Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River Permits

The Rio Chama is about 120 miles long, beginning in the southern San Juan Mountains of south-central Colorado and joining the Rio Grande near Espanola, New Mexico. In 1978 the river was designated a State Scenic and Pastoral River, designating part of the Santa Fe National Forest as the Chama River Canyon Wilderness. Thirty-one miles of the river were further protected as a Federal Wild and Scenic River in 1988. Private boaters may float the Scenic portion of the Rio Chama, downstream from the Christ in the Desert Monastery, without a permit. Overnight float trips on the Wild portion above the Monastery require a permit from the Bureau of Land Management Taos Field Office. All commercial outfitters must have a special use permit, usually issued for the Rio Chama by that same office.