"We can't get the Chama out of our minds ... It was without doubt one of the best holidays we have ever had and we cannot thank you enough for having organized it all so brilliantly. All our expectations and more were met - the sheer beauty of the river, the landscape of the wilderness, the sound of the water, camping under the stars (and a full moon to boot!), hiking up that beautiful canyon, not to mention the fantastic food we ate wherever we stopped - the steaks, the corn, the breakfast burritos, the succulently seared salmon - oh, it's been the stuff of our dreams ... The trip was UNFORGETTABLE!"
Christopher Sykes &
Isabella Bywater
Yorkshire, England
Chama River Full Day Rafting Adventure
The Chama is one of America's most beautiful Wild and Scenic Rivers. This magnificent sandstone canyon, with its fantastic rock formations, was made famous by the painter Georgia O'Keeffe, who lived nearby.
We begin the trip just downstream of the Christ in the Desert monastery. The current carries us ten miles past cliffs towering up to 1500 feet, striped in vivid shades of pink, vermilion, yellow, and white. Lush cottonwood groves feather the river’s edge.
The rapids are rated easy Class 3. We take out upstream of Abiquiu reservoir, north of the village of Abiquiu.
FUNYAK IT! Try paddling your own inflatable one-person or two-person miniature raft, accompanied by a guide. Also known as duckies, funyaks are stable and easy to maneuver. You will get a comprehensive lesson at the beginning of the trip. The Chama is perfect for first-time funyakers who want a bit of excitement. NO EXTRA CHARGE!
WHITEWATER RATING: Class 3
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM AGE: 6.
MEET: Piedra Lumbre visitor center.
SEASON: Variable: Usually April to mid-June, and mid-July to early September. Groups only.
PRICE: $109 adults, $99 children 12 and under. Does not include tax and federal user fee. Group discount available, extra discount for school and Scout groups.
WE PROVIDE: All rafting and safety equipment including life-jacket, helmet if desired, waterproof jacket and pants, transportation to and from meeting place, generous deli-style buffet lunch including chips and salsa, build-your-own-sandwich, fresh fruit, cookies, and soft drinks and juice. Wetsuit rental $10. Neoprene booties rental $5.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – CHAMA ONE-DAY:
Will I be in an oar boat or a paddle boat?
Most people prefer a paddle boat, where participants power the boat following the guide's instructions. You will be in a paddle boat unless you request an oar boat, where the guide is in full control of the boat and you can choose to paddle or just hang on.
Do I have to know how to swim?
Risk is higher for non-swimmers. You must be able to assist in your own rescue in the event you fall out of the boat – which is unlikely on the Chama.
Can my child go if he/she is below the recommended minimum age?
Maybe. It's a recommendation, not a rule. If your child is well-grown, adventurous, and a good swimmer, we will consider it. Please phone to discuss it with us.
What if the weather's bad?
We don't cancel because of rain: usually it doesn't last long.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
Not in a raft. Helmet are compulsory for funyakers.
What exactly does lunch consist of?
As soon as we hit the beach, we provide chips and salsa and drinks (sodas, juice, and water) while the guides prepare a fresh sandwich buffet. Typically we have two or three choices of bread (whole wheat, rye, sourdough, etc.); sliced meats (roast beef, turkey, ham); sliced cheese (cheddar and mozzarella); fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, red onions, lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, and avocadoes; and condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard, hot sauce, green chile, salt and pepper. Have more than one sandwich if you like! This is followed by freshly sliced fruit such as pineapple or melon and cookies.
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