Take a few days to paddle down the Rio Chama, a designated Wild & Scenic River. The scenery is absolutely beautiful on this trip, with towering canyon walls, designated wilderness surroundings, historical sites and heavily wooded side canyons. Paddling is very popular on this route, but due to it's Wild & Scenic designation, it is fairly limited. The run is easy with Class II+ rapids a possibility, and is suitable for canoes, kayaks and rafts as long as the water level is right. This can be connected to the Monastery - Big Eddy run to add a few extra miles if you want. The BLM runs a lottery system to obtain permits during the summer months. Be sure to get your application in before January 31 to be considered. Even if it is not during the advanced registration season, you must self-register at the put-in site and pay $5/person.