Navajo State Park is Colorado's Answer to Lake Powell. Navajo Reservoir Extends for 20 miles South into New Mexico.
Boaters and campers enjoy the park year-round. Sailors, house boaters and other power boaters cruise some of the 15,000 surface-acres of the giant reservoir. Daily and seasonal slip and mooring ball rentals, boat rentals and gasoline for boats are available at the park’s Two Rivers Marina.
Navajo’s campgrounds have 138 campsites; most sites are open year-round. Fishing enthusiasts catch crappie, large-mouth and small-mouth bass, northern pike, trout, bluegill and catfish in the reservoir.
Biking
Mountain bikers may enjoy the unique beauty of Navajo State Park on several designated trails throughout the park.
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 the new ANS Stamp is required for all boats using Colorado Lakes. Anglers who fish in both states must have valid fishing licenses from both states. For your convenience the Visitor Center sells both New Mexico and Colorado fishing licenses.
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. Parks passes may be purchased at the park. Be sure to bring insect repellent, sunscreen and clothing appropriate for changes in the weather. Cabins are heated for winter and have swamp coolers during the summer months. Only Cabin 31 remains on the reservation system year round. Two of the three cabins allow you to bring your house pets along for an additional daily fee, and there is a picnic table and fire ring with grill outside each cabin as well.
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.
Cross-country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is available in the winter, if conditions permit. Call the park at (970) 883-2208 for conditions.
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.
Note: Pets are not allowed in Cabin 30. Park regulations require that you pick up after your pet throughout the park.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Picnicking
Picnic areas are available at Windsurf Beach primitive campground and in the group picnic areas. Remember to bring insect repellent, sunscreen and clothing appropriate for changes in the weather.
Sailing
Sailing tours and sailing lessons are available with Peaks & Tides, a local Sailing School and Sailing Adventure Company. Peaks & Tides offers a variety of Charter Cruise options and Sailing Lesson packages, as well a Youth Summer Sailing Camp. Sailing Charter Cruises are offered 3 times a day.
Swimming
Swimming is currently not permitted on the Colorado side of the Lake because there is no swim beach.
Water Skiing
Enjoy mid-day skiing on glass! Stay on the Colorado side to avoid the crowds.
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.
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.
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 Dec. 1- Mar. 1, but boats on moorings and in marina slips are welcome to come and go. 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.
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. Every vehicle entering the park must display a daily or Annual Parks Pass for every day in the park. These passes are in addition to cabin or camping fees, and may be purchased at the park.
In the winter months, you must be self-contained to camp in Tiffany or Rosa Campgrounds, and Carracas Campground is closed. Rosa Campground has full-service campsites. One vault toilet each at Arboles Point and Windsurf Beach primitive campgrounds are open year round. Or try our cozy full-service cabin for a wintry change of pace. And now you may bring your house pets along to Cabins 28 and 31 for a small extra fee!
Call the park office for details: (970) 883-2208.
