New Mexico | Rio Arriba County / Chama River Canyon
Rio ChamaChavez Canyon to Big Eddy
A popular lower Rio Chama day run from Chavez Canyon below the monastery to the Big Eddy take-out.
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Route location
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Need to know
Why this call
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.
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Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A popular lower Rio Chama day run from Chavez Canyon below the monastery to the Big Eddy take-out.
Access map
Put-in
Chavez Canyon boat launchEl Vado is a privately operated launch with a fee; verify payment, gate and parking before arrival.
Take-out
Big Eddy take-outForest Road 151 to Chavez and Big Eddy can be hazardous when wet; do not assume the road or take-out is open.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- El Vado is a privately operated launch with a fee; verify payment, gate and parking before arrival.
- Forest Road 151 to Chavez and Big Eddy can be hazardous when wet; do not assume the road or take-out is open.
- Use only designated river camps or access sites and pack out required human waste; never camp on private banks.
Watch for
- USGS 08285500 and release variability
- Class II–III rapids, strainers and cold water
- Permits, road conditions and limited exits
Plan this paddle
Choose your trip times
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
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USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Rio Chama below El Vado Dam, NM. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge
Recent trend
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Gauge source
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Hourly forecast
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Short-route forecast
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Route gallery
Photos
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Score & sources
Why this score
See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today’s call.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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- Checking evidence cautions.
Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Rio Chama below El Vado Dam, NM |
| Discharge | Checking |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
| Water temp | Checking |
| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | Needs paddler reports |
| Known low-water floor | 300 cfs |
| High threshold | Water-level guidance unavailable |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Official data source |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | BLM Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River boating guide |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- BLM named segmentChavez Canyon to Big Eddy; 8.25 miles
BLM documents the designated access chain and published segment mileage.
- Official minimum flow300 cfs for kayaks, canoes and rafts under 12 ft
BLM recommends at least 300 cfs for small craft; larger rafts have a 500 cfs minimum recommendation.
- Direct telemetryUSGS 08285500 below El Vado Dam
Use the direct Rio Chama gauge and verify live trend before departure.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Reports
Paddler reports
See recent photos and notes from people on the route.
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Keep exploring
More routes to check next
Compare another stretch on this river, or explore different rivers within 75 straight-line miles.
Quick answers
Rio Chama paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Chavez Canyon to Big Eddy route on the Rio Chama?
Paddle Today watches Rio Chama below El Vado Dam, NM and uses 300 cfs as the conservative low-water floor for this route. The ideal range still needs more paddler reports.
Where does the Chavez Canyon to Big Eddy route on the Rio Chama start and end?
This route starts at Chavez Canyon boat launch and ends at Big Eddy take-out, about 8.25 river miles on the water.
Is the Chavez Canyon to Big Eddy route on the Rio Chama suitable for beginners?
This is listed as a moderate route. Expect more planning than an easy float, and use the live score, route notes, and source links before committing.
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