River Music on the Rio Chama: 3-Day LVDY Float from Abiquiu

On the Rio Chama outside Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico, a three-day river trip called River Music with LVDY blends gentle whitewater, canyon scenery, and evenings of live campfire music. The experience launches from Bode's General Store at 21196 US-84 in Abiquiu, where a morning shuttle delivers you into a stretch of river that cuts through Chama Canyon Wilderness and runs beneath the Brazos Cliffs. Over three days guests float in paddle boats, oar boats, inflatable kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards, negotiating mostly Class II riffles with occasional Class II–III stretches. The canyon alternates spruce- and ponderosa-lined benches with multi-hued sandstone walls that rise up to 1,000 feet, and the route passes Navaho Peak viewpoints and historic Tierra Amarilla landscapes linked to Reies Tijerina’s land-grant struggles. Expect Douglas firs, pockets of sage, and quiet stretches where beavers and river otters may fish the eddies. Camping is simple but carefully curated: camps sit on old high-water benches beneath ponderosa pines and Douglas fir, where guides build riverside kitchens for the trip’s gourmet camp meals. Nights center on a campfire and intimate sets from LVDY; the small group size—limited to 16—keeps the atmosphere personal, the music audible across a half-dozen campsites, and the conversations unhurried. Daytime combines easy paddling with optional hikes up side canyons or a ridge ascent to Navaho Peak for panoramic views back down the river corridor. Highlights include the Brazos Cliffs, a mix of mellow and lively rapids, the remote feel of Chama Canyon Wilderness, and the sight of the Christ in the Desert Monastery as the river empties toward Abiquiu Reservoir. Guides scout lines and manage logistics, so the trip is family-friendly and suitable for paddlers aged six and up, though some prior paddling comfort helps on longer Class II–III sections. Practical details: meet at Bode’s General Store in Abiquiu Friday morning; return to Abiquiu by mid-afternoon Sunday. Group size is capped, so reserve early for June departures with the band on the 2026 schedule. Leave cadence is low here—music, conversation, and river rhythm set the pace—yet standard Leave No Trace practices and careful river etiquette are enforced to protect the canyon and its wildlife. Expect expert guides who handle shuttles, river safety, and nightly logistics, plus thoughtful touches like dry storage, hot breakfasts, and timing that maximizes light for both paddling and photography. If you want a river trip that balances mellow rapids with cultural notes and live music, this Rio Chama run is an easy-to-access escape.