Attractions
Step into the Land of Enchantment
They call New Mexico the Land of the Enchantment because you will become enraptured with its culture, architecture, scenery, and cuisine.
Rio Chama RV Park is on N17 conveniently located to many wonders of the area, and right next door to the Chama train depot.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
The longest, highest and most authentic narrow-gauge steam railroad in North America, the CTSRR travels through spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountains. No visit to Chama is complete without a ride on the #1 attraction in Northern New Mexico.
Tierra Wools
In the heart of Chama, New Mexico, come visit the Tierra Wools workshop and gallery! Watch local weavers hand weave on locally grown Rio Grande Style looms, learn about New Mexico heritage processes, and meet the sheep. Don’t forget to sign up for a class if you have time. A place for the whole family to enjoy!
Fairs and Festivals in Chama
A festival every month from May through September
This small town draws visitors from all around, hosting fairs and festivals all summer long, kicking off with opening day events of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
May
Opening Day of Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad on Memorial Day Weekend
Ride the historic narrow gauge steam train from Chama to Antonito, Colorado. Special locomotives! Authentic old-timey passenger cars! Lunch is included!
June
Chama Western Heritage Days on the 2nd Weekend of June
Two full days of rodeo, barrel racing, roping, stagecoaches, music, and food at Chama Rodeo Grounds.
July
Chama’s Fourth of July Celebration
An hour-long fireworks display illuminates the night sky over the Village of Chama on July 4. Free!
August
Chama Days on the 2nd Weekend in August
Double elimination Softball Tournament, Team Roping Friday, Family Rodeo Saturday, Rodeo Queen Coronation, and plenty of food and pet-friendly fun at Robert Gallegos Park in Chama.
September
Chama Valley Arts Festival on Labor Day Weekend
Meet dozens of artists in their own studios, and enjoy two full days of art events, live music, salsa dancing, yoga, kids’ activities, and epic mountain views.
Edward Sargent Wildlife Management Area
Hiking is the best way to see wildlife at the Sargent. Head out on the Elk Interpretive Trail. It’s an easy 0.9-mile out-and-back trail that is just right for photographing mountains, streams and forests.
Chama River Canyon Wilderness Area
The Wild and Scenic Chama River flows through a canyon in the Santa Fe National Forest. Paddle a kayak or ride a raft between the high sandstone bluffs all the way to the Rio Grande. Trout are plentiful, so bring your fishing gear.
Heron Lake State Park
Set among the tall pines of northern New Mexico, Heron Lake has been designated as a ‘quiet lake.’ Boats may operate at no-wake speeds only, making it ideal for paddle craft. It’s a fishing paradise with record sized trout and kokanee salmon. Plus, swimming, birding, and picnicking.
Abiquiu Lake
Fishing and fossils! Catch walleye and four types of bass on this 5200 acre reservoir. See piñon, sage, and juniper as you hunt for reptile fossils that are 200 million years old!
Echo Amphitheater
According to legends, blood spilled by warring settlers and Native Americans splashed down the rocks of this natural amphitheater in the Carson National Forest causing eerie sounds to echo from the cliffs.
Georgia O’Keeffe’s Home & Studio
One of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century, Georgia O’Keeffe made her home in Abiquiu. The Museum that houses her paintings is a blend of Native American and Spanish Colonial building styles. If you love art, this Museum is well worth your time.
Ghost Ranch
A popular dude ranch in the 1920s, now a spiritual retreat and education center, Ghost Ranch offers 21,000 acres of wide open spaces where dinosaurs once roamed. Hike, collect fossils, make pottery, and see the rugged landscapes made famous by Georgia O’Keeffe and Hollywood movies.
Carson National Forest
The finest mountain scenery in the Southwest is found in the 1.5 million acres of the Carson National Forest, where cool summer temperatures lure vacationers to enjoy the peacefulness, fishing, hunting, and hiking. See prehistoric ruins, ice caves, lava flows, and some of the best biking trails in New Mexico.
What’s Cookin’ in Chama
You’ll never go hungry in Northern New Mexico
From steakhouses to burgers and BBQ, from Mexican to donuts and pizza, there are plenty of restaurants in Chama. Some are so close to Rio Chama RV Park, you can even walk there. Try them all!
Pagosa Hot Springs
At 1002 feet deep, the aquifer in nearby Pagosa, Colorado has been certified by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s deepest mineral-rich hot spring. Come to Pagosa for the springs and spas.