ABIQUIU RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Three Days on the Rio Chama: Ponderosa Camps, Rainbow Cliffs and Family-Friendly Whitewater
A focused, three-day Far Flung river trip that floats from alpine trout stream to the head of Abiquiu Reservoir—useful for planning gear, meeting logistics, and the itinerary.
Three Days on the Rio Chama: Ponderosa Camps, Rainbow Cliffs and Family-Friendly Whitewater.
Float through the Chama’s evergreen-lined canyons and rainbow-hued sandstone cliffs on a family-friendly three-day river trip run by Far Flung Adventures, with easy, fun rapids, well-sited camps, gourmet riverside meals and optional yoga or live music along the way.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
From Alpine Woodlands to Georgia O’Keeffe Country
The trip begins amid alpine woodlands and clear, rushing trout water, then descends through narrow, multi-hued sandstone canyons to the head of Abiquiu Reservoir, passing cliffs and remote desert scenery that define the Chama corridor.
Fun, Splashy Class II (and Occasional Class III) Rapids
The Rio Chama offers a lively series of riffles and easy rapids—primarily class II with stretches of playful class II–III whitewater toward the downstream day section—making for a spirited yet accessible float.
Quiet, Well-Sited Camps with Full-Meal Service
Far Flung sets camp on high-water benches beneath ponderosa and Douglas fir; guests enjoy riverside lunches, classic camp breakfasts and dinners, and options such as live music, gourmet upgrades and yoga instruction.
What the day feels like
What the Three Days Feel Like
You’ll spend three days drifting and paddling through changing river character—from evergreen-lined riffles to narrow sandstone canyons—breaking each day at well‑located camps where guides prepare lunches and full camp meals, with time for short hikes, fishing and relaxed evenings by the fire.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip works for — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring personal sleeping gear unless you reserve a sleep kit; expect to pitch tents and use provided waterproof drybags. The operator provides a detailed packing list in the confirmation email.
Far Flung provides tents, waterproof drybags for personal items and camp chairs; sleeping bags and pads are not included unless you rent a sleep kit.
A sleep kit (one sleeping bag and sleeping pad) is available for an additional fee charged per night.
Guides prepare riverside lunches and full camp breakfasts and dinners; notify the operator ahead of time about allergies or special food requirements.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What are the trip dates and daily timing?
The trip runs from 9:00 a.m. on day one and aims to conclude mid‑afternoon on day three (takeout and return to vehicles around 3:30 p.m.).
Where do we meet for the trip?
Group meeting is at Bode’s General Store, 21196 US-84, Abiquiu, NM; the meeting time is 9:00 a.m. on day one.
What is the minimum age to participate?
The trip welcomes rafters aged 6 years and older.
Are meals provided and what about food allergies?
Guides provide riverside lunches plus breakfasts and dinners; you should notify Far Flung ahead of time about any allergies or special dietary requirements.
Is camping gear provided?
Tents, waterproof drybags and camp chairs are provided; sleeping bags and pads are not included unless you reserve a sleep kit for an additional nightly charge.
How physically demanding is the trip?
This is a mild‑exertion trip suitable for those in normal, good health; expect paddling, hiking options and the possibility of swimming.