Rio Chama
Wild & Scenic
Rio Arriba Co. · 33 mi · Class II
359CFS/ 3.24 ft
Optimal
Stable
Optimal: 300–1500 CFS · USGS #08284100
Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
33 mi
Length
Class II
Difficulty
300–1500 cfs
Optimal
580 cfs
Avg Flow
520 cfs
Hist. Median
#08284100
USGS Gauge
National Wild & Scenic River · Santa Fe National Forest

Thirty-three miles of Wild & Scenic wilderness float through Georgia O'Keeffe country — the Rio Chama canyon is a living painting of red, yellow, and white sedimentary walls that inspired decades of O'Keeffe's most iconic work. Class II–III whitewater through the Santa Fe National Forest with no roads, no development, and canyon walls that shift color with every hour of light.

Trip sections
El Vado Ranch to Skull Bridge — 11 mi, Class II, canyon entry through red walls
Skull Bridge to Christ in the Desert — 11 mi, Class II–III, deepest canyon and monastery
Christ in the Desert to Big Eddy — 11 mi, Class II, widening canyon to takeout
Outfitters
Far Flung Adventures
Rio Chama wilderness float trips
New Wave Rafting
Rio Chama multi-day guided trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.