When it comes to summer, Farmington is a popular basecamp for outdoor recreation across northwestern New Mexico. Close by, you’ll find everything from river paddling to mountain biking, golf and disc golf, fishing, trail running, and hikes.
Let’s take a look at what awaits visitors looking to get moving, cool off, and make the most of summer in Farmington.
Paddle, float, and kayak the Animas and San Juan Rivers
Both of these rivers are right in our backyard and are popular summer destinations that each bring their own style.
The Animas is popular for kayaking, canoeing, rafting, tubing, and more mellow floats — the section closest to Farmington is typically quite beginner friendly, with class I and II rapids during higher flow periods. The Animas River White Water Park is an in-town access point perfect for tubing, kayaking, or rafting.
There’s also the new Gatewave, a man-made constant wave for river surfing the Animas.
The Animas River is fed by winter runoff, making it ideal by mid-June to early July, but the flow is typically too low for more strenuous forms of water recreation — the San Juan River, however, is great for more intense rafting and kayaking.
With that in mind, we recommend visitors always check river conditions before heading out, especially with the way low water levels can impact rafting.
Hit the trails
Farmington offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails across our high desert terrain.
To start, the aforementioned Animas River doesn’t end with the river itself; there are over eight miles of trails alongside it.
A bit further out, you’ll find the Alien Run Mountain Bike Trail and the Angel Peak Scenic Area. Alien Run is best for mountain biking, especially for intermediate riders. This popular trail system is just a bit east of Aztec, about a 40-minute drive from Farmington, and has loop options as well. (Plus, ask about the UFO crash site legends.)
Angel Peak, meanwhile, is best for hiking, scenic overlooks, and photography; it offers dramatic badland views and a serene, quieter outdoor experience.
Get off the trail — off-roading nearby Farmington
The high desert terrain makes the area around Farmington a great destination for off-roading, with wide open landscapes, sandstone features, and routes for all types of experience levels.
Glade Run Recreation Area is one of the top destinations for OHV and off-roading adventures. Here you’ll find miles of trails designed for four-by-four vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes. The Four Corners 4x4 Week is an event that concludes the summer — for 2026 it’s on September 7th — and includes the World Extreme Rock Crawling Grand Nationals.
Play a round of golf — any kind!
Farmington’s summer weather makes it a great area for golf, footgolf, and disc golf.
Civitan Municipal Golf Course is a more casual option that’s affordable for visitors and families, also offering disc golf and footgolf alongside it. Pinon Hills Golf Course is on the northeast side of town, with a desert landscape and hassle-free course.
A 15-minute drive west of Farmington, Riverview Golf Course is an 18-hole course with top notch public facilities.
For those who would rather throw a Frisbee than pick up the clubs, the Lions Wilderness Disc Golf Course is 27 holes, playing among sandstone and pinon trees. As a bonus, it’s free and open daily!
Cool off at Lake Farmington
This is a summer favorite for really any water recreation, located about 15 to 20 minutes east of the city.
In the summer, Lake Farmington has lots of swimming and boating options — and you’ll find fishing and camping all year long!
When you’re ready to hop back on land, there are nearby hiking, mountain biking, and even horseback riding trails; it’s easy to spend a full day at the lake.
Go fishing
Farmington and the surrounding area is a really popular destination for anglers, and it’s easy to see why with the different fish that thrive in our rivers and lakes.
The San Juan River, in particular, is renowned for its fly fishing; the aptly-named Quality Waters portion by the Navajo Dam is especially famous for its trout, with its nutrient-rich, cold water providing an environment where rainbow and brown trout thrive. There, you’ll find anglers who’ve come from across North America and even the world just for the trout — but keep in mind that this area is catch-and-release only and requires barbless hooks.
Wherever you go, fishing around Farmington offers peaceful mornings and scenic, quality outdoor time. Just be sure to check the local listings, access points, and regulations before embarking.
Catch a game
Although most who aren’t familiar probably don’t think of New Mexico as a baseball haven, Farmington has hosted the Connie Mack World Series since 1965, showcasing some of the top high school-aged players in the country in front of pro and college scouts at Ricketts Park.
The Connie Mack World Series is one of our city’s signature summer sporting events, running from the end of July to beginning of August.
Tips to ensure safe and fun summer sports
With our high desert environment, it’s important to keep in mind some safety guidelines.
Of course, bring plenty of water, and don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun-blocking hat when appropriate. Also be sure to check weather and the conditions for where you’re headed — be that trail, river, or lake — and prepare accordingly, including wearing proper shoes and gear.
If you’re concerned about heat, we recommend starting earlier or later, which will help avoid the more intense heat and sun exposure.
Lastly, we hope this goes without saying, but respect the trails, wildlife, and water access points, plus all posted rules to ensure everyone stays safe!
Overall, Farmington is a wonderful place for outdoor recreation — it’s easy to build a summer trip around hitting spots for all your favorite activities. Whether it’s hiking, swimming, fishing, paddling, golf (or its variants!), biking, or whatever way you like to get outside, you can almost certainly find it near Farmington.
We hope to see you out on the trails!