About Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River
The Rio Chama, a major tributary of the Río Grande, flows through a multi-colored sandstone canyon whose walls increase to 1,500 feet above the river as you travel downstream. Co-managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), 24.6 miles of the river is Congressionally designated as a Wild and Scenic River and flows through the Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area managed by the BLM, and the Chama River Canyon Wilderness managed by the USFS. Towering cliffs, heavily wooded side canyons, and historical sites offer an outstanding wild river backdrop for the angler or boater. To protect the river environment from overuse, and to maintain an opportunity for a high-quality experience, boating is limited to set number of boaters per day. There is a lottery system to assign launch dates. LOTTERY INFORMATION Because of the demand for trips in late spring and summer, the BLM uses a lottery system to reserve weekend (Friday-Saturday) launch dates from April 15 through September 15. Please not that for a launch after September 15 and before April 15, no advance reservation is required – you simply show up at the launch site, fill out a registration form, pay the fees, and go. Rio Chama Lottery
How to Get There
El Vado Ranch is reached via NM 112 from US 84 near Tierra Amarilla. Forest Road 151 just north of Ghost Ranch on US 84 reaches the lower part of the river. Forest Road 151 is a dirt road and not easily accessible when wet.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River
Heading to Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River?
No central reservation system listed for Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/14575) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River?
El Vado Ranch is reached via NM 112 from US 84 near Tierra Amarilla. Forest Road 151 just north of Ghost Ranch on US 84 reaches the lower part of the river. Forest Road 151 is a dirt road and not easily accessible when wet.
How do I contact Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River?
You can reach the park at phone: 575-758-8851 or email: blm_nm_tafo_admin@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
