Rio Chama New Mexico Scenic One-Day River Trips

The Rio Chama in Northern New Mexico is America's Newest Wild and Scenic River. A dam-controlled stream, impounded by El Vado Reservoir, the 10 mile Rio Chama trip begins near the tranquil setting of the Christ in the Desert Monastery and ends at the head of Abiquiu Reservoir on a silty desert river, rolling among the rainbow cliffs so typical of the Four Corners region. Located in one of the most beautiful parts of New Mexico, sandstone cliffs from the Triassic and Jurassic ages surround us on our 30-45 minute drive.

DATES
One-day trips are available to groups of 4 or more April through early September.

PARTICIPANTS
We welcome first-time rafters 6 years of age and older. You should be in normal good health. Most people prefer paddle boats or an individual inflatable kayak on this Class II river.

COSTS
$115 per adult/$104 per child, 50% advance deposit required.  For an inflatable kayak add $13.00.

SAMPLE ITINERARY
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. After a 45 minute drive along multi-hued sandstone cliffs, we near the Christ in the Desert Monastery where we put in the Rio Chama. We encounter our first rapid, Meandering, followed by a lively whitewater run (Class II) consisting of Skull Bridge and Gauging Station, into the headwaters of Abiquiu Reservoir. Taking out at mid-afternoon, enables us to return you to your vehicles around 3pm.

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 90 minutes for the drive from Santa Fe.

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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 in 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.