| Put In: |
El Vado Ranch |
| Take Out: |
Big Eddy-Above Abiquiu Reservoir |
| Difficulty: |
Class II
+
|
| Gradient: |
15 ft/mi |
| Run Length: |
31 miles, shorter runs possible. |
| Current Streamflow |
135 cfs @ 03/21/2010 11:45 PM - RIO CHAMA BELOW EL VADO DAM, NM, reading taken from USGS
|
| Flow Information (phone): |
BLM tape, 505-758-8148 for flow from El Vado. |
| Good Level: |
800-2,500 cfs |
| Season Comments: |
April, May, June, July, August
|
| Permit: |
Required on the upper section of the river (above mile 22) and are issued for the natural runoff season and the dam release season. Call or write in the fall to request information. The BLM will mail out packets beginning in December. Maximum goup size of 16.
|
| Character/Similar To: |
As the Rio Chama flows into the colorful canyon it gives rise to some Class II rapids. There are several good side hikes with excellent scenery and good solitude. |
| Water Craft: |
kayak,canoe,raft |
| Land Ownership: |
Mostly BLM and National Forest |
| Wilderness: |
Yes, for the first 22 miles. |
| Camping on River: |
Several good sites available. |
| Location: |
In the (NM), 90 miles Northwest of Santa Fe |
| Shuttle Logistics: |
Put-in: Turn west off US 84 just north of Tierra Amarilla, 90 miles norhtwest of Sante Fe, New Mexico, onto New Mexico Route 112, drive southwest about 15 miles, then turn left on the short spur road to El Vado Ranch. Fee for parking and put-in.
Take-out: Return to US 84, turn right, and drive south about 27 miles. About 1.5 miles south of the turnoff to Echo Amphitheater Campground, turn right onto USFS Road 151. Follow this dirt road 5 miles southwest to the Big Eddy take-out. |
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