Trail access is poor here above the colorful sandstone bluffs and lovely rock formations that rise to high rims on both sides of the river. Water levels vary depending on releases from the El Vado Lake Dam upstream, but the river can usually be floated, with portages, all the way from the Colorado border to the Rio Grande through the rainbow-hued Chama River Canyon. In some places you can hike along beside the Chama River. Secluded wooded campsites can be found in the canyon on high-water beaches. Trout fishing in the river may be excellent.
Wildlife species known to live here include mule deer, black bear, elk, coyotes and mountain lions.
Most of the Wilderness lies in the Santa Fe National Forest with 2,900 acres in the Carson National Forest. Northern New Mexico. The Wilderness boundary lies downstream several miles. This office sells maps of all the national forestland of New Mexico. Santa Fe National Forest 1474 Rodeo Rd.