Chama Valley, New Mexico

The Chama River is a confluence of the Rio Grande, a large river that runs through the state of New Mexico from north to south. The Chama River, and the valley surrounding it, are located in Northern New Mexico near the Colorado border. The area is characterized by its green, mountainous scenery. The Chama Valley was inhabited for centuries by various indigenous peoples, most of whom were nomadic. The most notable of these groups is the Jicarilla Apache, whose reservation lies to the east and the west of the small village of Chama. Today, the Chama Valley remains sparsely inhabited and is a tourist destination for hunters, anglers, and other recreational outdoor enthusiasts.