Geology Of The Rio Chama With Dr. Michael Timmons

River

Rio Chama

Duration

Multi Day

Minimum Age 16

Meals

yes

Price

$695

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About the trip

Geology of the Rio Chama Geology of the Rio Chama: Join us for 3 days and 2 nights rafting the Rio Chama led by Dr. Mike Timmons, the co-author of the Rio Chama Guide Book, as we learn about the geology of the Rio Chama wilderness canyon below El Vado Reservoir, including exposed Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic rocks. Explore the geologic history of the Mesozoic in New Mexico and the paleogeography, depositional environments, and ancient ecosystems of the Southwest. Let your imagination take you back in geologic time and see the fossil tracks of the famous Jurassic predator, the Allosaurus!

Trip Highlights

Explore the iconic Rio Chama Wilderness
Learn about the layers of the Mesozoic Era as we descend into geologic time
Amazing meals prepared by your guides starting with lunch on day 1 through lunch day 3
A variety of crafts available to suit you and your group

Where to Meet

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!

Frequently asked questions

Can you accommodate my dietary restrictions?
We will do our best! We have carefully crafted our menus to be inclusive of a variety of dietary preferences.

Do I need my own camping equipment?
No, although lots of guests choose to bring their own sleeping bags, we can provide you with a sleeping bag, sleeping pad and tent to share with other members of your group for no extra charge. Just be sure to indicate on your individual trip registration form what gear you would like us to provide and we’ll make sure your covered.

What is the cancellation policy?
For our Rio Grande overnight trips and for groups of more than 18 participants, no refunds are offered inside of 14 days before your trip date and for our Rio Chama overnight trips, no refunds are offered within 30 days of your scheduled trip date. If you cancel outside of these time frames, you will be eligible for a full refund.

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REVIEWS

WHAT TO EXPECT

Join us for 3-days and 2-nights rafting the Rio Chama led by Geologist Dr. J. Michael “Mike” Timmons exploring rocks of the Mesozoic Era as we descend into geologic time. We are honored to be able to offer this trip with the leading authority on the Wild and Scenic Rio Chama. Our trip begins just below El Vado reservoir, where sandstone deposits from the coastal plains of the Cretaceous Sea border the river. As we float down river we drop into older layers of the Colorado Plateau, giving us intimate views of Jurassic and Triassic deposits. Geologic formations you will recognize from the Ghost Ranch area include the Morrison, Todilto, Entrada, and Chinle. Short side hikes will allow us to appreciate these rock layers in person, including some fossil tracks of the famous Jurassic predator, Allosaurus! We will follow the Rio Chama for a 31-mile mellow rafting adventure from Tierra Amarilla and float through stunningly colorful sandstone and limestone walls and hidden canyons. The trip ends near Christ in the Desert Monastery. Appreciate the spectacular red, yellow, and purple multi-hued cliffs captured by artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams.

Dr. Mike Timmons is the Director and State Geologist at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, New Mexico’s state geological survey. Mike’s MS and PhD research, completed at the University of New Mexico, explored the mid-to-late Proterozoic Geology of the Grand Canyon Supergroup and the detailed record of sedimentation, tectonism, and basin formation. Mike’s passion for rivers and river running spans 36 years as a professional river guide in the Grand Canyon. Mike is also the co-author of The Rio Chama – A River Guide to the Geology and Landscapes, the definitive river guide book for the Rio Chama

The Trip

We will follow the Rio Chama for a 31-mile mellow whitewater rafting adventure from Tierra Amarilla and float through stunningly colorful sandstone and limestone walls and hidden canyons. The trip ends near Christ in the Desert Monastery and includes a visit to a nearby grid garden. We will view the spectacular red, yellow, and purple multi-hued cliffs captured by artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams. For more information about this trip, please contact Our friendly reservation team.

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