Chama, New Mexico

Chama is in a beautiful setting at the southern foot of the South San Juan Mountains and the western foot of the Brazos Mountains in northern New Mexico. The town was originally a logging and mining center but these days the folks see a lot more recreational business. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has its western terminus here and brings a lot of people into town. And while Chama doesn't look very big, it's the local shopping center for northern Rio Arriba County.

Chama is a great jumping off point for trips into the San Juans and the Tusas Mountains. The road north out of town crosses Cumbres Pass and Mogote Pass before reaching Antonito, Colorado, the eastern terminus of the railroad. It's a simply gorgeous drive through the San Juan National Forest and through the valley of the Conejos.