This is a beautiful stretch of the Chama River, offering plenty of wildlife viewing, and awesome vertical gorge walls & forest surrounding you for a good portion. Depending on the water levels, this run ranges from Class II - Class III+. Keep an eye out for strainers and the occasional fence you may encounter (mainly by the gravel pits at the beginning). The river will change from a braided river with frequent islands to a gorge, with the strainers falling behind but with increased route choices and river class. The ultimate part of this trip is the Big Mama Chama which can reach a class III+ and is strewn with boulders. This route runs all the way down to El Vado State Park, where you will take out at the northern boat ramp after a long bit of flatware paddling. If you want to skip the flatware, there is an alternate takeout at about 10-miles on the Domniguez-Escalante Trail from the Rio Chama suspension footbridge. You will have to hike out with your craft. There is a $5 entrance fee per vehicle at El Vado State Park.