- Class I-II
- 3 Days 2 Nights
- Ages 10+
If you are looking for the perfect relaxing introduction to a multi-day rafting trip, this is the trip for you.
Quick Details
Raft the Rio Chama River near Taos & Santa Fe NM.
Pricing Schedule
Tier 1-$400 expired 3/6/2024
Tier 2-$450 expires 5/1/2024 *30 DAY EXTENTION*
Tier 3-$550 expires 6/1/2024
Get ready for an experience of a lifetime! Check out our 3-day rafting trip down the mighty Rio Chama River. Camp along the river in a tent or sleep under the stars. This “hard to get on” permitted river flows through designated wilderness study areas allowing only a select few people to view it each year. This area is co-managed by BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and the U.S. Forest Service, allowing the preservation and use of public lands.
There will be plenty of time to check out the canyon while on and off the river. Hanging around camp there will be time to explore or relax under the countless stars at night. We will begin the trip from El Vado Ranch on day one, spending two nights in the canyon before taking out near the Abiquiu Reservoir. All meals from lunch on day one through lunch on day three will be provided. Check out the itinerary below for a bit more detail on each day and what to expect.
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What is the size of the dry bags that is provided? Click Here to watch the video
Can I bring a cooler? No
How do restrooms work? We set up a mock restroom, Click Here to watch the video
Is there a shower? No
Cell coverage? No
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Day 1:
- Day 1 between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM, we will launch at El Vada Ranch at 3150 NM-112, Tierra Amarilla, NM 87575.
- Around mid-day 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, we will stop for a riverside lunch.
- After lunch, we will float down the Rio Chama River and head towards our first night camp.
- Once we land at camp take some time to pick a spot to set up your tent.
- While our guides prepare dinner, take advantage of the side hikes around camp or participate in some fun games with your guides.
- After dinner sit back and enjoy the breathtaking scenery and sunset before the stars come out.
Day 2:
- Wake up to a warm cup of coffee or tea while breakfast is being prepared.
- After breakfast, we will pack up camp making sure we leave no trace, and load the boats for another breathtaking day on the river.
- Continuing downriver stopping for some riverside lunch and short side hikes to explore the area.
- Once at Camp feel free to explore some more of the area around camp
- While your guides are preparing another dinner find a spot to set up your tent.
- After Dinner get ready for another night of games around camp
Day 3:
- Start the final day with some hearty breakfast and hot coffee or tea before pushing off for our last day on the water.
- We will enjoy one more riverside lunch taking in the vast valley views before we take on the rapids.
- We will travel through some whitewater full of class II-III rapids as we push into the headwaters of Abiquiu Upper Reservoir.
- After the thrilling rapids, we will make our way to the take-out where our vehicle is waiting for us.
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- Large dry bag (Bills bag) dimensions 16″ Dia x 33″ H (measured fully packed and closed)
- Personal dry bag dimensions 9.5″ Dia x 13″ H (measured fully packed and closed)
- PFD, Personal Flotation Device aka Life Jackets (Please no personal PFDs aka life jackets)
- Riverside meals are included from Day 1 lunch to Day 3 lunch
- Day 1: Lunch and Dinner
- Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 3: Breakfast and Lunch
- Multi-day Camping Package for up to 2 guests that includes (a tent you can keep, the use of our sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and our splash gear for $79) *This package does not include a pillow.
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Needs to fit in the drybags provided
- Quick-dry clothing such as swimsuits, and gym clothes. Brands such as North Face, Patagonia, and Columbia work great. (avoid cotton whenever possible)
- Water-resistant clothing – Warm layers: pants, long sleeves, wool socks, beanie, jacket/sweatshirt
- Long sleeve cotton shirt, fleece, and/or hoodie for at camp
- Sunglasses with strap
- Long, lightweight pants
- Sun hat with retention strap and wide brim that covers your neck
- Sandals that are strapped onto your feet, tennis shoes you don’t mind getting wet (no flip flops while on the water)
Hiking/tennis shoes for hikes - Warm clothes for around camp at night
- A pillow
Gear and toiletries you should bring:
- Headlamp w/ extra batteries
- Sunblock & lip balm with SPF
- Moisturizing hand lotion
- Small towel
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Kleenex
- Eye drops
- Biodegradable Soap & shampoo (optional)
- Personal wet wipes
- Plastic trash bag/Ziplocs for used personal hygiene items
- Insect repellant
- Prescription medicine
- A water bottle with a tight-fitting lid for day use (no glass please)
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- To ensure your adventure runs smoothly, *please arrive 20-30 minutes early*
- Pack light enough to fit all of your personal gear in our provided dry bag (110L bills bag)
- Keep daily used items separate to put into a small easily accessible dry bag (Chapstick, medication, camera, etc.)
- Nights by the water get cold bring proper clothing (jacket, windbreaker, beanie, etc.)
- Days can be considered hot and long, stay hydrated and protected from the sun
- If you get cold easily bring an extra blanket
- Bring your favorite non-perishable snacks to enjoy in between meals
- If you meet us at the Put-in be prepared to pay in cash or check for your vehicle to get shuttled to the take-out. The shuttle is through Coopers El Vada Ranch. Durango Rivertrippers has nothing to do with the shuttle of your vehicle.
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At Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours and its affiliated entities, we are dedicated to ensuring that all guests, participants, and team members have a courteous, welcoming, and comfortable adventure journey. To uphold this standard, we kindly request all participants and staff to interact with each other in a manner that upholds dignity, integrity, and respect.
- Respect for Diversity and Identity
- We honor and respect each individual’s unique identity, including but not limited to ability, age, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, economic class, education, immigration status, political beliefs, religion, and veteran status.
- Boundaries and Consent
- We emphasize the importance of respecting interpersonal boundaries and seeking consent in all interactions, including asking permission before taking photos of others and before posting photos on social media.
- Prohibited Behaviors
- Our commitment to a respectful environment prohibits behaviors such as harassment, bullying, hazing, using obscene or discriminatory language or jokes, engaging in sexual solicitation, abusing alcohol or drugs (including marijuana, which is prohibited on Federal lands and National Parks), and bringing firearms on trips.
- Privacy and Discretion
- We prioritize giving each other privacy and discretion during private moments on both river and backcountry adventures, such as using restrooms, changing clothes, bathing, and other personal activities.
- Environmental Responsibility
- We promote environmental responsibility by encouraging guests to smoke/vape away from others, downwind, and away from fire hazards, and by refraining from bringing speakers to wild areas where amplification is prohibited, allowing everyone to connect with nature in a quieter, more serene environment.
- Leave no trace principles will be adhered to during the duration of all our experiences.
- See Something Say Something
- If you notice or experience any inappropriate behavior during our trips or at our office, we urge you to promptly inform a staff member, trip leader, or management.
- We strongly believe in making the outdoors accessible and enjoyable for all, and we greatly appreciate the commitment of our staff and guests to creating a safe and positive environment during our adventures.
- Failure to adhere to our code of conduct may result in individuals being removed from the adventure at their own expense.
- Respect for Diversity and Identity