The Charms Of Chama

Ride and camp yearround among majestic elk herds in New Mexico’s Edward Sargent Wildlife Management Area near the historic village of Chama.

- Kent & Charlene Krone

Chama, New Mexico, eight miles south of the Colorado border, is a natural magnet for avid trail riders. Tucked between the southern foothills of the San Juan Mountains and western reaches of the Brazos Mountains, riding opportunities here are endless.

We began our riding adventures here in the 20,400-acre Edward Sargent Wildlife Management Area located about a mile from the historic village of Chama.

Wildlife management areas are large tracts of land managed for conservation and recreation. They’re generally more rugged than parks and offer fewer amenities.

The Edward Sargent Wildlife Management Area was established in 1976 by Edward Sargent, a local rancher, sportsman, and conservationist. One of the largest properties managed by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, this WMA extends all the way to the Colorado border. The focus is on wildlife protection, especially elk, and habitat conservation.

Here, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of high meadows, grassy valleys, and towering hills blanketed with pine trees, cottonwoods, and golden aspen.

Livening up the scene are coyote, wild turkey, mule deer, black bear, and abundant bird life, plus the majestic elk.

The Edward Sargent Wildlife Management Area is open to equestrians year round, but riding is restricted to designated areas from May 15 to June 30 and during established elk hunts. This WMA is a favored corridor for the 3,000 to 5,000 elk that migrate from Colorado to Rio Chama each fall and return in the spring. Several hundred elk remain here year-round because their water, food, and shelter needs are met.

Primitive camping is free, with four large, heavy-duty corrals, but no water. When we needed to refill our water tanks, we bought water from a nearby recreational-vehicle campground.