Chama (New Mexico)

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Chama is a small town in extreme north central New Mexico, United States. It is notable as a terminus for a scenic narrow-gauge railroad and for winter sports.

[edit] Get in

Few tourist destinations in the continental United States are more inaccessible by air than Chama. No commercial airports are within a two hours' drive of the town -- Denver, Albuquerque, Pueblo, even the minor commuter terminals of Farmington and Durango, all are a considerable distance away (Durango is closest and maybe less than two hours out if you drive fast) - however, it is only about 110 miles north of Santa Fe. Train service is equally remote. You will enjoy the beautiful drive no matter which direction you are coming from. The valley is beautiful year 'round! The route from the south (US highway 84) is generally open year-round; approaching from Colorado via Colorado SR 17 and high Cumbres Pass can be problematic in the winter, although it's open more of the time than not.

[edit] Get around

If you've gotten there, you've gotten around; Chama is a small town in which all of the in-town points of interest are within walking distance of each other and the in-town lodging. For reaching the recreational sites near Cumbres Pass, a vehicle with 4-wheel drive and snow tires is desirable during the winter, although the road is plowed frequently. There is a 2500' elevation gain between town and pass that may challenge some automobiles.

[edit] See

There's not much to see in the town other than generally pleasant scenery. If you're interested in the narrow-gauge train (see under Do) but unable to ride it, the train station has a small set of displays. There are a number of things to do in Chama. There are a couple of trail riding stables, fishing, hiking and just overall sight-seeing. Yes, it is a small "village" - but you will enjoy the serene and majestic rockies!

[edit] Do

• The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is one of the main attractions of the town. The narrow-gauge railroad runs into the high country near Cumbres Pass, through scenic Toltec Gorge, and on to its opposite terminus at tiny Antonito, Colorado. Tour options range from half-way trips to and from a station near the Gorge (lunch provided -- not great dining) to round trips to Antonito, with return on either rail or bus. For information and reservations, which are recommended, as the train fills up during summer weekends, call 505-756-2151 or 888-286-2737 or visit the website: http://www.cumbrestoltec.com/.
• Cumbres Pass becomes a wonderland for Nordic skiers and snowmobilers during the winter, owing to the high snowfall that this part of the Colorado Plateau usually receives. Some attempt has been made to separate high-country regions used by practitioners of the two sports, although conflicts still occur. Snowpack is variable year to year, but is usually satisfactory from December through February.
• During the spring/summer/fall there are numerous hiking trails throughout the area. Check out the Sargent Wildlife Area at the north end of Pine Ave., two streets west of Chama's main street which is Terrace Ave. The main trail ends up in Chromo, CO.
• CHAMA CHILE SKI CLASSIC (34th annual) to be held on Sunday, February 18, 2007. Come enjoy President's Weekend in the beautiful Chama Valley! For more information, see the race website: http://www.chamaski.com or e-mail: chiliskiclassic@yahoo.com.

[edit] Buy

A small souvenir shop is near the railroad station. There are now several shops across from the train station that offer high end and low end articles for sale.

• Check out La Luz Studio in the Cumbres Mall (not really a mall) for original oil paintings with a western theme and eclectic stained glass.

[edit] Eat

• Viva Vera's Mexican Kitchen, on the south side of town, has been good for New Mexican food (enchiladas, stuffed sopaipillas, etc.). Vera's Kitchen is now closed since Vera passed away, but stay tuned, against the possibility that it will re-open.
• The High Country, also on the south side, has excellent food and not fancy. There are other numerous places to eat in town with good food and all within a short distance of each other.

[edit] Drink

• The High Country has a good bar and live music on Friday night.
• Foster's Hotel also has a bar and pool tables. Both locations sport a lot of "local color."

[edit] Sleep

[edit] Lodging

There are a number of motels and lodges along the southern approaches to town, including the Elkhorn Lodge, River Bend Lodge, Spruce Lodge and Little Creel Lodge and RV Park. Most cater primarily to hunters and fishermen. A community web site provides more information.

[edit] Camping

Several of the lodges have associated RV parks, and there are other developed campgrounds in the area. See the community web site for details.

[edit] Backcountry

Serious adventure in winter camping is available near Cumbres Pass, in the form of a small network of yurts, cabins that can be reached on Nordic (cross-country) skis or snowshoes. The Southwest Nordic Center, based in Taos, maintains the yurts and the reservations for using them; PO Box 3212, Taos NM 87571, 505-758-4761, [1]. Rental of a yurt for one night starts at $65. Most of the yurts are 2 to 3 miles (on skis) from the parking lots along the road over the pass; intermediate-level Nordic technique is a good idea for the ski in.

[edit] Get out

• El Chorro Falls, south of Chama, is one of the world's highest waterfalls (ranked around 170th on the list), when it's active. However, it's not active very often, or for very long -- it's produced by spring runoff over the towering Brazos Cliffs, lasts only a few weeks in the spring, and is usually completely gone by June. If you happen to be in the area in April or May, try driving south from Chama on US 64 toward the village of Tierra Amarilla, then east toward the cliffs, and see if you can glimpse it in the distance (no road approaches the falls).
• The Brazos Cliffs themselves are spectacularly scenic and beckon the rock climber, but unfortunately, they're 100% on private property and access is severely restricted. There are some hunting lodges at the base of the cliffs, notably Brazos Lodge [2] and Corkin's Lodge [3], that include many outdoor recreational opportunities among their (generally pricey) amenities and give good views of the scenery (including El Chorro when it's running); in general, however, they forbid or strongly discourage climbing on the cliffs.

Wikipedia:Chama, New Mexico