Navajo State Park
State Park in Arboles, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office: Daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March through November; Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. December through February
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: Daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March through November; Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. December through February
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.
Vessels that are hand-launched and human-powered can launch year-round without an aquatic nuisance species inspection.
Out-of-state boats may launch with a valid registration from any state, however, all boats launching from Colorado require an aquatic nuisance species stamp. These are good for one year and may be purchased from the visitor center or online. An inspection for aquatic nuisance species is required before launching for all motorized and wind-powered vessels. Learn more about Mandatory Inspections and Seals as well as Clean, Drain, Dry and Decontaminations.
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.
Clean Your Gear: Fishing
Help Protect Colorado Waters
Clean Your Gear
Cleaning your gear before and after use helps protect our water from aquatic nuisance species. Check out these videos to learn how to clean your fishing gear.
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 Eurasian Watermilfoil in the reservoir. This is a non-native aquatic plant which can grow up to 1 foot per week. A very small piece can hitchhike to other reservoirs. Learn more about aquatic nuisance species.
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.
Learn more about Mandatory Inspections and SealsEurasian watermilfoil
Stop the Spread of Eurasian watermilfoilPaddleboards, Kayaks and Canoes, Inflatable Watercraft
Help Protect Colorado Waters: Clean Your Gear
Cleaning your gear before and after use helps protect our water from aquatic nuisance species. Check out these videos to learn how to clean your paddleboard, kayak, canoe or inflatable watercraft.
Water Activities
Jet Skiing
This is a great lake for all types of boats. It's about 30 miles from the boat ramp to the dam so bring plenty of gas and energy! Jet skis are required to have much of the same safety equipment as standard boats. Check the regulations before launching. Jet skis can tow tubes, wakeboards and water-skiers only with an active observer watching. The use of mirrors is not a permitted observation method.
Swimming
Navajo State Park has no designated swim beach but swimming is permitted in most of the lake during daylight hours. Swimming is forbidden 150 feet from any boat ramp, marina, breakwater, dock or anywhere where it's posted. When swimming from a boat, display your orange or red flag to tell other boaters you have someone in the water.
Water Skiing
Enjoy mid-day skiing on glass! Stay on the Colorado side to avoid the crowds.
Fishing
The reservoir is one of the deepest in Colorado offering a fun challenge to anglers. The Piedra River and San Juan River, which feed the reservoir, offer great fly fishing and are easily accessible from the park's many day-use areas. Accessible fishing can be accessed from the Piedra River day-use area.