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Rafting the Rio Chama 2 Day Rafting Trip

River
Rio Chama
Duration
Multi Day
Minimum Age 6
Meals
yes
Price
$495

About the trip

Bring the entire family and join us on a 2 day Rio Chama rafting trip for the most scenic multiple day river trip in New Mexico.

  • 22 miles through the Wild and Scenic Rio Chama Wilderness
  • Delicious meals prepared by your guides
  • Beautiful forested campsites beneath towering sandstone walls
  • A variety of crafts available to best suit your group

This trip meets at Bode’s General Store, an iconic landmark in Northern New Mexico. Bode’s has offered safe parking for Rio Chama rafters for decades. Bode’s is in the heart of the artists village of Abiquiu, NM which is a mere 1 hour drive from Santa Fe and 1.25 hour drive from Taos. Plan on arriving early to enjoy their famous breakfast burritos and grab any last minute items you may be missing including beer and drinks.

For directions to Bode’s General Store click here!

Do I need to know how to swim?
It is recommended but not mandatory that all our guests know how to swim. All guests are given Type V, US Coast Guard approved flotation devices (lifejackets) that are designed to float you on your back, nice and high in the water. For all our class 3 and above sections on the Rio Grande, you will also be issued a helmet.

What do I need to wear?
We have packing lists for you to review for each of our different trip types. Remember that the weather changes dramatically throughout the New Mexico rafting season. It can be significantly colder during March-May we encourage our guests to always be prepared.

What if it’s my first time, do I need experience?
There is no experience required for any of our river trips. However, we encourage experience for our more difficult, Taos Box and Razorblades trips. Please feel free to call us with any concerns or questions about appropriate trips for your group.

Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, we cannot bring our furry friends on our river trips. We ask that you leave your pets at home before heading to our headquarters.

Can I leave my dog with you?
We do not have a secure area to keep your dog at our headquarters. Moreover, the temperatures get extremely hot during our season, because of this, you will NOT be able to leave your pets in your car. We ask that you leave your pets at home before heading to our headquarters.

» Read all Rafting FAQ

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WHAT TO EXPECT

We begin the 21 mile river trip outside of the alpine town of Chama, NM and float down into a stunning and colorful sandstone and limestone canyon finishing up near the renowned artist village of Abiquiu.

The upper reaches of the river are well known for gorgeous pine trees lining the banks of the river and spectacular views of the desert cliffs that border this area and that are so famous in many different artists works, such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams. Red, yellow and purple color bands are painted across the desert as the river flows past towering sandstone cliffs. This stretch of river hides many treasures within the high reaching walls like hot springs, homesteads, ancient Indian ruins, and dinosaur tracks perfectly preserved in Jurassic era mud to name a few.

On this 2 day Rio Chama rafting adventure, we will spend the night at a camp that is right on the river’s edge and backed up by excellent opportunities for hiking and the exploration of numerous side canyons and vistas. Sit back in one of our camp chairs and take in the sunset as the colors of the canyon walls change right before your eyes. Enjoy a cold drink as the guides pass around appetizers and prepare a gorgeous dinner and dessert. This is luxury camping in one of the most beautiful river canyons in the Southwestern United States.

Don’t worry if you don’t have your own tent, sleeping pad or sleeping bag. Just let one of our friendly staff know at the time of reservation and we’ll take care of everything. Our guides are the best in the business, focusing on safety and guest service as a top priority. All are extremely knowledgeable about the area’s geology, ecology and history and just love being on the river. Many with experience on rivers all over the country and across the globe, I know you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do and will certainly help to make your day on the river the best possible.

We highly recommend that the adventurous types opt for navigating the river in their own craft, an inflatable kayak. We always bring a large oar powered raft to carry the equipment needed for this incredible wilderness experience. Of course there will also be paddle boats that allow everyone the opportunity to be active in our voyage down this Wild and Scenic River. Minimum age for the 2 day Rio Chama rafting trip is 5 y/o; children should be adventurous and have some previous outdoor experiences. Groups of 4 or more may request Custom dates, subject to availability.

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