by Paul W. Bauer, published 2021
The 135-mile Rio Chama of northern New Mexico is a major tributary of the Rio Grande. From its alpine headwaters at the Continental Divide of the glaciated San Juan Mountains in southern Colorado, this hidden gem flows across the Colorado Plateau in a spectacular canyon cut into Mesozoic seimentary rocks, in places up to 1,500 feet deep. Towering, vibrant, sandstone cliffs, heavily wooded side canyons, superb camping, and a diversity of historical sites offer an outstanding wild river backdrop for the boater, angler, hiker or camper.
This book contains detailed river maps of the navigable sections of the Rio Chama, plus its three resplendent reservoirs, from the Colorado headwaters to its confluence with the Rio Grande near Espanola. Not all of the sections are suitable for recreational rafting and kayaking, but all are worthy of exploration. The Chama Canyon section, below El Vado Damand through the Chama Canyon Wilderness, is one of the finest, multi-day, whitewater trips in the Southwest.
While the focus of the guide is on geology and landscape, the guide is packed with information and photos on geography, hydrology, climate, boating safety, river management, and much more. Providing detailed information on access and trails, history and landscape, this guide is also an invaluable resource for hikers, anglers, cyclists, day trippers, historians, philosophers, and casual visitors.