When it comes to unique landscapes, the Four Corners area is certainly one-of-a-kind. With our scenic landscape and outdoor activities all around, it makes sense that people come from all over to experience it.
Fishing, cycling, hiking, climbing, and more are all popular around here, but today we’re just going to look at one of people’s biggest reasons for coming here: kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and tubing down the local rivers. The San Juan and Animas both run through Farmington — let’s check out the Animas River and why so many come here to paddle it:
About the Animas River — and why it’s such a great paddling destination
Originating at the ghost mining town of Animas Forks in southwest Colorado, the Animas begins at over 11,000 feet of elevation, flowing 126 miles downstream until it feeds into the San Juan River in Farmington.
During this journey, it goes from high alpine mountains into an arid desert climate. The seasonal snowmelt from the San Juan Mountains upstream means you’ll get varying flows depending on time of year and even year-to-year depending on snowfall — this means the highest, most intense flows are generally in the spring and early summer as melts run off. Depending on conditions from season-to-season, you’ll find opportunities for white water paddling and rafting all the way to mellow currents that are fantastic for fishing and other, less intense recreational activities.
Also, as of June 26th, 2025, Farmington has a new Animas River surf wave feature for a whole other way to have fun!
Why the Animas?
When it comes to water sports, you’ll find many flock to the Animas River for all sorts of paddling and paddle-adjacent activities. Canoeing, kayaking, rafting, tubing — most of the year, you’ll find people heading down the river whether it’s a relaxing float or an exciting, watery rollercoaster.
The class of water intensity varies depending on where in the Animas’ 126 miles you’re paddling, but as a general rule, the more intense flows are in spring and early summer, with more relaxing currents in the end of summer and fall.
Near Farmington, the water is usually class I or II rapids, meaning it’s ideal for people looking for a more relaxing time or relatively novice paddlers who want a bit of intensity but nothing crazy. Overall, the part of the Animas near Farmington is great for beginners and families, but also more experienced adventure seekers looking for a relatively chill day. Further upstream during the high-flow months, you’ll get higher octane rapids. Over the course of a year on the Animas River, there’s pretty much a spot for everyone.
Animas paddling spots near Farmington
Unfortunately, because the Animas River goes much further than just Farmington, we don’t have the expertise to give you recommendations for the whole 126 miles — but we can recommend these spots close to town!
First is the Animas River White Water Park, located in the heart of Farmington with an entry point at the Animas River Walk parking lot near the All Veterans Memorial Park. The White Water Park includes class I and II rapids during the heavy-flow seasons before tapering off later in the year, when it’s slower and nice for a mellow kayak or raft, or tubing down the river.
Otherwise, there are a lot of paddling trails here to go exploring via kayak or canoe. These trails range anywhere from just over a mile to over seven miles!
- Aztec-Penny Lane (7.3 miles)
- Penny Lane-Animas Park (5.5 miles)
- Animas Park-Boyd (5.5 miles)
- Boyd-Confluence (1.4 miles)
- Confluence-Wetland (32 miles)
- Wetland-Kirtland (4.9 miles)
You can see these trails on our Farmington map of the Animas and its recreational areas. One note, be sure to check up on the conditions before heading out — the Animas River is pretty low around Farmington so when water flow dips below 600 CFS, it’s too low for rafting.
Local Animas paddling tips
Let’s check out some things to know before you go:
Rentals and guides
If you’re coming from farther away, you might not want to bring your own kayak, canoe, or raft — luckily, there are some rental options along the Animas. Close to Farmington, that includes the San Juan College Outdoor Equipment Rental Center (OERC for short), which not only offer kayak, canoe, and raft rentals, but all sorts of outdoor gear (and even disc golf).
Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis and, along with offering gear rentals, their staff can be a useful resource with tips for local paddling and hiking ideas.
If you’re looking for more hands-on guides, Desert River Guides offer rentals and guided tours for paddlers down both the Animas and San Juan Rivers.
Best times to paddle
Obviously you can paddle whenever you want, but there are pros and cons to different times of day.
If you’re able to get up and at ‘em there are a number of fantastic advantages to an early morning paddle. Not only is the UV lower this time of day and the temperatures milder too, but you’ll also find that much of the wildlife is most active in the morning.
Of course, paddling in the afternoon means you don’t have to get up as early, so is popular for that reason alone! This tends to be a more social time of day to go. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that UV is stronger and temperatures higher around this time of day, so keep that in mind by dressing accordingly and being liberal with the sunscreen application.
Lastly, early evening can be a magical time for a paddle. Temperatures later in the day have dropped to a pleasant temperature, winds are calm, and golden hour lighting gives you a beautiful perspective on the surrounding nature. And, just like earlier in the morning, golden hour also comes with good wildlife viewing as many species — diurnal or otherwise — are especially active now.
Safety notes
As with any activities on the water, being responsible and safe is imperative — even when things feel calm, keep in mind that conditions can change and there are potentially hazards that you can’t see.
As a reminder:
- Always wear a life jacket
- Check river conditions before you go
- Don’t paddle alone — and tell someone else your plans before heading out
- Use appropriate, properly fitting gear
- Plan potential alternate routes for contingency
- Be mindful of the sun and bring plenty of water and sunscreen
- And drink water before you’re thirsty — don’t wait to start hydrating!
When in doubt, familiarize yourself with the DNR’s notes on water and paddling safety.
Meet us in Farmington for your paddling trip!
We love seeing all the visitors who come to experience the Four Corners region and all the exquisite nature the area has to offer.
When it comes to paddling rivers, Farmington gets lots of travelers taking advantage of our easy access to the Animas River and other floating spots like the San Juan River and Lake Farmington. We’re a great home base for all sorts of water- or land-based outdoor activities, with lots of options for hiking, fishing, climbing and, of course, paddling down our beloved waterways!