New Mexico whitewater, Rio Chama Rio Arriba county, El Vado Lake to Abiquiu Reservoir section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS I-III     33 miles   I am inquiring about any public access points to put in and take out a raft on the Rio Chama without a permit. Are the Chavez Canyon put in and the Big Eddy take out open right now with all of the Covid restrictions in place? Thank you, Brooke Kirby beymbers@gmail. Com Says Brooke Kirby Permitted section through wilderness.  Rapids are fairly easy (II+), but scenery is first rate.  The run can and has been done in a day, but better to     take your time.   Fairly long shuttle can be set up at put-in.  We usually combine this with the Monastery to Big Eddy run below. Says Cullen Hallmark The El Vado Lake to Abiquiu Reservoir section of Rio Chama in New Mexico is 33 miles long and is a class I-III section of whitewater according to American Whitewater. The nature scenery of New Mexico and the cool fresh water are reasons enough to come here and paddle. Getting your paddling muscles activated and just hanging out with mother nature are great attractions for lots of people. Not too many hotels nearby, you'll have to drive a bit to get to one, and if you make reservations in advance you're   all set. The put-in location is a short drive from Espanola, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. Whitewater paddling here in the San Juan and Jemez Mountains is a great experience. A stretch of this length does require some preparations, perfect for a real wilderness adventure. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way there are not so many other good spots for that around here. Whitewater rafting and kayaking in New Mexico is often easier than elsewhere, so keep in mind that the rivers in this state are less demanding. Rio Chama, El Vado Lake to Abiquiu Reservoir road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Rio Chama.   Whitewater Near Rio Chama: Rio Chama, Rio Arriba County, 5 miles away       Class II-III - 7 miles long (Monastary to Big Eddy) Rio Chama, Rio Arriba County, 9 miles away       Class I-III - 33 miles long (El Vado Lake to Abiquiu Reservoir) Rio Chama, Rio Arriba County, 17 miles away       Class I-III - 15 miles long (Los Ojos to El Vado Lake) Rio Chama, Rio Arriba County, 19 miles away       Class I-II - 25 miles long (Abiquiu Dam to confluence with Rio Grande) Rio de los Brazos, Rio Arriba County, 20 miles away       Class I-III - 9 miles long (Corkins Lodge to confluence with Rio Chama) Rio Chama, Rio Arriba County, 24 miles away       Class I-II - 15 miles long (Chama to Los Ojos)   Ski Areas Near Rio Chama: Pajarito Mountain, New Mexico , 36 miles away, 1410 foot drop, 7 lifts, 37 runs Wolf Creek, Colorado , 58 miles away, 1604 foot drop, 7 lifts, 77 runs Ski Santa Fe, New Mexico , 69 miles away, 1725 foot drop, 7 lifts, 69 runs Sandia Peak, New Mexico , 71 miles away, 1700 foot drop, 6 lifts, 30 runs Sipapu, New Mexico , 78 miles away, 1055 foot drop, 4 lifts, 31 runs Taos, New Mexico , 84 miles away, 2612 foot drop, 13 lifts, 110 runs Red River, New Mexico , 87 miles away, 1600 foot drop, 7 lifts, 58 runs Angel Fire, New Mexico , 96 miles away, 2077 foot drop, 7 lifts, 74 runs   Hotels Near Rio Chama: Comfort Inn & Suites Los Alamos, Los Alamos , 40 miles away Holiday Inn Express & Suites LOS ALAMOS ENTRADA PARK, Los Alamos , 42 miles away Hampton Inn - Suites Los Alamos, White Rock , 46 miles away The Inn At The Delta, Espanola , 47 miles away Santa Claran Hotel, Espanola , 48 miles away   Campgrounds Near Rio Chama: Rio Chama, Coyote, 5 miles away Echo Campground, Rio Arriba County, 10 miles away El Vado Lake State Park, Cebolla, 11 miles away   Public Lands Near Rio Chama: Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos - NM , 42 miles away Santa Fe National Historic Trail, Santa Fe - NM , 58 miles away El Vado Lake State Park, New Mexico , 14 miles away Heron Lake State Park, New Mexico , 16 miles away Fenton Lake State Park, New Mexico , 31 miles away   Lakes Near Rio Chama El Vado Reservoir, Rio Arriba , 10 miles away Heron Reservoir, Rio Arriba , 14 miles away