Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River The Rio Chama, a major tributary of the Rio Grande, flows through a
multi-colored sandstone canyon whose walls grow to 1,500 feet. The river runs through areas that
are designated as wilderness or as wilderness study areas. Towering cliffs, heavily wooded side
canyons, and historical sites offer an outstanding wild river backdrop for the angler or float
boater. Co-managed by BLM and the U.S. Forest Service, the Rio Chama offers the perfect family
weekend, with something for everyone - paddling, trout fishing, hiking, exploring dinosaur tracks,
and simply relaxing in the shade. The Rio Chama is a Wild and Scenic River, and was designated by
Congress in 1988. To protect the river environment and maintain an opportunity for a high quality
experience, boating use has been limited since 1990. Because of the demand for trips in late spring
and summer, there is a lottery system to assign launch dates. (See "Boating Information" below.)
Activities Boating, camping, fishing, hiking/backpacking, wildlife viewing. Fishing is especially
good on the upper mile of this river segment. Car camping is popular on the lower 8 miles, and
float boaters enjoy two- or three-day trips on Class II rapids on the entire 31-mile segment
(advance permits required), or half-day trips on the lower segment (no advance permits required).
Facilities Restrooms and drinking water are located at El Vado Ranch. Location & Access El Vado
Ranch is reached via NM 112 from US 84 near Tierra Amarilla. Forest Road 151 just north of Ghost
Ranch on US 84 reaches the lower part of the river. Forest Road 151 is dirt and not easily
accessible when wet. Boating Information The BLM manages a 31-mile stretch of the Rio Chama - from
El Vado Ranch to the Big Eddy takeout. Another put-in/put-out spot is Chavez Canyon, which is about
22.25 miles from El Vado Ranch and 8.25 miles from the Big Eddy takeout. Click here for a detailed
description of this Rio Chama segment. * Private or Self-Guided Trips / Chavez Canyon -- No advance
reservation or fees are required for day trips launching from Chavez Canyon, just below the
Monastery. All you need to do for this day-run is fill out a boater registration form with the BLM
before you launch. * Launch Lottery / Summer Season -- BLM's Taos Field Office administers a
lottery to distribute weekend launch dates from May 1 through Labor Day. Applications are due
before January 31. The office accepts telephone reservations for weekday launches after April 1. To
apply for a lottery-assigned launch date, you must be at least 18 years old, fill out the postcard
completely and send it back with a check for $6 made out to "USDI-BLM." Please submit 1 application
per individual. You will increase your chance for success if you put down more than 1 choice for a
lottery-assigned launch. By March 1, we will notify all applicants by return postcard of their
launch date, if their application was drawn, or that they were unsuccessful. If a trip leader must
cancel, he/she can transfer the permit to another member of the group, or can give the launch up so
that BLM can reassign it to someone on our waiting list. If you were unsuccessful in the lottery,
please call April 1 or later to put your name on a waiting list. You may specify up to 3 dates; if
a cancellation occurs, we will notify you by telephone. All boaters, regardless of season, must
fill out a boater registration form at the launch site, pay BLM a $5 fee per person, and any fees
required by the owners of the launch site (El Vado, aka Cooper's Ranch, 505.588.7354). Seasons *
Summer Season, May 1-Sept. 4 Launches between May 1 and September 4 require an advance reservation.
Weekends are assigned by lottery and weekdays by telephone reservation. Flows are highly variable,
based on water availability, irrigation demand, and rainfall. Please watch for flow information on
the USGS website or call 1-888-882-6188 for a recording that includes flow status. You may also use
this telephone number after April 1 to place a weekday launch reservation. * Winter Season, Sept.
5-April 30 No advance reservations are required. However, minimum flows are around 100 cfs. Please
self register at the put-in with the number of people in your group. River Flow Information River
Flow Levels -- River flow levels are unpredictable, so boaters should monitor the USGS website, or
contact BLM, for current information. o USGS Water Resource Division - New Mexico District
nm.water.usgs.gov. o BLM 888.882.6188 (Recorded Message). Rio Chama flows for September, 2007 are
expected to be 600 CFS every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the end of the month. No advance
permits are required. Planning Your Trip We highly recommend that you obtain a copy of the Guide to
Wild & Scenic Rio Chama, published by the Public Land Interpretive Association (formerly known
as the Southwest Natural and Cultural Heritage Association). Copies are available at the Public
Land Information Center, at 1474 Rodeo Road in Santa Fe (BLM's New Mexico State Office), or by mail
from PLIC (505-438-7542). A new edition was published May 1999. Most outfitted trips on the Rio
Chama last two days, beginning at Cooper's Ranch just below El Vado Dam and ending 31 miles
downstream at Big Eddy takeout. Day trips are also available which last about 5 hours. The river
passes through designated wilderness on the upper stretches; the lower section is lightly developed
and very scenic. Commercial river outfitters are permitted by the BLM to provide trips to the
public. All companies meet strict guidelines for equipment safety and guide experience. You may
also take your own (or rented) boat down these rivers. Please review BLM's recommended river safety
tips. Edit

Edit

How did this run get verified if it has no real description?

The upper section put in is on private land and a fee is required. Cooper Ranch Telephone 505 588
7354. This sections is managed as wilderness and a permit is required and a $5 launch fee per
person, max of 16 per trip. The lower section along forest service road 151 is a day run no permit
required or launch fee.

I would think the "entire" trip description could take more than one sentence!