Abiquiu News Features New Wave Rafting

Next downstream is El Vado Reservoir, which stores water for irrigation and other uses. Below El Vado dam, the river enters the Chama Canyon Wilderness Area, and it is also designated the Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River.A mile below the dam, the … Cooper Ranch serves as the put-in for a highly-scenic 30-mile river trip on the Rio Chama. Because of its great popularity, access to the stretch is rationed, with a lottery for the non-commercial boating public. Commercial trips are also limited . The Chama Canyon is unrivaled in scenic beauty, passing through groves of ponderosa pine, box elder and cottonwood … And under striped cliffs of the red, yellow and white Entrada Sandstone. The whitewater is mild. Side canyon hikes are available, with dinosaur tracks, hot springs, trout fishing, bird watching etc.

 The widely-reproduced paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe are of this canyon and the surrounding area. The wilderness stretch of the river concludes as the Rio Chama passes the Christ in the Desert Monastery. The lower stretch is … a scenic one-day river trip with mild to moderate whitewater. Shortly below the take-out at Big Eddy, The river enters Abiquiu Reservoir after the take-out at Big Eddy, There is no better way to enjoy the river than on a rafting trip.  If you have the time, choose the three day trip from Cooper Ranch to the Big Eddy take out. Water levels on the Rio Grande will be high until early or mid-July.  Choose the Taos Box for the more adventurous, or the Racecourse for a half day of fun.”