Rio Chama  Wild And Scenic Three-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. Three-day trips are available to groups of 6 or more and for smaller parties on recreational release weekends.  Three day trips for those with photographic or archaeological interest are also available during the season.

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.  Teams of experienced paddlers may request the more exciting paddle boat.

COSTS: 5 per person, with a 50% advance deposit required.  Plus NM sales tax. Organized groups of 12 or more are always welcome and will receive 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 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.

Day two enjoy a very leisurely morning beginning with a hearty, hot breakfast.  Hike up any of the numerous side canyons or to the top of Navaho Peak for a spectacular vista. We will arrive at camp early for more relaxing and camp time.

The third day, we encounter some 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 Abiquiu upper Reservoir.  Our take out at mid-afternoon, enables us to return you to your vehicles before the gates at Ghost Ranch are locked
for the night (6PM).

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 northwestof 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 high altitude (over 4000') offers cold nights (to 30¼ F.) and generally unpredictable weather, the kind of Spring days that alternate dark wet clouds with warm sun.  During the usual release season, conditions are more settled, with warm days (75-90¼F.) and cool nights (40-50¼F.) and the possibility of mountain thundershowers in the afternoons.  Participants will want to keep a rain jacket handy at all seasons.

FAR FLUNG ADVENTURES PROVIDES: Certified boatmen, self-bailing rafts, seven meals (all fresh foods, tasty and very 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 our Taos meeting place.  With advance reservation we can provide sleeping gear @/night.  Upon receipt of your deposits we will mail notice of confirmed reservation along with a gear checklist, map and meeting instructions, and a medical information form to inform us of any dietary or health restrictions, overweight persons, non-swimmers. 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.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING: Participants should provide their own sleeping gear, and personal clothing, raingear, a canteen and drinking cup.  Footgear should include sneakers or wetsuit booties for on- river wear, and sturdy hiking shoes for camp and nature walks. Cameras, binoculars, and guidebooks are welcome.  No alcoholic beverages are provided.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Our 9 AM meeting time enables travelers lodging the night before the trip in Santa Fe or Espanola (even Taos) to easily make the 9 AM meeting.  In Chama, terminal for the Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railroad, several comfortable lodges are available, including the Spruce Lodge (505) 756-2593.  Our launch point at El Vado Ranch has riverside cabins, phone David Cooper (505) 588-7354.  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 5 per person deposit is required to secure your place(s) on the trip.  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, area maps and meeting instructions, and a short medical information form to inform us of any dietary or health restrictions, overweight persons, non-swimmers.

Toll-free reservation 1-800-359-2627. or e-mail farflung@laplaza.org