Continental Divide Trail Coalition

Rainbow

Chama

An Enchanting New Mexico Village

Clock Tower

The Village of Chama is tucked below the San Juan Mountains in some of New Mexico’s finest Rocky Mountain scenery. The Tewa Puebloans were the first to inhabit the valley about 1,000 years ago. They developed extensive networks of communal irrigation canals called acequias, allowing them to grow crops successfully, and many of which are still used for farming today.

Today, Chama has become a destination for outdoor recreation, surrounded by prime fishing, hunting, and hiking opportunities in the Carson National Forest. Outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike are attracted here, thanks to the abundant recreation opportunities and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Originally used to transport coal, lumber, and sheep, the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad takes visitors on a steam train to Cumbres Pass to experience a bit of the Old West and its fantastic mountain scenery. A small but diverse community that values its natural and cultural heritage, Chama is northern New Mexico’s hidden treasure, and you will surely enjoy a visit on your CDT trip.

Information courtesy of the Chama Valley Chamber of Commerce, Rio Arriba County, and the Village of Chama.

Tree in the fall
Building in the snow
People smiling in Chama, New Mexico
Rainbow
Mountain Range
Mountain Range

Getting There

The closest international airport to Chama is Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), which is about 3 hours away via I-25 N and US-84 W. The Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF), which is about 2 hours away via US-84 W, has direct flights from Pheonix, Arizona, Denver, Colorado, and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.

Getting Around

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is an excellent way to access the CDT at Cumbres Pass.  CDT Thru-hikers and CDTC Members can receive a $25 ticket to ride from Chama to the Cumbres Pass station, or vice-versa.  This is a unique experience and highly encouraged! Just show your member card when buying your ticket at either station. 

Ten Things to Do in Chama

  1. Ride the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

  2. Visit Ghost Ranch

  3. Learn about hand weaving at Tierra Wools

  4. Explore the Edward Sargent Wildlife Area

  5. Discover local art during the Chama Valley Studio Tour

  6. Learn how to go trout fishing

  7. Enjoy the mountains of the Rio Grande National Forest

  8. Go stargazing

  9. Enjoy an afternoon horseback riding

  10. Experience the area during Chama Days

Cumbres Pass Summit sign with smiling hikers
Featured Hike
view our hike suggestion database
Cumbres Pass on the CDT, Colorado and New Mexico Border

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Length: 9 miles

  • Closest Town: Chama

  • Directions: From Chama: Drive 12 miles (into CO) on NM-17 N/CO-17 N and look for the Cumbres Pass Train Station and CDT on your left.

  • Maps:

    USGS 7.5 quadrangles: W Fork Rio Brazos, Cumbres, and Archuleta Cr; CDTC Map Set: Maps 117 and 118, Sections NM31 and CO01.

  • For More Information:

    Chama Visitor Center: (575)-756-2306.

People hiking

I'm a thru-hiker! What do I need to know about Chama?

Submit a place

Is the thru-hiker section above missing a business or an amenity? If so, please let us know below!

Getting to the Continental Divide Trail

Cumbres Pass
The Continental Divide Trail crosses NM/CO-17 about 12 miles north of Chama at Cumbres Pass in the San Juan Mountains. After crossing the railroad at Cumbres Pass, take the immediate left for the Cumbres Train Station. Continue left behind the station and park at the end of the road. A short access spur trail leads from here to the CDT headed north, or cross the highway, walk downhill back toward Chama a few hundred feet, and find the CDT heading southbound back to NM on your left.

Rio Chama
Explore the Chama River Wilderness on the Continental Divide Trail on this hike through Ojitos Canyon, one of our featured New Mexico CDT sections.