New Mexico whitewater - Rio Chama, San Juan and Jemez Mountains, Rio Arriba County
Rio Arriba
county,
Los Ojos to El Vado Lake section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.
CLASS I-III 15 miles
The Los Ojos to El Vado Lake section of Rio Chama in Rio Arriba County is 15 miles long and is a class I-III section of whitewater according to American Whitewater. Whitewater rafting and kayaking in New Mexico is often easier than elsewhere, so keep in mind that rivers here are less demanding. Not too many hotels nearby, you'll have to drive a bit to get to one, but you'd better reserve in advance because these hotels fill up quick. If you have the time you can make this a two day trip, so pack your camping stuff. Getting your paddling muscles activated
and just hanging out with mother nature have people coming from far and near. No matter if you're whitewater rafting or kayaking in this general area you'll find lots of paddling places. The scenic beauty of New Mexico and the cool fresh water have people coming here. The beautiful
San Juan and Jemez Mountains scenery is an added bonus. This is not the only paddling section in this river system, there are others too. The campgrounds here at Rio Chama are pretty good.
Briefly about the general area: Throughout the summertime, highs regularly are in the 80's at Rio Chama, and throughout summer nights temperatures are in the 40's. Throughout the winter highs are usually in the 30's, and after the sun is down throughout the wintertime temperatures at Rio Chama fall into the 0's. Not much rainfall falls here at Rio Chama; the month of August is the wettest with most of the rain, and May is when it's the driest.
12 miles away
The Branding Iron is centrally located in the scenic Chama Valley just 3/4 mile from the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway. Each of our spacious immaculate guest rooms offers in-room coffee service- ...
26 miles away
Pronounced Hick-ah-REE-ya, the Best Western Jicarilla Inn and Casino is located on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, surrounded by fabulous scenery, streams, mountains...
32 miles away
Beautiful 19-room Inn located in tranquil Chama River Valley setting. Guest rooms- suites- and casitas feature stunning Southwestern decor and luxurious beds with pillow-top mattresses. Many rooms wit...
All New Mexico Whitewater Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in New Mexico.Books about whitewater paddling on Rio Chama, New Mexico List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Rio Chama, New Mexico.Find a whitewater outfitter in New MexicoWhitewater Basics If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info.Outdoors Recreation Near Espanola, New Mexico Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Espanola, New Mexico, the metro area neareast to Rio Chama. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.
These outdoors activities are available near Rio Chama.