Congress created the Chama River Canyon Wilderness in New Mexico in February 1978.Public Law 95-237 The wilderness area covers approximately on the Coyote Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest and the Carson National Forest. The water in the Rio Chama brings the canyon area to life. Lush vegetation that supports abundant wildlife contrasts with the seemingly bare rocky slopes that lead to the mesa tops. The wilderness area surrounds much private property along the waterways. The wilderness area includes the site of the Cañon de Chama land grant. A large area of northern New Mexico was included in the original Mexican land grant, but the U.S. Government confirmed only a small area along the river. The village cemetery is in the wilderness area. The Rio Chama is a

Wild and Scenic River The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-542), enacted by the U.S. Congress to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free- ...

and is not part of the wilderness area. A Forest Service road parallels the river and in some places the wilderness area is only 100 yards from the road. The easy road access means that rafting is a popular activity when water levels are adequate. The

Continental Divide Trail The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (in short Continental Divide Trail (CDT)) is a United States National Scenic Trail with a length measured by the Continental Divide Trail Coalition of between the U.S. border with Chihuahua, Mexico a ...

traverses the wilderness area and crosses the river on Scull Bridge. Hiking and horseback riding are other popular activities in the wilderness area. The wilderness area is easily accessible from Santa Fe, New Mexico, along U.S. Highway 84.

References

{{Reflist IUCN Category Ib Wilderness areas of New Mexico Protected areas of Rio Arriba County, New Mexico Santa Fe National Forest Carson National Forest Protected areas established in 1978 1978 establishments in New Mexico