Chavez Canyon Boat Launch boat launch
Chavez Canyon Boat Launch
This boat ramp is a single-lane ramp that offers boaters access to the Chama River, which is a popular destination for fishing, kayaking, and rafting. The boat ramp is managed by the United States Forest Service and is open year-round, weather permitting.
According to the latest information available, the Chavez Canyon Boat Launch is approximately 20 feet wide and can accommodate small to medium-sized watercraft. There is no specific information available on the maximum weight or length of boats that can be launched from this ramp.
The Chama River, which is serviced by the Chavez Canyon Boat Launch, is a popular destination for fly fishing and is home to a variety of fish species such as brown and rainbow trout. In addition to fishing, the river is also suitable for kayaking and rafting; however, it is recommended that boaters check the water levels before launching.
Overall, the Chavez Canyon Boat Launch is a well-maintained concrete boat ramp that provides access to the scenic Chama River in northern New Mexico. It is suitable for small to medium-sized watercraft and offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and rafting.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Chavez Canyon Boat Launch -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Chama Above Abiquiu Reservoir | 129 cfs | → |
| Rio Chama Below El Vado Dam | 156 cfs | → |
| Rio Chama Below Abiquiu Dam | 177 cfs | → |
| Rio Chama Near La Puente | 173 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
River runs
- Private Land Boundary Below Canjilon To Nf Boundary
- Rio Nutrias
- Headwaters To Private Land Boundary
- 15 Springs To Fr 106 Bridge
- Fr 106 Bridge To Confluence With Rio Chama
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Chavez Canyon Boat Launch as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Chavez Canyon Boat Launch
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Chavez Canyon Boat Launch.