2022 Southwest Chapter Trip: Rio Chama May 26-29

The Rio Chama forms in far southcentral Colorado, just above the New Mexico border in the San Juan Mountains of Carson National Forest in Archuleta County, then flows about 120 miles to its confluence with the Rio Grande just north of Espanola in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. Below El Vado Lake the river is a Class II to III run for almost anybody with intermediate or higher level whitewater skills. This historic river has been used by humans for nearly 10,000 years. In 1988, the 24.6 mile section known as Chama Canyon was designated as a "Wild and Scenic River" by the U.S. Congress.

Below El Vado Lake the Rio Chama flows about 70 miles through the Santa Fe National Forest of Rio Arriba County to the Rio Grande. 

This group will be floating the Upper 23 miles, from El Vado Ranch to the Chavez Canyon access, and will be hosted by the BLM Taos office.

BLM Rio Chama Fact Sheet