Make some New Mexico waves when you visit Farmington! With easy access to rivers and lakes - the Farmington area is an oasis for water lovers. Whether you're looking for a little relaxation on the water, heart-pounding excitement, or even a little of both, you're sure to find it here. We encourage you to plan time to splash, fish, paddle and swim a little while visiting Farmington and discover the natural resources that have fostered a community of outdoor lovers and active families.
Lake Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Canoeing
Paddlers in canoes, kayaks, or standup paddleboards will discover that the river and lakes surrounding Farmington offer a variety of aquatic adventures. Lake Farmington is known for calm waters and is popular for relaxing floats, sunrise/sunset SUP, technique training, and paddling beginners. Navajo Lake offers 150 miles of shoreline and stunning canyons to explore at paddling speed. If you are looking for something more adventurous, we suggest kayaking the Animas White Water Park in Farmington. No matter which body of water you choose, you are bound to encounter enchanting geology, abundant bird and wildlife, and a community of friendly outdoor lovers and active families!
River Rafting and Kayaking
River rafting and kayaking allow people of all ages and varied abilities to experience the serenity of calm water or the challenge of maneuvering whitewater. The rivers, and lakes, surrounding Farmington offer opportunities for such aquatic adventures. The Animas and San Juan rivers in San Juan County offer half-day to multi-day paddling adventures. A local effort has been launched to map the paddle trails that locals are familiar with. A printed Paddle Trails map of the Animas and San Juan River is available at the Farmington Museum & Visitors Center. Users can also download the Farmington Recreation Trails Map and Farmington Recreation Trails Map 2. Desert River Guides offers a variety of guided rafting trips, a must for anyone looking to cool off or see new sights in the Farmington area. They also serve as the perfect go-to for information about the rafting conditions in the area and boat rentals at Farmington Lake.
Water Equipment, Gear, and Guides
Want to plan some time in the water, but don’t have your own equipment? No need to worry in Farmington. From guided river trips to equipment rental, our members have you covered. For all your water fun needs, contact these local businesses:
Desert River Guides
109 E Pinon St, Farmington, NM
505-427-7734
Outdoor Equipment Rental Center
4601 College Blvd, Farmington NM
505-566-3221
Soaring Eagle Lodge & Fly Shop
48 Rd 4370, Blanco, NM
505-632-3721
The following companies and attractions are waiting to help you discover your water adventure!
Animas River White Water Park
Berg Park, Farmington, NM
505-599-1197
Right at the heart of Farmington, you will find Animas and Berg Parks. Amidst the riverwalk trails and parks, you will discover the Animas River Whitewater Park. This is the perfect stop for those looking to tube, kayak, or raft the Animas River.
Bisti Bay
1701 N Dustin Ave., Farmington, NM 87401
505-599-1188
Make a splash at this one-of-a-kind water park! With a lazy river, water slides and so much more there's something fun for all ages. The unique design of this outdoor water park pairs Farmington's unique landscapes and geology with BIG FUN!
Desert River Guides
109 E Pinon St, Farmington, NM 87401
505-427-7734
Let local rafting experts guide you on a memorable river or lake experience! Desert River Guides offers a variety of family-friendly and scenic floats along the Animas River and the San Juan River as well as rentals at Farmington Lake.
Farmington Lake
8020 E. Main St, Farmington, NM
505-258-7146 or 505-599-1400
Farmington Lake offers outdoor lovers a variety of adventures within the city limits! The lake is open year-round for fishing and camping, and seasonally for boating and swimming. When visiting Farmington Lake, also known as Lake Farmington, make time to explore the surrounding mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails. Bird watching is also a popular activity at Farmington Lake. A variety of hummingbirds, eagles, hawks, and heron frequent this city oasis.
Gatewave – River Surfing on the Animas River
3041 E Main St Farmington, NM
505-599-1174
The Gatewave is Farmington’s newest adventure attraction—a professionally engineered river surfing wave on the beautiful Animas River.
Jackson Lake
436 Hwy 170, Farmington, NM
888-248-6866
Jackson Lake is a popular fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing spot with locals. The lake sits amidst 840 acres of the Jackson Lake Wildlife Area.
Majestic Enchantment
221 Highway 511 Blanco, NM
505-801-9163
Enjoy a day of catch and release fly fishing along this privately owned section of the San Juan River. Make time to explore the disc golf course and art gallery!
Morgan Lake
Navajo Route 36, 15 miles west of Farmington, NM on Hwy. 64
928-871-6451
Morgan Lake is a 1,200-acre lake located on the Navajo Reservation and managed by the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Navajo Lake Marina
1448 NM 511 NBU #6 Navajo Dam, NM 87419
505-632-3245
Navajo Lake Marina is your gateway to the ultimate New Mexico lake life experience.
Navajo Lake State Park
36 Road 4110 #1 Navajo Dam, NM 87419
505-632-2278 or 877-664-7787
Navajo Lake State Park features more than 240 developed sites with over 100 serving RV's. There are 5 campgrounds to choose from. Cottonwood Campground is located on the San Juan River. Sims Mesa Campground is on the east side of Navajo Lake with the Pine Campground on the west which includes the Juniper and Cedar Loop sites. Park facilities include water, group shelters, picnic tables, restrooms, handicapped accessible sites, and dump station. Reserve a space today online!
Navajo Nation Lakes
928-871-6451
Morgan Lake, Cutter Reservoir, and Whiskey Lake are just a few of the lakes located on Navajo land that are popular for recreation. These scenic high desert lakes are the perfect addition to your fishing trip in the Four Corners region and New Mexico.
Outdoor Equipment Rental Facility
4601 College Blvd., Farmington NM
505-566-3487
johnsonsh@sanjuancollege.edu
The San Juan College Equipment Rental Center offers you the opportunity to rent equipment to get you out on the trail, on the water, or in the mountains. Best of all, they offer it for the best price in the Four Corners! The experienced OERC staff can offer great ideas for places to raft, bike, backpack or climb.
Paddle Trails
The Animas and San Juan Rivers offer ample opportunities for recreation. River rafting and kayaking are popular ways to experience the splendor of Farmington’s rivers and wildlife. Home to over 100 species of migrating birds, come prepared for thrilling encounters and to leave no trace.
The Beach at Farmington Lake
Farmington Lake, 8020 E. Main St, Farmington, NM
505-258-7146 or 505-599-1400
Cool off this summer with a trip to The Beach at Farmington Lake. This family-friendly oasis offers sandy beaches, an aqua park and rentals of kayaks, paddleboards, bumper boats, paddle boats, water blades and lake floats. The Beach at Farmington Lake is a must for your summer playlist!
