Rio Chama WSA

Location: Northern New Mexico

Elevation Range: 6,600-7,500 feet 

BLM Acreage: 12,671 acres
 
Description: 
The Rio Chama WSA is located in northern New Mexico. The landscape consists of gently rolling sagebrush-covered plains and a 900 foot deep canyon of colorful siltstone and sandstone carved by the Rio Chama. Piñon woodlands cover the hills, and forests of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir cover the north facing slopes. The diversity of habitat types provide for a variety of wildlife. This scenic area includes excellent opportunities for river rafting; the Rio Chama is designated as a Wild and Scenic River. (Click here to visit the Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River site.) This WSA is adjacent to the Chama River Canyon Wilderness, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Access:
From Highway 84, about 31 miles north of Abiquiu, turn west on NM 221 in the town of Cebolla.  Where the pavement ends at a T intersection, turn right on County Road 303 and drive for just over 8 miles, where the road becomes the boundary of the WSA on the left side of the road.  The WSA can also be reached by rafting the Rio Chama.

This is a dirt road requiring suitable clearance; however, the road may be impassible when muddy conditions exist. Please note that conditions of roads can change at any time due to weather. Drivers should avoid dirt roads during rain or snow. Drivers should be cautious of wash-out following rain or snowmelt.

There are no marked trails in this WSA.  Visitors must possess knowledge and skill in cross country hiking and navigating. 

 

Contact Information
Taos Field Office
226 Cruz Alta Road
Taos, NM  87571
(575) 758-8851

Photo of Rio Chama WSA
Map of Rio Chama WSA