Located in the southern portion of the San Juan Mountains and straddling the Colorado/New Mexico border, the Rio de los Pinos is also one of the prettiest streams you will ever fish, which is saying something given that its greater watershed (the upper Rio Grande) is famous for its unique and jaw-dropping vistas. At its downstream terminus near the town of Antonito, Colorado, Los Pinos wanders through the vast basalt plain that characterizes the southern San Luis Valley and the Rio Grande rift zone. I call this area tierra azul, for the soft blue of the sagebrush and the matching lichens on the canyon walls.

From a distance, the surface of this land does not reveal a river—its smooth sage surface rises so gradually toward the west that it almost looks flat—but the river is indeed there, sneaking up a shallow canyon through forests of ponderosa pine, fir, spruce, and narrowleaf cottonwood. Approximately 20 miles farther up, near the Trujillo Meadows of Colorado, the river is born at an elevation of more than 10,000 feet, in a subalpine paradise of aspens and flower-painted meadows that rings all September with the song of bugling elk.

Chama, New Mexico is located in the beautiful Northern New Mexico Rocky Mountains. Our village is a vacationers paradise. Chama Is A Fun Year-A-round Destination For The Whole Family.

One of the best-kept secrets in New Mexico is the enchanting Village of Chama. With an elevation of 7860 feet, Chama is nestled high in the Southern Rockies, just 120 miles North of Santa Fe.

The historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam trains leave the Chama depot daily from Memorial Day weekend to mid-October. Riding the railroad is a day trip of exhilarating rugged mountain views and fall colors.

Fishing local trout streams and lakes is a leisurely pleasure and for a real experience try Fly fishing the Rio Chama, which runs the east side of the Village. Hikers and mountain bikers find many trails including the Continental Divide Trail nearby. The Sargent’s Wildlife Area surrounds Chama with meadows and trails for hiking and horseback riding. Hunting adventures with reliable guides are close to town.

Chama has a lively Western-style business district with lodging, RV Parks and cozy dining establishments. Located at the junction of highway 17 and U.S. 84 (Take State Hwy 285 north from Santa Fe to Española then take the “Chama Highway” (84) north) the Village of Chama is the perfect destination for anyone seeking scenic outdoor recreation.