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 6 or more July through early September.

PARTICIPANTS: We welcome first-time rafters seven 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: 0 per adult/0 per child, advance deposit required.

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 northwestof 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.

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. 
 
 YOU NEED TO BRING:
____Sneakers
____Cap or hat
____Sunglasses with a retaining strap
____Canteen or water bottle
        Personal clothing/items:
____Quick dry shorts and tee shirts (polypro
        top for early season)
____Sweater or jacket
____Dry change of clothes, footwear to leave
        in the shuttle vehicle
____Sunscreen (below your eyes only)

FAR FLUNG ADVENTURES PROVIDES:

____Rainsuit or wetsuit according to current
        conditions
____Waterproof bag for extra clothing
____Lunch/water
____All safety equipment, including
        lifejackets*
*We can normally fit persons weighing between 90-200 pounds.  Smaller or larger folks should notify us in advance of their sizes.

Your river guides have many years experience on the Rio Chama,  are trained in river rescue and emergency first aid.

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. 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 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. Organized groups of 12 or more are always welcome and may be eligible for 
group discount.  Please contact us if you would like assistance in organizing your group. Upon receipt of your deposits, we will mail notice of confirmed reservation along with 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. e-mail farflung@laplaza.org