Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Park Activities

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Park Activities

Park Activities

Biking
Mountain bikers may enjoy the unique beauty of Navajo State Park on several designated trails throughout the park. See the Trails page for complete trail descriptions.

Note: Be sure to bring insect repellent, sunscreen and clothes appropriate for changes in the weather.
(Updated: 8/12/2014 9:21 AM)
Boating
Navajo Reservoir’s 15,000 surface acres of water are a haven to all types of boaters: those with power boats, personal watercraft, sailboats and sailboards. Houseboats often dock here and cruise the 35-mile-long lake in Colorado and New Mexico.
- Boaters with valid boat registrations in any state can travel the entire lake, however an ANS Stamp is required for all boats using Colorado Lakes.
- Boat Registrations, Renewals and ANS Stamps, including the non-resident stamp, can be purchased at the Visitor Center.
- Anglers who fish in both states must have valid fishing licenses from both states. The Visitor Center sells Colorado fishing licenses. You must have a photo ID to purchase a Colorado License. Social security numbers are also required. You should purchase your New Mexico fishing license online at home before coming to the park, as those licenses are no longer available at the park.
An inspection for aquatic nuisance species is required before launching. See alerts on home page for current information. Launching is permitted at the boat ramp only.
See the Marina page and CPW's Boat Inspection and Decontamination page for more information.
The Two Rivers Marina rents pontoon boats. Call (970) 883-2628(BOAT) for reservations. (rentals are closed for the winter season)
Remember to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and clothes appropriate for changes in the weather.
Please see the Boating page for more information on boating.
(Updated: 11/30/2022 3:44 PM)
Cabins and Yurts
Navajo State Park has 3 full-service, 2-bedroom log cabins.
Every motorized vehicle must display a daily or Annual Parks Pass for each day in the park, in addition to regular cabin fees.
Pets are permitted in designated cabins only, and an additional pet fee is required.
Remember to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and clothes appropriate for changes in the weather.
For more information, see the Navajo camping & cabins page.
(Updated: 7/6/2022 10:52 AM)
Camping
Navajo's developed campgrounds have 118 RV and tent sites. Many sites in the Carracas and Rosa campgrounds accommodate RVs up to 55 ft. in length.
Camping reservations are required.
Reservations can be made the day you plan to arrive at the park or up to six months in advance.
Remember to bring sunscreen, insect repllent, water, and clothes appropriate for changes in the weather.
For additional information see the Camping page.
(Updated: 7/6/2022 10:53 AM)
Cross-country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is available in the winter, if conditions permit. Call the park at (970) 883-2208 for conditions.
(Updated: 8/7/2017 3:12 PM)
Dog-friendly
Pets are allowed in the Park but must remain on a 6 foot or shorter leash at all times. Navajo can get very hot in the late spring and summer months, so plan activities where you can take the pets along and where they can stay cool and safe.
No pet should be left alone in a vehicle, in a cabin, tied up at a campsite or in a motorhome that is not air-conditioned while you are away. Even if left in an air-conditioned motorhome, pets are still at risk as our electricity may go out at any time. Please be sure your absence is brief.
Note: Pets are not allowed in Cabin 30. Park regulations require that you pick up after your pet throughout the park.
(Updated: 11/18/2021 4:47 PM)
Fishing
Whether fishing from a boat or from a remote shoreline, fishing is great at Navajo State Park. Catfish, crappie, large-mouth and small-mouth bass swim in the shallows and near the lake surface. Kokanee salmon, northern pike and many varieties of trout are found in deep waters.
Remember to bring: insect repellent, sunscreen and clothing appropriate for changes in the weather.
For more information, visit Navajo's Fishing page.
(Updated: 9/15/2019 5:52 PM)
Group Picnicking
Two group picnic areas are available for reservation through the park office. Each picnic area has upright grills, picnic tables and water. The picnic area near the Visitor Center is a covered pavilion, and has electric outlets and lights. Accessible parking is available at both picnic areas. Remember to bring insect repellent, sunscreen and clothing appropriate for changes in the weather. For reservations and fees please call the Visitor Center at 970-883-2208.
Please keep pets on six-foot leashes.
For additional information about group picnic areas, visit the Group Picnic Areas page.
(Updated: 3/18/2019 3:47 PM)
Hiking
Hikers may enjoy several designated trails throughout the park. There are also miles of outstanding areas to hike along the San Juan River. Dogs are permitted on all trails. Park regulations say your dog must be leashed at all times to protect your pet and the wildlife in the park. Always pick up after your pet on trails and throughout the park. Be sure to bring insect repellent, sunscreen and clothing appropriate for changes in the weather.
See the Trails page for complete trail descriptions.
(Updated: 1/11/2016 11:42 AM)
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is permitted, but only along the San Juan River off County Road 500. Remember to bring insect repellent, sunscreen and clothing appropriate for changes in the weather.
See the Trails page for complete trail descriptions.
(Updated: 1/10/2016 12:50 PM)
Hunting
In some areas of the park deer, elk and bird hunting are permitted during at least part of established seasons. Check with the park office for information on seasons and regulations. A valid park pass is required.

