This is the signature multi-day rafting trip in New Mexico. The trip consists of a float through the stunning colorful sandstone and limestone walls of this amazing canyon and finishes up near the renowned artist village of Abiquiu.
Rafting the Rio Chama - 3 Day Trip (Santa Fe, NM)
Summary Description
Highlights
- Desert cliffs as seen in the works of renowned artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams
- 31 miles through the Wild and Scenic Rio Chama Wilderness
- Beautiful forested campsites beneath towering sandstone walls in one of the most beautiful river canyons in the Southwestern United States.
- A variety of vessels available to best suit your group
- Our guides are the best in the business, focusing on safety and guest service as a top priority.
- Desert cliffs as seen in the works of renowned artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams
- 31 miles through the Wild and Scenic Rio Chama Wilderness
- Beautiful forested campsites beneath towering sandstone walls in one of the most beautiful river canyons in the Southwestern United States.
- A variety of vessels available to best suit your group
- Our guides are the best in the business, focusing on safety and guest service as a top priority.
Description
This is the signature multi-day rafting trip in New Mexico. Thanks to releases from El Vado Reservoir, we are able to enjoy this incredible canyon and 3 day rafting trip, most weeks from April - August. We raft 33 mile section of river outside of the the alpine town of Tierra Amarilla, NM.
Float through the stunning and colorful sandstone and limestone walls of this amazing canyon and finish near the renowned artist village of Abiquiu. The upper reaches of the river are well known for gorgeous pine trees lining the banks of the river and spectacular views of the desert cliffs that border this area. The mellow whitewater here affords ample opportunity to take in all of the colors and beauty of the famous canyon. The relaxed 3-day itinerary allows us the flexibility to stop often and explore the many treasures within the high reaching walls like hot springs, ancient Indian ruins, and dinosaur tracks.
Included / Excluded
- Delicious meals prepared by your guides
- Type V, US Coast Guard approved flotation devices (lifejackets)
- Wetsuits and splash jackets available; helmets provided for Class 3 rapids and above!
- You can use our camping gear! (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp chairs, tent to share)
- Delicious meals prepared by your guides
- Type V, US Coast Guard approved flotation devices (lifejackets)
- Wetsuits and splash jackets available; helmets provided for Class 3 rapids and above!
- You can use our camping gear! (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp chairs, tent to share)
- Gratuities
- Sunscreen, water shoes, hat or sunglasses - available for purchases
- Transportation to and from meeting location described in your confirmation email
- Gratuities
- Sunscreen, water shoes, hat or sunglasses - available for purchases
- Transportation to and from meeting location described in your confirmation email
Start / End Locations
End Location: Abiquiu, NM, USA
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- Minimum age: 6 years old
- Online reservations require a 25% deposit at the time of booking.
- For our Rio Chama overnight trips, no refunds are offered within 30 days of your scheduled trip date. If you cancel outside of this time frame, you will be eligible for a full refund.
- It is recommended but not mandatory that all our guests know how to swim.
- There is no experience required for any of our river trips. However, we encourage experience for our more difficult, Taos Box and Razorblades trips. Please feel free to call us with any concerns or questions about appropriate trips for your group.
- Unfortunately, we cannot bring our furry friends on our river trips. We do not have a secure area to keep your dog at our headquarters.
- We run our river trips rain or shine.
- You must meet us at Bode’s General Store in Abiquiu, NM.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 30 days
Cancellation Notes: For our Rio Chama overnight trips, no refunds are offered within 30 days of your scheduled trip date. If you cancel outside of this time frame, you will be eligible for a full refund.
