Rio Chama
Multi-day
Embark on the ultimate wilderness adventure with Santa Fe Rafting Co.'s Rio Chama Overnight White Water Rafting Trip – a unique and immersive experience designed for individuals, friends and family seeking the thrill of white-water rapids combined with the serenity of camping in the breathtaking red canyon walls of Rio Chama.
​
Trip Highlights
​
Duration: 3 days and 2 nights
​
-
Camping: Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Rio Chama with overnight camping in carefully selected sites, providing a completely unique nature experience.
​
-
Cuisine: Indulge in Santa Fe Rafting Co.'s renowned feast-style meals, featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared with fresh ingredients, ensuring you're fueled for each day of adventure.
​
-
Campfires: Enjoy the warmth of nightly campfires (in compliance with fire bans), creating the perfect atmosphere to share stories and connect with fellow adventurers.
​
-
Canyon Rapids & Floating: Boat through Class II-III rapids in canyons, including Aragon and Skull Bridge, with stretches of calm water for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
Itinerary
​
Day 1: Our journey begins with a scenic drive from Santa Fe to the put-in at Cooper's, just below El Vado Dam. Before hitting the river, we'll stop at the iconic Bode's, where you can grab last-minute essentials like burritos, coffee, sunscreen, snacks, beverages, sunglasses, and souvenirs.
​
Upon arrival at the put-in (Cooper's), our expert guides will rig the boats while you and your guests take a leisurely stroll along the El Vado bridge, soaking in the surroundings. Once the boats are packed with all our gear for this 3-day river trip, everyone will put on their personal gear and your guides will give you a detailed safety speech and run down on what to expect on the river.
​
Camp Setup: Upon reaching camp, guests can participate in setting up their campsites while our crew begins preparations for the kitchen, bathroom facilities, campfire, and entertainment. The length of each day's rafting adventure will depend on available campgrounds, all of which promise beautiful and unique nature experiences.
​
Day 2: After a hearty breakfast and breaking down camp, we gear up for another exhilarating day on the Rio Chama. The morning air is crisp as we embark on the river once again, the sound of rushing water setting the rhythm for the day ahead. As always we will find a nice spot to stop and have lunch and plan on our take-out for our night 2 of camping.
​
Camp Setup:
Upon reaching our campsite for the second night, guests will set up tents and establish our campsite. Once camp is set, and the whether permits, there's time for activities like tubing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the river.
As evening approaches, we'll gather around the campfire for a warm dinner, share stories, and enjoy each other's company. After a satisfying meal, it's time for a good night's sleep in preparation for Day 3's adventure.
​
Day 3: The third day brings us through the most thrilling rapids of the trip, including Skull Bridge and the Gaging Station. Prepare for an adventure through the heart of Rio Chama. We'll take out at Big Eddy, where we'll rig the trip for the drive back to Santa Fe. We aim to return to town around 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm, concluding an unforgettable overnight Rafting experience.
​
We provide dry bags for your personal gear and have guides who will row your gear to each campsite while you paddle with your friends and family. This is a perfect trip for the family, friends, business retreats, reunions, anniversaries, birthdays, or graduations to name a few occasions.
​
Book now online or call us for more details and join us for this unparalleled journey, where the thrill of white-water rafting meets the tranquility of camping in the stunning wilderness of Rio Chama.
​
SFR 2025 CHAMA OVERNIGHT LAUNCH DATES
MAY 2-4, 2025
JULY 18-20, 2025 (DEAF TRIP)
AUGUST 8-10, 2025
AUGUST 15-17, 2025
AUGUST 22-24, 2025
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This extended excursion offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the river and its surroundings, providing an escape from the ordinary. As a multi-day trip, it's a chance to create lasting memories with friends and family, surrounded by the tranquility and serenity of the Rio Chama.
​
Frequently Asked Questions:
​
Q: How Do I Book a Trip?
A: To secure your spot on the multi-day Rio Chama it is best to call the Santa Fe Rafting Company office. Due to the intricacies of planning multi-day trips and specific launch dates during the summer, it's recommended to reach out directly to inquire about available weekends in May, July, and August. If you know your launch date and are ready to commit, online booking is available and you may go ahead and book your reservation.
​
Q: What Does SFR Provide?
A: Santa Fe Rafting Company ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience by providing essential gear for your journey. If needed, we offer Paco Pads (sleeping pads) for a good night's rest. We have limited amount of tents (we encourage guests to bring their own tent if you can) We provide dry bags for all guests to keep all your belongings safe and secure during the adventure. We also provide all coolers to keep food and beverages cold, bathroom facilities, campfire and safety equipment.
​
Q: How Many People Can I Bring?
A: The permits for overnight trips allow for up to 18 guests on the river. It's advisable to book and confirm your spot as early as possible to ensure ample room for your family and friends. These coveted spots fill up quickly, and securing yours in advance guarantees you and your loved ones have a seat!
​
Q: Does SFR Accommodate Food Restrictions?
A: Absolutely. Santa Fe Rafting Company understands the importance of catering to diverse dietary needs. We are well-versed in creating menus that accommodate various food restrictions, ensuring that everyone on the trip can enjoy delicious and satisfying meals. Please let us know upon booking what you can and can not eat.
​
Q: What if I encounter wild animals on my trip?
A: If you encounter wild animals during your Rio Chama Overnight Rafting Trip, including rattlesnakes, it's crucial to prioritize safety and respect their space. Avoid any attempts to touch or interact with them. In the event of encountering a rattlesnake, calmly back away while making vibrations on the ground to encourage them to move away. Under no circumstances should you attempt to handle or remove the snake, as this can be dangerous.
Q: Where do I urinate during the trip?
A: To maintain the ecological balance of the Rio Chama Overnight trip in our arid desert climate, we kindly request that all participants urinate directly into the river rather than on the beach or into the surrounding vegetation. This helps preserve the natural environment and prevents unpleasant odors during breaks. Some participants may also opt to bring a small bucket to keep by their tent for emergency nighttime use if they do not feel comfortable walking down to the river in the dark. The contents of the bucket should then be responsibly emptied into the river in the morning, ensuring the campgrounds remain waste-free. For other bodily needs, our guides will ensure the setup of a safe and hygienic bathroom system at the campsite.
​
This multi-day Chama River trip with Santa Fe Rafting Company promises to be an extraordinary and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, navigate the river's twists and turns, and create lasting memories with a team of experienced guides dedicated to making your adventure safe, enjoyable, and tailored to your needs. Book your spot now for an unparalleled journey down the Rio Chama.
​
