Rio San Juan

The San Juan River flows from beneath Navajo Dam, passing alongside Farmington and Shiprock on its way to Utah and its convergence with the Colorado River.

From the dam to the town of Blanco, boaters are treated to abundant waterfowl and lots of beaver action. This relaxing 17-mile stretch, which travels through Navajo Lake State Park, can be run any time of the year. From Blanco to Shiprock, two diversion dams encourage portages for canoeists and kayakers, the preferred craft because of the obstacles. The 50-mile stretch is mostly pastoral with the option of visiting Salmon Ruins and Heritage Park east of Bloomfield. For 31 miles, from Shiprock to Four Corners, the river remains placid, taking boaters past sandstone bluffs and badlands.

Navajo Lake

The Animas River enters the state north of Farmington, joining the San Juan on the western edge of the city. This relaxing 25-mile stretch passes by sandstone cliffs and farmland and can be run most of the year. Boulders and supporting concrete installed in a 100-yard section of the Animas River through Farmington's Berg Park have turned the stretch into an urban whitewater experience. The manmade rapids entice boaters from throughout the region.

Area Resources

The Animas River in Farmington during the city's River Fest

Farmington

Outdoor lovers thrive in Farmington because of the epic off-roading, world-class fly fishing, phenomenal mountain biking, scenic landscapes for hiking and multiple lakes and rivers for kayaking and paddle boarding.  These outdoor activities are the perfect complement to the cultural and historical treasures that bring visitors from across the globe to the region. With gems like the Bisti Badlands, Glade Run Recreation Area, Mesa Verde National Park, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Aztec Ruins National Monument, Four Corners Monument and Salmon Ruins, there are activities and attractions to keep visitors entertained for days.