Chama sits at 7,825 feet in New Mexico’s high Rocky Mountains, a small village of 917 residents just seven miles south of the Colorado border. It serves as a gateway to mountain railroads, trout streams, and aspen-covered valleys in the Chama Valley.
Chama occupies a high-elevation setting in the Rocky Mountains along the historic Tierra Amarilla Land Grant. The village grew with the arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad in 1880. Its compact Western-style downtown sits at the junction of U.S. 84 and NM 17.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offers steam-train excursions through mountain passes and gorges from late May to mid-October. Anglers enjoy the Rio Chama and other local waters including Sargent Wildlife Management Area, Nabor Creek, Nabor Lake, Tanques Creek, Canada Tio Grande, Rio De Los Pinos, Hidden Lakes, and Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River. Hikers and mountain bikers access trails such as the Continental Divide Trail and the Edward Sargent Wildlife Area.
Chama’s Western-style business district features cozy dining spots serving Mexican and American classics. Breakfast burritos and huevos rancheros draw locals and visitors alike at longstanding diners.
Chama lies roughly 107 miles north of Santa Fe via U.S. 84. Travelers can also reach the village by following scenic byways that parallel the historic railroad corridor.
Options range from historic inns and lodges near the railroad depot to riverside cabins, motels, and RV parks scattered around the village and along the Rio Chama.
Chama reflects a blend of railroad heritage and northern New Mexico mountain culture. Visitors are welcomed with small-town friendliness along its main streets.
Summer brings mild days ideal for train rides and fishing, while fall delivers spectacular aspen color along the railroad and trails. Winter opens opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the surrounding forests.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, a historic narrow-gauge steam train that runs between Chama and Antonito, Colorado.
Daily excursions run from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October.
Fishing the Rio Chama and nearby lakes and streams, hiking and mountain biking on local trails including the Continental Divide Trail, and exploring the Sargent Wildlife Management Area.
Chama sits at 7,825 feet above sea level.
The 2020 census recorded 917 residents.
No upcoming events listed in Chama right now — see what's on statewide.
All waters within the WMA (except: Nabor Creek and Nabor Lake), including the Rio Chama, Rio Chamita, and Sexton Creek Special Trout Water designation: Green chile. Regulations: 2 trout any length, artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
Sargent Wildlife Area Special Trout Water designation: Red chile. Regulations: Catch-and-release only, artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
Sargent Wildlife Area Special Trout Water designation: Red chile. Regulations: Catch-and-release only, artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
From USFS Road 93 crossing upstream to its headwaters Special Trout Water designation: Red chile, non-native suppression. Regulations: Catch-and-release (Native), unlimited (NN), artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
From barrier located immediate upstream of private land to its headwaters Special Trout Water designation: Red chile, non-native suppression. Regulations: Catch-and-release (Native), unlimited (NN), artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
A posted portion of 2.9 miles withing the Rio Chama Wildlife and Fishing Area Special Trout Water designation: Green chile. Regulations: 2 trout any length, artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
From USFS Roads 284 & 87A , 2.5 miles upstream to the private land Special Trout Water designation: Green chile. Regulations: 2 trout any length, artificial fly or lure with single barbless hook.
Backcountry fishing lakes in the northern New Mexico high country.
Flows through a multi-colored sandstone canyon whose walls rise to 1,500 feet above the river.
Every fact below was independently verified against the cited source.