Navajo State Park
State Park in Arboles, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office: Friday through Tuesday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
1526 County Rd 982
Arboles, CO 81121
United States
Navajo State Park
State Park in Arboles, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office: Friday through Tuesday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
1526 County Rd 982
Arboles, CO 81121
United States
Navigate to:
Fishing in the shallows
Park Highlight
Explore Navajo Reservoir
The park’s finest attraction is the 35-mile-long Navajo Reservoir that begins in Colorado and ends in New Mexico. The reservoir’s 15,000 surface acres, including 3,000 surface acres on the Colorado side, offer a challenge to the angler and unlimited pleasure to the boater. Since two-thirds of the reservoir is located in New Mexico, please review New Mexico’s regulations online before entering New Mexico waters.
Reservoir Facilities
Facilities
Navajo State Park's boat ramp is one of the longest in the state: It extends 110 feet down to the river channel. The boat ramp is closed December 1 to March 1, and the reservoir may freeze over in January and February.
Launching is permitted only after an inspection of aquatic nuisance species (ANS).
Navajo State Park has its own full-service marina. The Two Rivers Marina is located just south of where the Piedra and San Juan rivers meet. Two Rivers Marina sells fuel, ice, tackle, boating supplies, snacks and accessories; has boat slips and mooring buoys; and has rental pontoon boats. The marina has more than three acres of dry storage for boats or RVs. Call the Marina at 970-883-2628 for information, prices and reservations.
Boat Rentals
- 4 standup paddle boards
- 18, 20 or 22 foot pontoon boats
- 30-foot party hut with slide
- 20-foot party barge
- Boat slips
- Dry storage
- Mooring balls
Boating and Fishing
Boating
Navajo Reservoir’s 15,000 surface acres of water and 150 miles of shoreline are a haven to all types of boaters: those with power boats, personal watercraft, sailboats and sailboards. Boaters with valid boat registrations in either state can travel the entire lake. An inspection for aquatic nuisance species is required before launching.
Winter Boating
Launching and boating are dependent upon weather and water levels. The boat ramp is closed from December 1 through the end of February each year. During that time, the lake is closed to trailered watercraft, depending on the lake-ice conditions. If no ice exists, trailered watercraft may be allowed to launch after mandatory aquatic nuisance species inspection. In the winter, prior arrangements for launching must be made in advance by calling 970-883-2208.
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.
Sailing tours and sailing lessons are available with Peaks and Tides, a local Sailing School and Sailing Adventure Company. Please see the Peaks and Tides website for more information and reservations or call 970-903-6036.
Fishing
Whether fishing from a boat or from a remote shoreline, fishing is great at Navajo State Park. If you plan to fish across the New Mexico state line, be sure to purchase your New Mexico fishing license.
Parking lots off CO Hwy 151 and County Road 500 to Pagosa Junction give access to good fishing spots on the Piedra and San Juan rivers. Please remember to bring sunscreen, insect repellent and clothes appropriate for changes in the weather.
New Mexico Fishing Licenses
New Mexico fishing licenses can be purchased online at New Mexico Fishing Licenses before you visit Navajo State Park.
Fish Species and Bag Limits
See the Fishing Atlas for fishable species at this location and the Fishing Brochure (PDF) for daily bag limits.
Fishing Awards and Records for Navajo
Visit the Fishing Awards and Records page for more records.
Bring the Brochures with You
Fishing Brochure
Read up on the location you want to fish before you head out.
Download the BrochureLand and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the BrochureAquatic Nuisance Species at Navajo
To boat on the reservoir, a pre-launch boat inspection for aquatic nuisance species (ANS) at the boat ramp, an ANS stamp and a current boat registration are required. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has confirmed the presence of waterflea in the reservoir.
Inspection Hours
Aquatic nuisance species inspections are available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the ANS station by the boat ramp on the north side of the reservoir by Carracas campground.
Eurasian watermilfoil
Stop the Spread of Eurasian watermilfoilWater Activities
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!
Swimming
Swimming is currently not permitted on the Colorado side of the lake because there is no swim beach. Swimming is permitted in the lake, but only in New Mexico. No swimming in Marina Cove, Mooring Field, Mooring Cove or within 150 feet of the breakwaters.
Water Skiing
Enjoy mid-day skiing on glass! Stay on the Colorado side to avoid the crowds.
Whitewater Rafting
Some rafting occurs near the park in the San Juan and Piedra rivers during runoff. Better opportunities are available in the Durango and Pagosa Springs areas. Call the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce for information at 970-264-2360.