Do I need a permit to float Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River?
Yes. You need a permit to float Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River in Southwest Rivers, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served.
Lottery permit
What the Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River permit costs and covers
- Fee
- $6 lottery application fee, $5 per person recreation fee, plus an $8 per person launch fee at Cooper's El Vado Ranch
- Group size limit
- 16 people
- Applications open
- December 1
- Applications close
- January 31
- Results
- February 14
- Season starts
- April 15
- Season ends
- September 15
What the rules require
- Permit required April 15 to September 15 between El Vado Ranch and Chavez Canyon, self-permit on site outside those dates
- Group limit is 16 heartbeats, and dogs count toward it with a limit of 2
- The permit holder must be 18 or older
- Permits are non-transferable and no alternates are allowed
- Lottery covers Friday and Saturday launches only, one permit per season
- All other days are first-come, first-served from April 1 at 8 a.m.
- Friday permits may launch Friday or Saturday, Saturday permits must launch Saturday
- Campsites are not reservable, including the four large group camps
- Cancel at least 5 days before launch or face a no-show penalty that blocks permits for the current and following 3 calendar years
Published rules for the Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River, quoted as written.
Getting one
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates go back into the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.
Common questions about the Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River permit
Do I need a permit to float Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River?
Yes. You need a permit to float Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River in Southwest Rivers, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served.
How much does a Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River permit cost?
$6 lottery application fee, $5 per person recreation fee, plus an $8 per person launch fee at Cooper's El Vado Ranch.
When can I apply for a Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River permit?
The application window opens December 1. It closes January 31. Results: February 14.
How many people can be on one Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River permit?
16 people.
When is the Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River permit season?
Season starts: April 15. Season ends: September 15.
What if I lose the Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River lottery?
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates return to the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River for those cancellations and sends an alert when one appears.