Boat, Breathe Crisp Air, and Play at Navajo Lake Marina
Why Rent On Navajo Reservoir
Navajo Reservoir is the second-largest lake in New Mexico, covering over 21,000 acres with 150 miles of shoreline cut through the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau in the state’s northwestern corner. The landscape here is genuinely majestic: red sandstone walls rising directly from the water’s edge, wide skies, and the kind of scale that makes a week feel like barely enough time to begin understanding the place. A lakefront rental here puts your family inside that landscape rather than observing it from a distance.
World-Class Fly Fishing and the San Juan River
The tailwater fishery below Navajo Dam on the San Juan River is among the most celebrated fly fishing destinations in the United States, drawing anglers from across the country for its dense populations of rainbow and brown trout in water that maintains ideal temperature year-round. Navajo Lake Marina handles boat rentals and guided fishing trips for guests who want professional direction on the water, and the lake itself supports boating, sailing, water skiing, scuba diving, swimming, and hiking through the surrounding canyon terrain.
Farmington and the Wines of the San Juan
The city of Farmington, accessible within a comfortable drive from the reservoir, provides a full range of dining, services, and cultural resources including the Farmington Museum and the Riverside Nature Center. The Wines of the San Juan winery in Blanco offers tasting room experiences that draw on the region’s surprising viticulture success in the high desert environment and make for a natural adult afternoon alongside the water days.
Simon Canyon and Geological Wonders
The Simon Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern, accessible from the lake, preserves an unusual geological formation of volcanic dikes and eroded canyon walls that rewards exploration on foot through terrain that feels genuinely remote even by New Mexico standards. The broader Four Corners landscape surrounding Navajo Reservoir is rich in archaeological and geological significance that gives curious families weeks’ worth of purposeful exploration.
A Canyon Lake That Demands a Full Week
A vacation home or cabin near Navajo Reservoir gives your family a spacious and comfortable base for one of the most scenically extraordinary lake settings in the American Southwest. Properties with lake views, full kitchens, and outdoor space for stargazing under the famously dark San Juan County sky make extended stays feel entirely appropriate. This is a lake that reveals itself gradually and rewards those willing to slow down and pay close attention.
- Surface area (mi)
- 39.25
- Max depth (ft)
- 387.14
- Elevation (ft)
- 6013.78
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 159
Popular activities
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Cross-country Skiing
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Marinas on Navajo Reservoir
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Navajo Reservoir has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, you can swim in Navajo Reservoir in New Mexico, but only in the New Mexico part of the lake. Swimming is not allowed on the Colorado side because there is no swim beach.
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Navajo Reservoir is a popular destination because of its extensive fishing and boating opportunities. The reservoir, spanning 35 miles and covering 15,000 surface acres, offers challenging fishing and unlimited boating pleasure. It also features a full-service marina with boat rentals and various amenities.
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In Navajo Reservoir, New Mexico, the bag limit for trout is 5 fish per day, with no more than 2 lake trout and 2 cutthroat trout. Trotlines are permitted in Navajo Lake. The daily bag limit includes any combination of trout and/or salmon, and anglers must count these fish toward their overall daily limit.
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The best beach at Navajo Reservoir for families is Windsurf Beach. It offers primitive camping for a low cost of $14 per night for a family and a dog, and there are bathrooms and showers available. Kids can also play in the water, and the area is known for its wildlife viewing opportunities.
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Towns near Navajo Reservoir that offer amenities like restaurants and groceries include Pagosa Springs and Durango. These towns are located in southwest Colorado, with Pagosa Springs about 34 miles from the reservoir and Durango about 40 miles away. They provide various services and facilities for visitors.
