About Navajo Reservoir - Colorado
Navajo Dam was completed in 1963. The reservoir is one of the four initial units of the Colorado River Storage Project, and is located in northwest New Mexico and southwest Colorado, about 34 east of Farmington, New Mexico. The reservoir has a maximum surface area of 15,610 acres and extends 35 miles up the San Juan River, 13 miles up the Pine River, and 4 miles up the Piedra River. The reservoir provides important recreation, fish and wildlife benefits, however, its primary purpose is to provide irrigation water and flood control. Recreation at Navajo State Park is managed by the Colorado State Parks under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Western Colorado Area Office - Four Corners Division. Navajo Reservoir is surrounded by beautiful scenery and rugged landscape. There are 159 miles of shoreline located in Colorado and New Mexico. A campground with 71 sites, a marina, and a visitor center accommodate visitors. The visitor center, which is open year round, contains displays and interactive exhibits on the area's local and natural history, as well as information on area attractions. Two other visitor centers at Navajo Reservoir are located in New Mexico. The reservoir has a maximum surface area of almost 23 square miles (15,610 acres). Fish species include northern pike, smallmouth bass, catfish, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon. At an elevation of 6,085 feet, the reservoir is 45 miles south east from Durango, Colorado. Phone: 970-883-2208 or 970-946-2541, FAX: 970-883-2287 Call 1-800-678-2267 for camping reservations.
How to Get There
Take U.S. Highway 160 east from Durango, Colorado to State Highway 172, about 5 miles. Turn right and take State Highway 172 south to State Highway 151 in Ignacio, about 20 miles. Turn left and take State Highway 151 east to County Road 982 in Arboles, about 18 miles. Turn right and take County Road 982 to Navajo State Park entrance, about 2 miles.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Navajo Reservoir - Colorado
Heading to Navajo Reservoir - Colorado? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Navajo Reservoir - Colorado?
No central reservation system listed for Navajo Reservoir - Colorado. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/95) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Navajo Reservoir - Colorado?
Take U.S. Highway 160 east from Durango, Colorado to State Highway 172, about 5 miles. Turn right and take State Highway 172 south to State Highway 151 in Ignacio, about 20 miles. Turn left and take State Highway 151 east to County Road 982 in Arboles, about 18 miles. Turn right and take County Road 982 to Navajo State Park entrance, about 2 miles.
How do I contact Navajo Reservoir - Colorado?
You can reach the park at phone: 970-883-2208 or email: Navajo.park@state.co.us.
References & Official Resources
