Chama River Canyon Wilderness

Located in the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests in new Mexico.

This 50,300-acre wilderness created in 1978 includes a 6-mile segment of the Chama River with the many-hued sandstone bluffs rising to high rims on both sides. This river segment is included within the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Trail access is poor. A wide range of elevations and aspects from riverside to canyon rim provides numerous micro climates bearing pinion-juniper woodland, ponderosa pine, and fir. River water levels vary widely as water is held or released by the El Vado lake dam upstream. The Coyote Ranger District of the Santa Fe and Canjilon Ranger District of the Carson National Forest are nearest to the wilderness and can supply information.

For more information contact: Santa Fe or Carson National Forests.