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Rio Chama Rafting Full Day

River
Rio Chama
Duration
Full Day
Minimum Age 5
Meals
yes
Price
$145

About the trip

Our Rio Chama Full Day adventure is a great escape from Santa Fe, Taos, and Albuquerque delivering you into a completely different landscape and distinct part of beautiful Northern New Mexico.

  • Gentle class 2 and 3 rapids through Georgia O’Keefe country
  • Delicious, hot chicken and veggie fajita lunch
  • Opt for an inflatable kayak to increase the adventure level

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

This wide valley has 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 cottonwoods and sage plains. This is a true gem of the southwest and very little known to visitors.

The Rio Chama Full Day Trip

The lower Rio Chama rafting outing has a few moderate Class II and III rapids so is perfect for all ages and abilities. the rapids are evenly spaced with ample opportunity to enjoy the southwestern landscape in between drops. The water on the Rio Chama is perfectly refreshing on a hot summer day and the rapids are perfect for the adventurous to enjoy in inflatable kayaks. The Lower Rio Chama has a wonderful single day section as the river emerges from the canyon. Of course, paddle and oar boats are available every day, just ask one of our helpful staff for advice when reserving your space.

About halfway through the Rio Chama rafting full day adventure, you will stop and take a break on one of the beautiful riverside beaches or elevated benches under the shade of old growth cottonwood trees in the heart of this amazing canyon. Here, a superb riverside lunch is served prepared fresh by our guides.

Our Guides for the Rio Chama Full 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.

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