Surrounded by over 3 million acres of national forest and wilderness areas, you’ll find yourself in the center of nature’s playground in Pagosa Springs. With the San Juan Mountains and a variety of outdoor activities at your doorstep, along with hot springs, charming shops, historic sites, and an assortment of artisans, you'll find plenty to do in Pagosa.
Boating around Pagosa Springs
The Pagosa Springs area is home to many rivers, lakes and reservoirs that provide boating options from kayaking, whitewater rafting, floating, canoeing to motorized boating and jetskiing.
Navajo State Park, home of Navajo Reservoir, is located 30 miles from Pagosa Springs. As Colorado's answer to Lake Powell, Navajo boasts 15,000 acres of water surface and 150 miles of shoreline. The reservoir is so large that it extends 20 miles into New Mexico. Boating and jetskiing options are endless, with boat rentals available (call 970-883-BOAT for more information). Click here to view the Navajo State Park Marina Brochure.
The park offers a full-service marina with boat rentals, visitor center, rental cabins, ample tent and RV camping, picnicking areas and nature trails. About a third of the reservoir is located in Colorado, while two-thirds lie in New Mexico. As licensed Colorado anglers cross the New Mexico line, they must also possess a valid New Mexico fishing license.
To access the park and reservoir from Pagosa Springs, travel approximately 17 miles west on U.S. 160, then turn south on Colo. 151. Drive another 18 miles to Arboles, then turn left onto CR 982 and proceed another two miles to the park.
If solitude is your goal, venture out with a canoe or kayak to Williams Creek Reservoir, Big Meadows Reservoir or Echo Reservoir. Enjoy quiet, peaceful surroundings with wonderful views from each. Motorized boats are allowed, but wake speeds are restricted on each.
For canoe camping and multi-day trip opportunities, explore Navajo Reservoir, 40 minutes from Pagosa Springs on Hwy 151. While speed boats and jet skis are plentiful on Navajo, there are many coves to explore and nice sandy beaches all around the lake.
Big Meadow Reservoir Big Meadow Reservoir is located just east of Continental Divide on Wolf Creek Pass. Boating, fishing and picnic opportunities.
Echo Canyon Reservoir Echo Canyon Reservoir (State Wildlife Area) is a cool-water stocked fishery just west of U.S. 84, approximately four miles south of U.S. 160. Bank fishing is adequate, until aquatic vegetation thickens, at which time a canoe, float-tube or a small boat and trolling motor are most useful.
Williams Creek Reservoir This 508-acre mountain lake is surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks. Motorized boats are permitted, but whitewater wakes are not allowed. There are four Forest Service campgrounds in the vicinity of Williams Creek Reservoir. To visit, drive three miles west from downtown Pagosa Springs on U.S. 160, then turn north on Piedra Road. Continue north approximately 24 miles.
Navajo Reservoir and Navajo State Park has boat rentals at Two Rivers Marina. Contact the marina office at (970) 883-BOAT for rental rates. The park offers a full-service marina with boat rentals, visitor center, rental cabins, ample tent and RV camping, picnicking areas and nature trails.
To access the park and Marina from Pagosa Springs, travel approximately 17 miles west on U.S. 160, then turn south on Colo. 151. Drive another 18 miles to Arboles, then turn left onto CR 982 and proceed another two miles to the park.
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