ABIQUIU GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Float the Rio Chama: An 8‑Mile High‑Desert Day Float from Monastery to Abiquiu Reservoir
A guided, family‑friendly 8‑mile river float in Abiquiu that runs about 6.5 hours and departs from Bode’s General Store — useful for planning logistics, craft options, and group requirements.
Float the Rio Chama: An 8‑Mile High‑Desert Day Float from Monastery to Abiquiu Reservoir.
Float through stunning Southwest scenery on a family‑friendly 8‑mile stretch of the Rio Chama that begins beneath a secluded Benedictine monastery and finishes above Abiquiu Reservoir among the rainbow cliffs. The Rio Chama day stretch is one of northern New Mexico’s most popular family‑friendly river sections, offering splashy Class II whitewater, a riverside lunch and multiple craft options for a scenic wilderness day float.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Georgia O’Keeffe Country & Rainbow Cliffs
Scenic multi‑hued sandstone cliffs and the rainbow cliffs near Abiquiu Reservoir frame the route, beginning in a wide high‑desert valley beneath a Benedictine monastery and ending at the head of the reservoir.
Fun, Splashy Class II Rapids
The stretch includes splashy Class II whitewater that keeps the float lively while remaining accessible to most ages and abilities.
Accessible Full‑Day Float with Lunch
This guided day trip pairs an easy‑to‑manage river route with a riverside lunch and the option to paddle in paddle boats, oar boats, inflatable kayaks or stand‑up paddleboards.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
You meet in Abiquiu and drive into a landscape of multi‑hued sandstone cliffs, launch near the Christ in the Desert monastery, then float roughly 8 miles of high‑desert river that mixes scenic calm stretches, splashy Class II rapids and a riverside lunch before taking out at Big Eddy at the head of Abiquiu Reservoir and returning to vehicles late afternoon.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Trips meet at 9:00 AM at Bode's General Store in Abiquiu; the outing lasts about 6.5 hours with a planned return to vehicles around 4:00 PM.
Be prepared for paddling and possible swimming; craft options include paddle boats, oar boats, individual or two‑man inflatable kayaks, and stand‑up paddleboards.
A group of 4 or a $600 minimum is required; groups of 3 or fewer should call the operator to be combined with other bookings (office: 575‑758‑2628).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Rio Chama Full Day trip?
About 6.5 hours.
Where and when do trips meet?
Trips meet at 9:00 AM at Bode’s General Store (21196 US‑84, Abiquiu, NM).
What is the minimum age for participants?
First‑time rafters 6 years of age and older are welcome.
What craft options are available on the trip?
Paddle boat, oar boat, individual or two‑man inflatable kayak, and stand‑up paddleboard are all options.
Is there a group minimum or minimum fee?
Yes — a group of 4 or a $600 minimum is required; groups of 3 or less are encouraged to call the office to be combined with another group (575‑758‑2628).
What kind of river conditions and scenery can I expect?
Expect wonderful Southwest scenery, splashy Class II rapids, and a route that passes beneath a Benedictine monastery and finishes above Abiquiu Reservoir among rainbow cliffs.