Approximate location — plotted from published sources, not a site visit, and not a guarantee of access.
About 24.6 miles of the Rio Chama are designated Wild and Scenic where the river cuts multi-colored sandstone walls up to 1,500 feet high. BLM manages the upper corridor from El Vado Ranch toward Chavez Canyon; the Forest Service manages adjoining wilderness canyon miles. Overnight boating on the upper stretch requires a lottery permit through Recreation.gov.