Rafting on the Rio Chama – Full Day Trip
Rafting on the Rio Chama
Rafting on the Rio Chama is the perfect “relax and recharge” kind of trip. Some whitewater rafting trips, like the Taos Box, have bigger rapids, that require constant attention, without much time to relax in between rapids. However, the Rio Chama is a different kind of rafting trip. It’s calm, yet flowing. The rapids are fun, but not demanding. Rafting on the Rio Chama is invigorating with cool breezes, wide open skies, warm sun, and crisp, cool water. It’s perfect for beginners and first timers, children, adults, and seniors.
When life calls for a slower, more contemplative pace, or the desire to disconnect from all of the cares of the day and just ‘be’, you’ll enjoy a day of river rafting on the Rio Chama. Relax and unwind as you coast your way through some of the most majestic scenery New Mexico has to offer. Your senses will feast on the beauty and serenity all around as you ease your way down the Rio Chama. Far from ordinary, the Rio Chama is extraordinary.
Day trips near Santa Fe
This full-day trip begins about 70 miles northwest of Santa Fe in the red rock country of northern New Mexico. Just minutes from the historic Ghost Ranch and historically and culturally significant village of Abiquiu, NM. You’ll float about nine miles in relatively tame waters, navigating through class II and easy class III rapids through the land and scenery that inspired artist Georgia O’Keeffe. The multi-colored cliffs along the Chama are among the most beautiful and dramatic views in New Mexico.
Halfway through the trip, you’ll be ready for a healthy, all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, freshly prepared by your Kokopelli guides on the banks of the Rio Chama. Once refreshed and satisfied after your lunch break, the journey continues as you run more playful rapids until reaching the takeout point.
Kokopelli Rafting Adventures owner, Kelly Gossett, describes his love for the Rio Chama,
“The Chama is casual, almost ‘effortless.’ It’s good for the spirit. It’s grounding. It’s connecting. It honors a simpler time and simpler way of living. Provides solitude and serenity. And when I want a peaceful, calming day with my friends or some contemplative time alone, I want to be on the Rio Chama. It has everything I need, and nothing I don’t.”
Rafting on the Rio Chama can be done in a paddleboat or an oar-powered raft, which allows more time to take in the sights.
The Rio Chama day trip is typically runnable on weekends when water is being released from the El Vado Dam.

Price: $124* per adult (13+), $105* per child (Age 5-12)*
Duration: 5-6 hours from Bodes or 7-8 Hours from Santa Fe
Meeting Location: Kokopelli Rafting – Santa Fe, NM @ 8:15 am
or Bodes General Store – Abiquiu, NM @ 9:30 am
Meeting Time: 8:15 AM or 9:30 AM
Difficulty: Class II – III-
Minimum age: 5 years old
2022 Season: This section is unlikely to run in 2022-2023 due to dam construction at El Vado Reservoir. Please call for additional information.
Includes: Guide, Gear, Transportation, and Snack
Participant Requirements: Must be in generally good physical fitness, have the ability to brace yourself inside the raft, and paddle periodically as requested by the guide. Must be age 5 and up. Participants over 225 lbs in weight require additional screening.
5-Person Minimum: Rafting on the Rio Chama has a 5-person minimum (cumulative among all parties). If the 5-person minimum is not met, Kokopelli Rafting Adventures reserves the right to move participants to a similar full-day rafting trip.
*Prices do not include taxes or federal user fees.