The Rio Chama is a serene, flowing, challenging run that flows from south-central Colorado through the Chama Canyon. It has three major sections separated by the El Vado Dam, the Abiquiu Dam, and finally runs into the mouth of the Rio Grande. The variety of sections offer their own unique experience to rafters, paddlers, and boaters with rapids ranging from class I – VI. Along this river, you will find beautiful landscapes, including the glorious walls of the Chama Canyon with multi-colored sandstone reaching 1,500 feet in height! One of the most popular Rio Chama rafting sections is the 31 mile stretch from El Vado Ranch to the Abiquiu Reservoir. This stretch takes you straight through the canyon and offers rapids of Class I – III.

Rafters and boaters can enjoy a vigorous Full Day float or a relaxing Multi-Day journey. Easy float trips allow you to flow with the meandering waters through beautiful landscapes and wilderness. Full Day Rio Chama rafting trips take about 5 hours. You can watch and interact with wildlife, witness the beauty of the canyon, experience drops and holes, and bounce around a little on the mild Class II rapids.

Multi-Day journeys will let you truly take in the vast scenery and truly explore the canyon. Families may prefer these trips as they will foster learning, relaxation, and memories that last a lifetime! Spend the days passing the sandstone and limestone canyon walls, viewing the spectacular pine trees lining the river bank, bask in the beauty of red, yellow, and purple hues on the desert cliffs commonly depicted by local artists. You’ll get to spend two nights under the seemingly endless New Mexican sky camping out on the grassy camps or sandy beaches. Right on the river’s edge, you have the chance to explore with opportunities for hiking through the side canyons and vistas. Guides prepare amazing campsite dinners while you take in the sunset that looks like a painted sky with its brilliant pastel colors over the southwestern landscape.

This truly is one of the hidden gems of Southwest river runs and not to be missed and New Mexico River Adventures is the company to take you there! Please contact us at 800-983-7756 anytime for more information about this amazing trip and one of our friendly reservation staff can help to reserve space for yourself, group or family for the 2014 season