White-water Rafting and Kayaking White-water Rafting and Kayaking

Colorado Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
Rio Chama River Rafting & Kayaking

 

The Rio Chama runs from the San Juan Mountains in Colorado to northwest of Santa Fe in Northern New Mexico. This designated "Wild and Scenic River" is a major tributary of the Rio Grande, controlled by the Heron Dam. This calm river is the perfect family adventure with class II-III rapids along its coarse. The Rio Chama is rafted from late April to mid-June, but occasional weekend releases from the dam make rafting possible on weekends. Rafting of the river begins below the El Vado Reservoir.

The river runs through many sights. The river is surrounded by ponderosa pines and multi-colored cliffs from the Triassic and Jurassic ages that inspired the art of Georgia O'Keefe. These cliffs stretch as high as 1,500 feet from the river, creating a remote canyon, abounding in wildlife and birdlife. The river runs through these Alpine woodlands with brown and rainbow trout, but flowing into the head of the Abiquiu Reservoir as a silty desert river. Also along the river are ancient Indian ruins, dinosaur tracks from Jurassic era mud flats, and old homestead ranches.

The International Rapid Rating Scale:

  • Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles, small waves.
  • Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids, wide, clear channels.
  • Class III: Intermediate. Rapids, moderate, irregular waves.
  • Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids, precise boat handling.
  • Class V: Expert. Long, obstructed, violent rapids.

More Activities & Information

Chama, New Mexico


Rafting & Kayaking in Colorado


Click to return to main Colorado Rafting & Kayaking Map

horizontal rule
Follow Us
Follow us on Facebook Button Follow us on Pinterest Button Follow us on Instagram Button

Places to Stay, Rentals & Amenities
Cabins & Cottages | Motels & Hotels | Lodging & Lodges | Vacation Homes | Condos, Suites & Townhomes | Bed & Breakfast | Tent Camping | RV Parks & Campgrounds | RV Sales, Service & Rentals | Romance Packages | Family Friendly | Pets Welcome | By Water | Swimming Pools | Guest Horses | Groups, Reunions & Retreats | Weddings & Elopements | Winter Lodging

Fun Things to Do
Calendars of Events | National Parks, Monuments & Historic Sites | Scenic Byways & Drives | Fishing & Fly Fishing | Hot Springs | Horse Riding | ATV/UTVing | Jeeping & 4WD | Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking | Attractions | Golfing | Restaurants & Dining | More Fun Stuff | Hunting & Land Leases | Snowmobiling | Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding | Snowshoeing | Cross-Country Skiing

A-Z Towns & Areas | Colorado Maps | About Us

©Copyright 1997- by The Colorado Directory, Inc. This is a directory only; it is not and does not contain a recommendation, warranty, guaranty, inducement or endorsement of any kind. Representations herein were supplied by the individual businesses. The publisher, The Colorado Directory, Inc., does not assume any responsibility for truth, falsity or completeness of any representation made herein or any errors, changes, services rendered, or changes made in the use of this directory. This information was compiled as accurately as possible. Prices and services are frequently subject to change. Errors called to the publisher's attention will be corrected in the future. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.