.

From Taos: Head south on Highway 68 to Espanola. In Espanola turn right (west) and then head northwest on Highway 84 to Abiquiu. Allow about two hours for the drive from Taos.

From Santa Fe: Head north on Highway 285 & 84 to Espanola. In Espanola bear left (west) and then stay on Highway 84 northwest to Abiquiu. Allow about one and a half hours for the drive from Santa Fe.

TO SEE MAP CLICK HERE

WEATHER: Early season (May) at this altitude (over 4000') offers cold nights (to 30 F.) and generally unpredictable weather, the kind of Spring days that alternate dark wet clouds with warm sun. During the release season, conditions are more settled, with warm days (75-90F.) and cool nights (40-50F.) and the possibility of mountain thundershowers in the afternoons. You will need to keep a rain jacket handy in all seasons.

Far Flung Adventures Provides: Certified boatmen, self-bailing rafts, four meals (all fresh foods, tasty and nutritious) and meal service items, river-safety equipment, waterproof duffle for your personal gear, camera/binocular protection, tents, portable toilets, and shuttle transportation to and from the meeting place. With advance reservation we can provide sleeping gear @^$10/night. Upon receipt of your deposits we will mail notice of your confirmed reservation along with a gear checklist, area map and meeting instructions. A short confidential medical information form will tell us of any dietary or health restrictions. Your river guides have many years experience on the Rio Chama, are trained in river rescue and emergency first aid, and are certified by the New Mexico River Outfitter's Association.

YOU NEED TO BRING: Your own sleeping gear, and personal clothing, raingear, and a water bottle. Footgear should include sneakers with wool socks or TEVA type rubber sandals, and sturdy hiking shoes or tennis shoes for camp and nature walks. Cameras, binoculars, and guidebooks are welcome.

 ACCOMMODATIONS: Our 9 AM meeting time enables travelers lodging the night before the trip in Santa Fe or Taos to easily make the 9 AM meeting.

In Abiquiu, try the Abiquiu Inn 800-447-5621, abiquiuinn.com .  For our favorite great vacation homes try Casita De Chuparosa (they have a fully stocked gourmet kitchen with yummy breakfast items)or abiquiucasitas.com  for Casita De Chocolate, (Mmmmm), located on the Plaza in Abiquiu.   abiquiuvacationhomes.com has many wonderful homes to choose from as well.

In Chama, terminal for the Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad, several comfortable lodges are available, including the Spruce Lodge (505) 756-2593. Consider combining your Chama trip with the old-fashioned, high mountain train ride. For information or reservations, phone Cumbres-Toltec R.R. (505) 756-2151.

RESERVATIONS: A 50% per person deposit is required to secure your place(s) on the trip. Mail-in reservations should be accompanied by the attached Reservation Form. We accept telephone reservations using your major credit card to ensure participation. Availability is first-come, first- served, and is also limited by BLM regulation. Please reserve early! Upon receipt of your deposits we will mail notice of confirmed reservation along with a detailed gear checklist, map and meeting instructions, and a medical information form to let us know of any dietary or health restrictions, non-swimmers, etc.

Toll-free reservations 1-800-359-2627. or e-mail farflung@taosnet.com