CHAMA
REAL ESTATE
ABOUT CHAMA.
Chama, New Mexico is a picturesque village nestled in the Southern Rockies at an elevation of around 7,800 ft, about seven miles south of the Colorado border. Founded in the 1860s within the historic Tierra Amarilla land grant, Chama has roots in Spanish settlement and indigenous heritage, with the Tewa Puebloans, Ute, and Apache tribes having lived in the valley for centuries . The arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad in 1881 transformed Chama into a bustling boomtown, complete with engine facilities, stockyards, and entertainment venues like saloons and dance halls. One enduring relic from that era is the Foster Hotel, built in 1881 and now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, Chama is best known for its outdoor recreation and old‑west charm. Operating from late May through mid‑October, the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offers steam‐train excursions over rugged, high‑mountain terrain into Colorado, delighting visitors with breathtaking views and fall foliage. The surrounding area boasts miles of trails along the Rio Chama and through the Chama River Canyon Wilderness, ideal for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, skiing and wildlife viewing in a dramatic alpine setting.
WELCOME TO CHAMA
Chama: New Mexico’s Mecca for Year-Round Fun.
We’re Proud to Call Chama Home
Chama, New Mexico offers a rare blend of natural beauty, rich history, and genuine community spirit. Surrounded by the Southern Rockies and nestled in a high mountain valley, Chama is a haven for those who love the outdoors—whether it's fishing in the Rio Chama, hiking in the wilderness, or riding the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad through breathtaking alpine passes. The four seasons here bring vivid colors, crisp air, and a lifestyle that’s deeply connected to nature. Living in Chama means waking up to mountain views, starry skies, and a pace of life that encourages presence and peace.
Why We Love Chama
Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and wide-open skies, it’s a place where the natural world is never far from your front door. Whether you're hiking in the summer, riding horses through golden aspen groves in the fall, or watching snow quietly blanket the valley in winter, Chama invites you to slow down and reconnect—with nature, with others, and with yourself. The air is cleaner, the stars shine brighter, and every season brings something new to appreciate.
But what truly makes Chama special is its people. There’s a strong sense of community here—neighbors look out for each other, families gather for events like Chama Days, and local traditions are proudly kept alive. From its rich cultural heritage to its unpretentious charm, Chama is more than just a town—it’s a way of life. Whether you were born here or found your way later, once Chama is in your heart, it never really leaves.
Chama Middle/High School
Escalante (grades 7-12)