Chama River Canyon Wilderness Road

The Chama River cuts a dramatic canyon through New Mexico’s high desert, and this remote BLM route follows the rim and drops into hidden side canyons filled with Ancestral Puebloan ruins. Starting near Ghost Ranch, the track winds through red and yellow sandstone formations that Georgia O’Keeffe made famous, then descends into the actual canyon where petroglyphs cover boulder faces and ancient granaries hide in alcoves. The highlight is crossing the actual Chama River at several fords, with water levels dictating your success.

This is moderate 4WD territory requiring decent ground clearance and recovery gear for the river crossings and sandy washes. Spring runoff makes the crossings dangerous until late May, while summer heat can be brutal in the exposed canyon. Fall through early spring offers the best conditions. No permits required on BLM land, but bring plenty of water and fuel as services are 50+ miles away. The payoff is camping under massive cottonwoods by the river with zero light pollution and some of the Southwest’s most pristine archaeological sites.