Options and Pricing
This is the signature multi-day rafting trip in New Mexico.
| Rio Chama 3 Day Rafting Trip | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (13 - 99 years) | $615.87 |
| Child (5 - 12 years) | $512.44 |
Points of interest
- El Vado Lake State Park, NM-112, Tierra Amarilla, NM, USA
- New Mexico River Adventures, New Mexico 68, Embudo, NM, USA
- Oak Point, Dispersed Camping, Coyote Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest, USDA, Abiquiu, NM, USA
- Chama River Canyon Wilderness, Gallina, NM, USA
- Chavez Canyon Boat Launch, Coyote Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest, Abiquiu, NM, USA
FAQ
Do I need to know how to swim?
It is recommended but not mandatory that all our guests know how to swim. All guests are given Type V, US Coast Guard approved flotation devices (lifejackets) that are designed to float you on your back, nice and high in the water.
What do I need to wear?
We have packing lists for you to review for each of our different trip types. Remember that the weather changes dramatically throughout the New Mexico rafting season. It can be significantly colder during March-May we encourage our guests to always be prepared.
What if it’s my first time, do I need experience?
There is no experience required for any of our river trips. However, we encourage experience for our more difficult, Taos Box and Razorblades trips. Please feel free to call us with any concerns or questions about appropriate trips for your group.
Can I bring my dog? Can I leave my dog with you?
Unfortunately, we cannot bring our furry friends on our river trips. We ask that you leave your pets at home before heading to our headquarters.
We do not have a secure area to keep your dog at our headquarters. Moreover, the temperatures get extremely hot during our season, because of this, you will NOT be able to leave your pets in your car. We ask that you leave your pets at home before heading to our headquarters.
HOW MANY PEOPLE FIT IN A RAFT?
Most of our rafts have a capacity of 6 paddlers, however, some can accommodate more and during seasons with lower water levels, we might take less paddlers in each raft. Please don’t think or your reservation in terms of rafts, rather, reserve for as many people in your group and we will pair you with the right number of rafts when you arrive. Private charters and private rafts may be available for an additional charge.
IS RAFTING SAFE?
Our guests’ safety is our number one priority. We will always be completely honest when pairing our guests needs and expectations with the appropriate adventure on the Rio Grande or Rio Chama.
IS TRANSPORTATION INCLUDED?
You must meet us at the appropriate meeting location described in your confirmation email. From there, all transportation to and from the river in included. For some groups who wish to customize their experience, we may be able to arrange a custom pick up and drop off at your hotel for an extra charge.We always recommend that all our guests visiting Northern NM bring or rent a vehicle as there are so many wonderful things to do that will require reliable transportation.
IS THERE A WEIGHT LIMIT? HOW PHYSICALLY FIT MUST I BE?
While there is not a weight limit, we are restricted by the size of our PFD’s. We can only accommodate chest sizes of 52” or less. If you have any concerns, just let us know your height and weight and we can usually tell from that.
DO WE WEAR HELMETS?
We provide helmets for all our guests on our trips with class III rapids and above, all inflatable kayak trips and all our SUP trips.
WHERE DO I KEEP MY STUFF WHILE I’M ON THE RIVER?
On all our Rio Grande trips, you will meet at our Headquarters where you will have nice changing rooms to use. You will be able to use your vehicle as your locker and we’ll keep your keys safe inside. Don’t worry, we’ve never had any issues in our safe, secure parking lot and we don’t want you losing your keys in the river.
CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE MY DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
We will do our best! We have carefully crafted our menus to be inclusive of a variety of dietary preferences.
CAN I BRING ALCOHOL ON THE RAFT?
Alcohol is not allowed before or during your rafting trip. However, on all our overnight trips we will have coolers and space to carry your favorite alcoholic beverages in moderation.
DO I NEED MY OWN CAMPING EQUIPMENT?
No, although lots of guests choose to bring their own sleeping bags, we can provide you with a sleeping bag, sleeping pad and tent to share with other members of your group for no extra charge. Just be sure to indicate on your individual trip registration form what gear you would like us to provide and we’ll make sure your covered.
Basic Information
- Duration: 3 days
- Trip difficulty: Moderate
- Category: Outdoor Adventure
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