Explore the Outdoors in Chama
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Northern New Mexico, the enchanting village of Chama is a four-season vacation destination surrounded by national forest offering prime fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking. Enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the winter months.
Hiking Near Chama
Chama is one of the gateway communities in New Mexico along the Continental Divide Trail. Approximately a 20-minute drive from Chama at Cumbres Pass, you can hike on the northbound or southbound trail.
​
Northbound Trail: From the parking area, find the trailhead behind the Cumbres & Toltec train refill station.
​
Southbound Trail: Across highway 17 from the station there is a pullout and trailhead that will take you southbound on the CDT.
​​
Edward Sargeant Wildlife Area
​
Located at the end on Pine Avenue in Chama, Sargeant’s offers beautiful views with hiking, biking, camping, fishing and horseback riding. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing can also be enjoyed at Sargeant's in the winter months. Being a wildlife area, Sargeant’s is subject to close seasonally.
​
Length: 0.9 Miles out-and-back
Longer Hike: 3.5-mile loop trail that traverses through the Rio Chamito Valley.
​
​
Bill Humphries Wildlife Area offers wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and hunting opportunities.
Location: About 10 miles west of Chama south of Highway 64/84. There is a large parking lot.
Red Lake Trail
​
The Red Lake trail winds through thick forest, alpine meadows, follows La Manga creek in a narrow valley, and provides epic view of the San Juan mountain range. Note, snowpack may still be present even in the summer months. The trail to Red Lake is approximately 3 miles with 700 feet of elevation gain.
​
Trailhead: Located at the end of Forest Road 114, which branches off of highway 17 just south of La Manga Pass.​​​
Fishing Near Chama
Trujillo Meadows
​
Located near Cumbres Pass in Colorado, Trujillo Meadows is surrounded by the Rio Grande National Forest. Approximately 30 minutes away from Chama, Trujillo Meadows is a no wake lake that also provides fishing, camping, and picnic areas.
Canjilon Lakes
​
Located in a picturesque setting of three lakes and a meandering stream. Canjilon Lakes offer excellent fishing, camping, and hiking trails.
​​​
Rio Brazos
​
The Brazos originates east of the Chama Valley. There are two public access points for this river.
​
Lower Access: From Visitor Center, drive 8 miles south on Hwy 84, turn left on NM 512. Drive 4.2 miles, turn right on 1750 DR. After 0.6 miles, the road curves right. At 0.7 miles is a sign stating you are on private land that is open to public fishing. Respect the property. Park where you do not block others. There is about 150 yards of frontage accessible through willowy brush. Private land is posted across the river. [NMG&F]
Vado Lake and Heron Lake State Parks
Located approximately 30 minutes away from Chama, El Vado and Heron Lakes State Park offer wildlife viewing, fishing, sailing, boating, swimming and has campground facilities along the lakes.
​
Heron offers 7 miles of additional hiking trails in the form of East Meadow Trail and Salmon Run Trail.
