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Chama Canyon Whitewater Kayaking & Canoeing Trip on the Rio Chama River



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Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center
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Whitewater Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, & Mountain Biking: Guiding & Instruction in Colorado Rocky Mountain Outdoor (more...)
 
 
 
 

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Class VI Mountain River Kayak School
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Lansing, WV

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Rafting isn't the only way to do whitewater. While kayaking may seem intimidating at first glance, there's actually a proven, teac (more...)
 
 
 
 

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Chama Canyon Whitewater Kayaking & Canoeing Trip on the Rio Chama River

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Wilderness Canyon of the Rio Chama


View larger map of Chama Canyon & get directions
Click 'Earth' to fly through the canyon!
 
Chama Canyon Info
Use this information at your own risk. See our legal notices.
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:  44 cfs @ 02/09/2012 10:45 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,wwcan,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 Canyon Country (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.



Towns near Chama Canyon Kayaking

Albuquerque New Mexico
Chama New Mexico
Durango Colorado
Farmington New Mexico
Santa Fe New Mexico
Taos New Mexico


Other Resources

Canyon Country Kayak Clubs
  • Adobe Whitewater Club of New Mexico

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