Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River

The Rio Chama is a major tributary of the Río Grande flowing through a multi-colored sandstone canyon in northern New Mexico, in Rio Arriba County. The Congressionally designated 24.6-mile Wild and Scenic River section features canyon walls rising up to 1,500 feet, towering cliffs, and heavily wooded side canyons. Co-managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service, it is a premier destination for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Boating requires advanced skill due to dangerous rapids and cold water conditions.