The Rio Chama Posted On: January 10, 2023 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Rio Chama Tagged In: New Mexico rafting, New Wave Rafting, Rio Chama Our other river is the Rio Chama. It joins the Rio Grande at Española, just 20 miles to the south of our headquarters in Embudo. Additionally the Rio Grande runs through mainly volcanic scenery . Read More…
Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River Posted On: July 23, 2022 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Rio Chama Tagged In: New Mexico rafting, Rio Chama, Rio Chama rafting, Wild and Scenic The Rio Chama is 120 miles long, beginning in the southern San Juan Mountains of South-Central Colorado. It joins the Rio Grande near Espanola, NM. In 1978, the Rio Chama was designated as part of the Santa Fe National Forest as wilderness. In addition, 31 miles of the river were further protected as a Federal Wild and Scenic River in 1988. Commercial outfitters must have a special use permit issued by the Bureau of Land Management. However, private boaters float the section downstream of the Christ in the Desert Monastery without a permit, but overnight float trips on the Wild portion (above the Monastery) require permits. A float down the river offers access to many interesting side canyons, with trails leading to peaks and mesa tops. This area of New Mexico is characterized by multi-colored sandstone cliffs and cottonwood groves along the river which was made famous by the paintings of Georgia O’Keefe In addition, many bird species depend on the water and riparian vegetation. Seen along the river are various raptors as well as ducks, mergansers, Canada geese and great blue heron. Large number of Cliff and Violet Green swallows make their nests on the riverside cliffs. Also found along the river are bald and golden eagles, as well as hawks, owls, and falcons. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish regulate the fishing of the Rio Chama. Some species found in the Rio Chama include brown trout, Rio Grande chub, fathead minnow, rainbow trout, longnose dace, and carp. New Wave’s Rio Chama 1 day The Chama is a dam-release river therefore varies greatly from day to day. Thus, the duration of the trip varies accordingly. This trip is only available on Saturday or Sunday. A Buffet-style lunch, life jacket, rain gear, helmet, paddle and of course a professional guide are provided. Also, we can bring along funyaks at no extra cost in low water conditions (for those in good physical condition). Just ask. Visit Rio Chama at New Wave Rafting for reservations. See you on the Rio
The Rio Chama Experience Posted On: July 8, 2022 By: Britt Runyon Filed Under: Rio Chama Tagged In: family fun, Funyak, Rio Chama The Rio Chama is located in the area of New Mexico made famous in the paintings of Georgia O’Keefe. This is a very scenic full-day trip through the canyon of the lower Rio Chama is in the Santa Fe National Forest. The rafting trip is from the Christ of the Desert Monastery to the Big Eddy take-out, with Class 2 to 3 (easy to moderate) whitewater. This is the area of New Mexico characterized by multi-colored sandstone cliffs and cottonwood groves along the river. Funyaks are perfect for this trip. When to Raft The weekends in late June, July, August and the beginning of September are guaranteed release weekends. The water is released from El Vado dam starting on Friday at noon and shut down on the following Sunday. Therefore the assured days for rafting are Saturday and Sunday. Who Should Raft the Rio Chama This full day trip of the Rio Chama is perfect for the entire family. The minimum age is 5. Family Funyaks Single person Funyaks, as seen in the photo below, are a great addition to the rafting adventure. Visit New Wave Rafting for more information. See You on the Rio.