New Mexico’s Wild & Scenic Rivers: Part 2, The Rio Chama

National Wild and Scenic River status is a designation made by Congress for the purpose of protecting naturally flowing rivers from development which would substantially change their wild or scenic nature.

Selected rivers in the United States are preserved under this designation for possessing “outstandingly remarkable” scenic, recreational, geologic, historic, or other similar values. Rivers, or sections of rivers, so designated are preserved in their free-flowing condition and are not dammed or otherwise impeded.

New Mexico has four designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, which include the Rio Grande, The Rio Chama, the east fork of the Jemez River, and the Pecos. These rivers flow through some of the most breathtaking landscapes New Mexico has to offer.

The Rio Chama
Flowing through a multi-colored sandstone canyon, which is at times 1,500 feet deep, the Rio Chama is a major tributary of the Rio Grande in Northern New Mexico. The Rio Chama’s mild rapids and stunning vistas make this the perfect river for relaxing family rafting and camping trips.

 

Kayaking and canoeing are also extremely popular. A float through the entire 31-mile canyon and its Class II rapids, can take two to three days. There are scenic and heavily forested side canyons to explore, and quite a few historical sites. Much of this region is designated Wilderness or Wilderness Study Area, making its use fall under wilderness rules and regulations, with the exception of the lower eight miles of the canyon.

Access to the Rio Chama has been limited since 1990. Because of the high demand for float trips in late spring and summer, a lottery system has been established to assign launch dates. Applications for floatboating and rafting permits for the upper canyon must be filed by February 1st of each year, and can be obtained by contacting the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Find out more about New Mexico’s Wild & Scenic Rivers

Get Ready to Vacation in Northern New Mexico

Northern New Mexico is a virtual cultural and recreational playground. The high desert plateaus and Southern Rocky Mountains provide a fantastic variety of landscapes which accommodate an abundance of outdoor opportunities. It’s the ideal place for a wonderful summer vacation, whether you enjoy an active, sports oriented lifestyle, or prefer to relax and take in the mountain air, reveling in the sights and sounds of alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, singing birds and wildlife.

Our recreation is the best!
The plateaus and mountain forests offer numerous terrains for mountain biking. Rafting enthusiasts have a full range of choices. One favorite is a leisurely three-day trip on the Rio Chama, that offers mild rapids suitable for families with small children. Experienced rafting enthusiasts can take on the challenging Taos Box run on the Rio Grande, with class 3 to 5 rapids.

Trail riding enthusiasts can take anything from an hour ride on Taos Pueblo land to a three-day trek through the Carson National Forest. And for those who want a taste of the old west, you can get off your horse at the end of the day and enjoy a cowboy-themed outdoor dinner with entertainment and all the “fixins.”

The fly fishing is great!
New Mexico’s native cutthroat trout offers the fly fisherman a real challenge. Local guides not only know all the best fishing places, but with years to develop their skills, they are able to help even the experienced angler to improve their technique.

Red rocks abound!
Have you always felt you were part mountain goat? Then climbing is your game, and there are plenty of fantastic opportunities to get a bird’s eye view of red rock panoramas (with expert guides, of course). And if slower ascents are more to your liking, take a hike with a llama! They are happy to carry the heavy stuff, so you can spend your time enjoying the scenery, hiking at a leisurely pace and enjoying gourmet meals at your campsite... something you wouldn’t be doing if you had to carry all the gear yourself!

The eats can't be beat!
And while we’re on the subject of fine foods, et al, how about an early-morning champagne toast while aloft in a hot-air balloon? Northern New Mexico’s high desert provides the perfect updrafts for fantastic ballooning experiences.

Another option is to take a lovely drive along the Rio Grande river road to Velarde, where you can tour one of New Mexico’s award-winning wineries, or enjoy a game of golf that offers one of the most stunning vistas in the Southwest.

History speaks for itself!
And of course, we can’t forget that this area is rich in history. Taos Pueblo is the oldest occupied dwelling in the United States and the biggest tourist attraction in the area. From Northern New Mexico’s rich “Wild West” history to Taos’ place as one of the most important art colonies in the United States, there are abundant opportunities to discover the fascinating history of the area, with museums and art galleries to suit every interest.

And when your day of exploration, play, or relaxation is over, you have a tremendous variety of fine lodging to choose from. Perhaps you will enjoy beautifully restored historic inns on or near the plaza, a vacation home of your own, or even an earthship! Taos and the Enchanted Circle area offer a wide variety of charming and unique bed and breakfast inns, cabins and, of course, RV parks for those who like to bring their homes with them.

Whatever your choice, Northern New Mexico has something to offer everyone. So come visit Taos and Santa Fe, and enjoy the vacation of a lifetime!

Book vacation lodging in Northern New Mexico

Plan your Northern New Mexico adventure

Whitewater Rafting in Northern New Mexico

When the spring snowmelt fills the rivers and streams of Northern New Mexico, it’s time to get out the river gear and go rafting. Whitewater rafting is perhaps the greatest adventure park ride ever invented: nature’s combination of a roller coaster and a water ride, and all without the crowds and concrete!

From its humble beginnings only 30 years ago, whitewater rafting has become the centerpiece of complete vacations that include a world of fun activities, both on the river and off. The key ingredient is still the tremendous thrill of the whitewater rafting experience, but many adventurous vacationers combine rafting with trail riding or llama trekking, camping, rock climbing and of course, fishing. It’s a great way to experience the beauty of Northern New Mexico from the vantage point of its rivers and wilderness areas.  

For a unique perspective of Northern New Mexico, its rivers offer stunning scenery on nationally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, with whitewater experiences from the mild to the wild. Raft the Rio Grande or the Rio Chama. Or take on the Taos Box for some challenging whitewater. Trips are available to suit everyone from small children to expert whitewater rafters. Whatever your choice, your whitewater rafting trip will make your New Mexico vacation an experience to remember!

More about rafting in Northern New Mexico

Book your New Mexico whitewater rafting trip!