New Mexico Outdoor 

Roughing It In Luxury-Abiquiu, New Mexico 505.901.7321

Rio Chama Canyon

Chama River Canyon


Chama River Canyon Wilderness, Santa Fe National Forest – New Mexico

 

Chama River by Tom Till Photo by Tom Till

Renowned painter Georgia O’Keefe found inspiration in this beautiful countryside. Start your hike near Abiquiu Reservoir at Skull Bridge but do not be deterred by the name because this 10.7-mile hike is short, easy, and very scenic with sandstones cliffs in warm reds and oranges. The Rio Chama is one of the most impressive rivers in New Mexico and attracts kayakers, rafters, and canoeists to the canyon. On the Trail, a gradual elevation gain into Ojitos Canyon provides a rewarding view of one of the most picturesque sites in all of New Mexico. This is also a popular trail for equestrians.

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 10.7-mile round trip as an out and back.

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Family Friendly Option

If you would like a shorter option head out on the Trail along the Chama River into Ojitos Canyon for 2 miles and turn around for a 4-mile round trip, out and back adventure.

 

Directions: From US 84, Forest Road 151 head west then northwest along the Rio Chama for 9.1 miles to Skull Bridge. The bridge is closed to vehicle traffic and can be accessed along a dirt road coinciding with the CDT.

Maps: USGS 7.5 Quadrangles: Echo Amphitheater, Laguna Peak

--> Download Echo Amphitheater Quad
--> Download Laguna Peak Quad

Text and Pic from Continental Divide Trail Alliance

This hike IS part of our leg this year from Coyote to Christ in the Desert Monastery, just North of Skull Bridge.

 

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