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Rio Chama River Rafting 3 Day

River
Rio Chama
Duration
Multi Day
Minimum Age 6
Meals
yes
Price
$545 Adult
$450 Child

About the trip

This is the signature multi-day rafting trip in New Mexico.

  • 31 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

Due to regularly scheduled releases from El Vado Resevior, we are able to enjoy this incredible canyon and three day rafting trip, most weeks from April through August. We raft 33 mile section of river outside of the the alpine town of Tierra Amarilla, NM.

Rio Chama 3 Day Trip

The trip consists of a float through the stunning colorful sandstone and limestone walls of this amazing canyon and finishes 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. The mellow whitewater here affords ample opportunity to take in all of the colors and beauty of the famous canyon. Red, yellow and purple color bands are painted across the desert as the river flows past towering sandstone cliffs.

The relaxed 3-day itinerary allows us the flexibility to stop often and explore the many treasures within the high reaching walls like hot springs, ancient Indian ruins, and dinosaur tracks to name a few. We will spend two beautiful nights out under the bright New Mexican sky. The Rio Chama is known for it’s nice sandy beach and grassy bench camps, most with ample shade from towering old growth Ponderosa Pines. Each night’s camp will be 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 for The Rio Chama 3 Day Trip

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. Of course there will the raft(s) to paddle, allowing everyone the opportunity to be active in our voyage down this Wild and Scenic River. We always bring a large oar powered raft to carry the equipment needed for this incredible wilderness experience.

Minimum age for the Rio Chama multi-day rafting trip is 6 y/o; children should be adventurous and have some previous outdoor experiences. Groups of 4 or more may request Custom dates, subject to availability. Contact us today for more information: 1-800-983-7756.

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