Rio Puerco (Rio Chama tributary)

The Rio Puerco is a tributary of the Rio Chama in northern New Mexico, United States. It is not to be confused with the better-known Rio Puerco of the Rio Grande basin, also in New Mexico. This Rio Puerco, sometimes referred to as the "East Rio Puerco" to distinguish it from its namesake, drains portions of the Jemez Mountains before flowing into the Rio Chama.

The river is primarily fed by snowmelt and rainfall in the higher elevations of its watershed. Its flow is highly variable, with periods of high water during spring runoff and monsoon season followed by significantly lower flows during the rest of the year. The Rio Puerco is a relatively small stream, but it plays a vital role in the local ecosystem, providing water for riparian vegetation and habitat for aquatic life.

The river's name, "Puerco," is Spanish for "pig" or "dirty," and likely refers to the river's tendency to carry sediment and appear muddy, particularly during periods of high flow. This is often due to erosion in the watershed.

The Rio Puerco is used for recreational activities such as fishing and hiking, although access can be limited depending on land ownership. The area surrounding the river is characterized by a mix of forests, grasslands, and shrublands.