Spending time out on the water can be quite a serene experience, especially in a hidden gem like the Rio Chama River. Why not take a raft, a canoe, or a kayak, and hit the water for a paddling adventure in New Mexico you won’t soon forget?

The Rio Chama is a tributary of the Rio Grande River, 22 miles of which are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Dean Fikar/Dean Fikar via Getty Images
The Chama winds its way through the Chama River Canyon Wilderness in the northern part of the state.
New Mexico River Adventures/Facebook
Being out on the Rio Chama for a paddle is an absolutely magical experience. You'll get to float through the canyon with its 1,500-foot sandstone walls towering above.
New Mexico River Adventures/Facebook

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Many sections of the Rio Chama have tranquil waters so you can really take in the landscape and wilderness that surrounds you.
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Also, keep your eyes peeled for the ancient petroglyphs on the rocks if you're paddling in the section of the Rio Chama close to Taos.
New Mexico River Adventures/Facebook
If you want to spend some time on the water between El Vado Ranch to the Chavez Canyon, you can take a paddle adventure with a licensed outfitter on the Rio Chama.
BLM New Mexico/Flickr
Since the BLM oversees this section of the river, a permit is needed to access the water. You can either enter a lottery system or use a licensed outfitter.
New Mexico River Adventures/Facebook

 

Have you ever paddled along the Rio Chama in Taos? What is your favorite spot for a paddling adventure in New Mexico? Please mention it in the comments. To learn more about the Rio Chama, visit the U.S. Department of the Interior BLM website.

If you enjoy taking in the state’s scenery, take this 338-mile road trip to see some of the most scenic parts of New Mexico.

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Rio Chama, New Mexico, USA