Chama -

WHITEWATER-HUB

Chama River, New Mexico

Wild & Scenic

The Rio Chama in northern New Mexico offers one of the Southwest’s most scenic rafting experiences, winding through a stunning Wild and Scenic River canyon with towering multi-hued sandstone cliffs in shades of red, yellow, purple, and white, Class II-III rapids, and abundant wildlife like deer, eagles, and otters. The river is a dam-release section from El Vado Reservoir, with reliable flows from mid-April through early June, while weekend releases (typically Friday-Sunday) from mid-July through Labor Day ensure runnable water for multi-day trips during the late summer, managed via a BLM lottery permit system for high-demand weekend launches between April 15 and September 15.

River Class / Skill Level

• Class: II–III whitewater with fun splashy rapids and technical maneuvering.

• Skill Level: Suitable for intermediate paddlers and family rafting trips.

Season / Permits / Weather

• Boating Season: April through June during scheduled dam releases.

• Permit Required: Yes — permits issued by the Bureau of Land Management.

• Best Time to Run: May and early June typically provide the most reliable flows.

• Weather: Warm spring days with cool desert nights.

Water Levels / River Character

• Typical Flow Range: ~600–2,000 cfs depending on dam releases.

• Low Water: Slower current and technical maneuvering.

• Optimal Flows: 800–1,500 cfs provides fun wave trains and smooth current.

• High Water: Faster current with larger waves in canyon sections.

• Special Considerations: Famous for colorful canyon walls and remote desert camps.

Put-In / Take-Out

• Standard Put-In: El Vado Ranch.

• Standard Take-Out: Big Eddy near Abiquiu Reservoir.

• Trip Length: Approximately 31 miles, typically run in 2–3 days.

River Trip Launch Pad

Essential links for permits, conditions, maps, shuttles and gear before you hit the road.