Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area

The Rio Chama WSA is located in northern New Mexico. The landscape consists of gently rolling sagebrush-covered plains and a 900 foot deep canyon of colorful siltstone and sandstone carved by the Rio Chama. Piсon woodlands cover the hills, and forests of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir cover the north facing slopes. The diversity of habitat types provide for a variety of wildlife. This scenic area includes excellent opportunities for river rafting; the Rio Chama is designated as a Wild and Scenic River. This WSA is adjacent to the Chama River Canyon Wilderness, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.