New Mexico whitewater, Rio Chama Rio Arriba county, Monastary to Big Eddy section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II-III     7 miles   Beautiful run through forgiving rapids.  Can be run if USGS gauge above Abiquiu Lake has a reading above 300 cfs, but best between 500-1700 cfs.  Really more of a canoe or raft run than a kayaking run.  Rapids tend to wash out at higher levels.  Good USFS campgrounds along the river. Says Cullen Hallmark The put-in is not too far from Espanola, there's a road map further down the page with more info on that. Whitewater rafting and     kayaking in this state is often easier than elsewhere, so better not forget that quite a few of the sections in this state are pretty easy. The scenic beauty of Rio Arriba County and the playfulness of the water will make you feel great. You might have to settle for a hotel a bit away from the river if you want to stay the night, but you'd better reserve in advance because these hotels fill up quick. This section is long enough to enjoy a good non stop paddle, good for a one day paddling trip. This river system is full of great paddling stretches, the Monastary to Big Eddy stretch is just one of them. This section of Rio Chama in New Mexico is 7 miles long   and is rated by American Whitewater as a class II-III section. You might be into whitewater rafting or kayaking or both, doesn't matter, this is an area with not too many other rivers for that. The beauty of the San Juan and Jemez Mountains is a great plus for this river. The campgrounds here at Rio Chama are pretty good. Getting some good exercise and just hanging out with mother nature will have you coming back for more. Briefly about the general area: Going for a hike on the Encino Trail is always a fine adventure, and if you're here why not go to Ojitos Canyon. If you like the outdoors you'll like it here in the San Juan and Jemez Mountains. Rio Chama, Monastary to Big Eddy 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, 4 miles away       Class II-III - 7 miles long (Monastary to Big Eddy) Rio Chama, Rio Arriba County, 15 miles away       Class I-II - 25 miles long (Abiquiu Dam to confluence with Rio Grande) Rio Chama, Rio Arriba County, 15 miles away       Class I-III - 33 miles long (El Vado Lake to Abiquiu Reservoir) Rio Chama, Rio Arriba County, 23 miles away       Class I-III - 15 miles long (Los Ojos to El Vado Lake) Rio de los Brazos, Rio Arriba County, 25 miles away       Class I-III - 9 miles long (Corkins Lodge to confluence with Rio Chama) Jemez River, Sandoval County, 28 miles away       Class -blank- - 50 miles long (Battleship Rock to Zia Pueblo)   Ski Areas Near Rio Chama: Pajarito Mountain, New Mexico , 30 miles away, 1410 foot drop, 7 lifts, 37 runs Wolf Creek, Colorado , 64 miles away, 1604 foot drop, 7 lifts, 77 runs Sandia Peak, New Mexico , 65 miles away, 1700 foot drop, 6 lifts, 30 runs Ski Santa Fe, New Mexico , 65 miles away, 1725 foot drop, 7 lifts, 69 runs Sipapu, New Mexico , 76 miles away, 1055 foot drop, 4 lifts, 31 runs Taos, New Mexico , 83 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 , 94 miles away, 2077 foot drop, 7 lifts, 74 runs   Hotels Near Rio Chama: Comfort Inn & Suites Los Alamos, Los Alamos , 34 miles away Holiday Inn Express & Suites LOS ALAMOS ENTRADA PARK, Los Alamos , 37 miles away Hampton Inn - Suites Los Alamos, White Rock , 41 miles away The Inn At The Delta, Espanola , 43 miles away Santa Claran Hotel, Espanola , 44 miles away   Campgrounds Near Rio Chama: Rio Chama, Coyote, 3 miles away Echo Campground, Rio Arriba County, 7 miles away Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center, Canones, 11 miles away   Trails Near Rio Chama: Hart Trail, Rio Arriba , 8 miles away Encino Trail, Rio Arriba , 12 miles away San Pedro Parks Trail, Rio Arriba , 16 miles away Redonda Trail, Rio Arriba , 17 miles away Upper Gallina River Trail, Rio Arriba , 17 miles away   Public Lands Near Rio Chama: Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos - NM , 36 miles away Santa Fe National Historic Trail, Santa Fe - NM , 53 miles away El Vado Lake State Park, New Mexico , 20 miles away Heron Lake State Park, New Mexico , 23 miles away Fenton Lake State Park, New Mexico , 26 miles away   Lakes Near Rio Chama El Vado Reservoir, Rio Arriba , 16 miles away Heron Reservoir, Rio Arriba , 20 miles away