Below Chama, the river cuts through a spectacular canyon of red sandstone before eventually joining the Rio Grande. The Chama River Wilderness, protected since 1978, covers the most dramatic section — about 50 miles of canyon accessible primarily by raft or kayak, with limited hiking trails from the rim. The river is a Class II-III run with some technical sections, attractive to paddlers in the spring and early summer when water levels are up.
Guided raft trips depart from Abiquiu, about 60 miles south of Chama, for multi-day runs through the canyon. Shorter half-day trips are available closer to town on the calmer sections of the river above the wilderness boundary. The canyon walls glow in late afternoon light, and the area is famous for the quality of its sky — Georgia O'Keeffe painted the landscape around here repeatedly.