(Updated: 11/16/2022 11:17 AM)
Jet Skiing
This is a great lake for all types of boats. It's about 20 miles from the boat ramp to the dam. Have plenty of gas and energy! Remember, 14 and 15 year old operators must have a boating safety certification card available. Under 14 may not drive.
(Updated: 2/18/2014 11:49 AM)
OHV Riding
Riding OHVs is prohibited in the Park, however, the Visitor Center sells OHV Registrations and Renewals to visitors who want to ride their OHVs on public trails and other areas where OHV Riding is permitted.
(Updated: 7/19/2019 4:21 PM)
Picnicking
Picnic areas are available at Carracas Campground and near the Visitor Center. There are a few individual picnic tables scattered throughout the park. Campsite picnic tables are for use by those camping overnight only. Remember to bring insect repellent, sunscreen and clothing appropriate for changes in the weather.
For additional information about group picnic areas, visit the Group Picnic Areas page.
(Updated: 8/7/2020 2:17 PM)
Sailing
Sailing is permitted and a common boating activity on Navajo Reservoir. Sailboats must be registered or documented. Sailboats must be inspected for aquatic nuisance species prior to launching. Launching is only permitted at the boat ramp.
(Updated: 7/6/2022 11:07 AM)
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is prohibited in the Park, however, the Visitor Center sells Snowmobile Registrations and Renewals to visitors who want to ride their Snowmobiles on public trails and other areas where Snowmobiling is permitted.
(Updated: 7/19/2019 4:24 PM)
Swimming
There is no swimbeach at Navajo State Park. Swimming is at your own risk. Hazards may exist. No swimming in Marina Cove, Mooring Field, Mooring Cove, or within 150 feet of the breakwaters. No swimming from sunset to sunrise. Children under 13 years old must be accompamied by an adult. It is recommended to wear a life jacket and shoes when in the water.
(Updated: 7/6/2022 10:50 AM)
Water Skiing
Enjoy mid-day skiing on glass! Stay on the Colorado side to avoid the crowds.
(Updated: 2/18/2014 11:49 AM)
Whitewater rafting
Some rafting occurs in the park in the San Juan and Piedra Rivers. Better opportunities are available in the Durango and Pagosa Springs areas. Call the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce for information at (970) 264 -2360.
(Updated: 8/12/2014 10:38 AM)
Wildlife Viewing
There is an abundance of wildlife at Navajo State Park, particularly in the quieter winter months. Deer, river otters, foxes, raccoons, jackrabbits, cotton tails, many other animals and an assortment of birds inhabit the park. Bald eagles are popular winter visitors to the park.
(Updated: 2/18/2014 11:49 AM)
Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing, open water fishing, boating and wildlife watching are the main winter attractions at the park. This is an outstanding time to view bald eagles in the park!
Navajo Reservoir usually does not freeze, and boating is generally open year round. The boat ramp is closed December 1- the end of February. The boat ramp area may freeze in late January and early February. If the winter is unusually warm, and the boat ramp remains clear of snow and ice, you may call ahead and arrange for an appointment for inspection and launching, however, it is not guaranteed that someone will be available for inspection every day.
Most restrooms buildings are closed for the winter. One vault toilet at each of the Primitive Campgrounds, Wind Surf Beach and Arboles Point, remains open. There is NO winter service at Arboles Point. There is also a porta john near the restroom at the top of the boat ramp.
You may call the park at (970) 883-2208 for updates.
(Updated: 12/21/2020 12:04 PM)
Winter Camping
You are welcome to camp in most of our campgrounds during the winter, however, the Camper Services buildings in the developed campgrounds are closed September 16 - April 14.
In the winter months, you must be self-contained to camp in either Tiffany or Rosa Campgrounds.
Please remember to disconnect water at night so you do not break our frostfree faucets.
One vault toilet each at Arboles Point and Windsurf Beach primitive campgrounds is open year round, although Arboles Point receives no winter services (snow plowing, etc.).
Or try our cozy full-service cabins for a wintry change of pace.
For more camping information, see the Navajo camping page or call the park office for winter camping details: (970) 883-2208.
(Updated: 1/25/2020 12:32 PM)