Great Weekend Getaways - Watery Adventures

Navajo Lake

By Eric Lindberg

Photo courtesy NM Parks

If all of Navajo Lake was in Colorado, it would be the state's largest body of water. Although two-thirds of the lake lies across the state line in New Mexico, that doesn't faze Colorado boaters, fishermen, water skiers and wildlife watchers who come to enjoy this 35-mile-long reservoir. Just 45 minutes from Pagosa Springs, the surroundings feel far from city life.

The route to Navajo State Park passes through the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, where softly folded hills studded with juniper and piñon lend a distinctly New Mexico look to the landscape. Western bluebirds dart from fence posts to snatch insects in midair. Other than an occasional ranch nestled along the creek, the country is sparse and undeveloped.

Eventually the road meets up with the Piedra River and follows it to Navajo Lake via the small town of Arboles.

Along the shore of Navajo Lake is Colorado's Navajo State Park, which boasts a small but well-done visitor center, developed campsites, hiking trails, a wildlife viewing area, an outdoor amphitheater and marina.

Just offshore from the campground, dozens of sailboats and pontoon boats bob at their moorings in the warm breeze. Water skiers cut white slashes across the blue water. Along the shoreline, hiking trails thread past gnarled piñon pines and blooming yucca.

Far from bright city lights, the evening unveils a shimmering, star-filled sky. After a full day of water activities, families gather around camp tables for dinner in the cooling air. Deer come out to browse and crickets begin their serenade. Below the campground bluffs, the rhythmic slapping of waves along the beach drifts upward, perfect for lulling tired campers to sleep.

Getting there: From Pagosa Springs drive west on US 160 for approximately 16 miles. Turn south onto CO-151 and continue for 14 miles to the lake.

Please note: This article is from our archives and some facts may have changed. Please contact your nearest AAA office and ask to speak to a travel counselor to update you on the latest travel information.

Eric Lindberg is a Lakewood-based travel writer and photographer who has written for EnCompass on numerous occasions.