The Chama River flows through the center of the valley and was dammed in the mid 1960's to form Abiquiu Lake. While there are a couple of housing developments bordering parts of the lake, most of the lake is a State Recreation Area. The lake offers boating, swimming and excellent fishing. Upstream from here on the Chama River is that rafters' paradise designated as a National Scenic Wild River area. Also upstream from here is the famous Monastery in the Desert, accessible by a road heading south and west from above the Ghost Ranch area. Crossing the dam and heading west will bring you into the Jemez Mountains and the absolutely gorgeous Coyote area.