Rafting the Rio Chama 2 Day Rafting Trip

River

Rio Chama

Duration

Multi Day

Minimum Age 6

Meals

yes

Price

$495

About the trip

Bring the entire family and join us on a 2 day Rio Chama rafting trip for the most scenic multiple day river trip in New Mexico.

Trip Highlights

22 miles through the Wild and Scenic Rio Chama Wilderness
Delicious meals prepared by your guides
Beautiful forested campsites beneath towering sandstone walls
A variety of crafts available to best suit your group

This trip meets at Bode’s General Store, an iconic landmark in Northern New Mexico. Bode’s has offered safe parking for Rio Chama rafters for decades. Bode’s is in the heart of the artists village of Abiquiu, NM which is a mere 1 hour drive from Santa Fe and 1.25 hour drive from Taos. Plan on arriving early to enjoy their famous breakfast burritos and grab any last minute items you may be missing including beer and drinks.

For directions to Bode’s General Store click here!

Frequently asked questions

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. For all our class 3 and above sections on the Rio Grande, you will also be issued a helmet.

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?
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.

Can I leave my dog with you?
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.

» Read all Rafting FAQ

» Plan Your Trip

» Trip Forms

REVIEWS

Fun in the Sun on the Chama! We did the three day float down the Rio Chama. We loved being out on the water with a great crew! The food was great, the scenery was spectacular. Our crew made our trip memorable as well as educational. They were the consummate professionals yet personable. Luke, Rachael, Eric and Austin worked together seamlessly. We worked like a well oiled machine. Luke was our trip leader and had a wealth of information of the area and history to share with us. He handled any situation that arose with care and diplomacy. He led us on a short hike through sagebrush and desert plant life. We had a NM folk band along with us that provided midday and evening entertainment. I was impressed with the helpful community we developed over the course of the trip where everyone pitched in to pack and unpack each day. I can't wait to take another trip with NMRA!!

Palma H
3 Day Rio Chama The 3 Day Rio Chama trip was stunning. Our guides Brenden and Jack were next level. The food was exquisite, the views were spectacular, and the people were phenomenal. I can’t wait to return to this beautiful river. If you love friends, good food, kayaking, tent camping, and a cold beer after a day in the water this is the perfect trip for you. Thank you for providing us an adventurous outlet after a long quarantine in a safe but fun manner. I highly suggest this trip to anyone looking. This is my second trip with this company and I continue to be beyond impressed with the organization, professionals, and overall experience. Also, I don’t think I ever saw my guides without a smile on their faces. What an amazing time.

Kristina W
I was looking for a "family rafting" experience for my daughter's first time rafting and New Mexico River Adventures came up in the search. We decided to go on the three day Rio Chama trip and it was fantastic. The staff was very helpful, attentive, and quick to answer any and all questions from the booking, to the COVID-19 procedures, to the day of rafting and the return. Our guides, Luke Stacy, and Eric, did an excellent job making sure we were safe, entertained, and well cared for during our time on and off the river. We had wonderful views, several hiking opportunities, and delicious meals provided and we all wouldn't hesitate to recommend New Mexico River Adventures to anyone and everyone.

Paul Uribe

WHAT TO EXPECT

We begin the 21 mile river trip outside of the alpine town of Chama, NM and float down into a stunning and colorful sandstone and limestone canyon finishing up 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 and that are so famous in many different artists works, such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams. Red, yellow and purple color bands are painted across the desert as the river flows past towering sandstone cliffs. This stretch of river hides many treasures within the high reaching walls like hot springs, homesteads, ancient Indian ruins, and dinosaur tracks perfectly preserved in Jurassic era mud to name a few.

On this 2 day Rio Chama rafting adventure, we will spend the night at a camp that is right on the river’s edge and backed up by excellent opportunities for hiking and the exploration of numerous side canyons and vistas. Sit back in one of our camp chairs and take in the sunset as the colors of the canyon walls change right before your eyes. Enjoy a cold drink as the guides pass around appetizers and prepare a gorgeous dinner and dessert. This is luxury camping in one of the most beautiful river canyons in the Southwestern United States.

Don’t worry if you don’t have your own tent, sleeping pad or sleeping bag. Just let one of our friendly staff know at the time of reservation and we’ll take care of everything. Our guides are the best in the business, focusing on safety and guest service as a top priority. All are extremely knowledgeable about the area’s geology, ecology and history and just love being on the river. Many with experience on rivers all over the country and across the globe, I know you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do and will certainly help to make your day on the river the best possible.

We highly recommend that the adventurous types opt for navigating the river in their own craft, an inflatable kayak. We always bring a large oar powered raft to carry the equipment needed for this incredible wilderness experience. Of course there will also be paddle boats that allow everyone the opportunity to be active in our voyage down this Wild and Scenic River. Minimum age for the 2 day Rio Chama rafting trip is 5 y/o; children should be adventurous and have some previous outdoor experiences. Groups of 4 or more may request Custom dates, subject to availability.

Gallery