Boating the Rio Chama Rio Chama River Segment Commercial river outfitters are permitted by the Bureau of Land Management to provide trips to the public.
All companies meet strict guidelines for equipment safety and guide experience.
The Rio Grande and Rio Chama Wild and Scenic Rivers in North-Central New Mexico offers some of the best whitewater opportunities in the State and are an easy one or two hour drive from Santa Fe. The Taos Box run is 17 miles long and takes 6 to 8 hours including stops for lunch and sightseeing. The rapids in the Box offer the best whitewater in New Mexico through one of the most scenic sections of the Rio Grande Gorge. The Lower Gorge begins at the Taos Junction Bridge in Orilla Verde Recreation Area and extends south for 18 miles. The most popular section is the Racecourse, a 5-mile stretch of whitewater located along State Highway 68 which offers an exciting ride that is not as demanding as the Taos Box.