The stunning Chama River Wilderness embodies the classic mesa-canyon country associated with the Southwest. Vertical rock cliffs striped in Georgia O’Keefe pastels frame the river’s course as summer brings bright sunshine and brilliant stars, the singing of canyon wren and cicadas, and an occasional afternoon thunderstorm.

The fertile Earth reveals herself in lush woodlands, streams, and lakes. Moose wander a forest thick with ferns and moss-covered boulders. Beaver ponds and the lake’s glassy water reflect mountains and sky. Life abounds – almost erupts – as geese honk, ducks quack, and loons call across the distance. Beaver and otter patrol the shoreline as eagle and osprey dive for fish. Hiking assessment: Moderate – about 2-1/2 miles, rolling to mostly flat.

Mountain, desert, and river ecologies blend together in a rich and diverse intermingling. The first designated wilderness in the world, this is an area of stunning variety. Incredibly rich in animal life – deer, mule deer, turkeys, wild boar, and elk are common. Birthplace of Geronimo, it was once home to the Apaches as well as ancient cliff-dwelling peoples who mysteriously disappeared 800 years ago. Evidence of their stay remains, their energy palpable. Hot springs and geothermal energy abound.