🌤 Weather at Navajo State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21–71 °F | 44–86 °F | 21–76 °F | 11–44 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Ignacio 6ESE, 9 mi away, elevation 6,548 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Activities
There are a number of activities available to Navajo State Park visitors. Here are just a few of the many activities at Navajo park:
Boating At Navajo State Park
Navajo State Park is home to the Navajo Reservoir. This reservoir boasts 15,000 acres of surface area, giving plenty of space for boaters of all styles. Those looking to launch hand-propelled boats like kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and sailboats can do so, while motorized boats and even houseboats all sail across the surface of the reservoir during the warmer months of the year. Keep in mind that all crafts need to be inspected for aquatic nuisance species (ANS), and that proper licensing and registration are all required before taking to the water. There is no swimming within the park at this time. White water rafting is available in the park, and jetskiing is allowed on the reservoir.
Biking At Navajo State Park
Mountain bikes are welcome along the various trails and roads in the park, as noted on their individual trail markers. While Navajo State Park may be mainly focused on boating across the reservoir, bikers can take in gorgeous views of the lake as they bike through the park. With trails ranging from a relaxing pace to an intense uphill climb, there’s sure to be a biking trail for every skill level. Check out the state park website to find a copy of the in-depth trail map to help plan out your next visit.
Hiking At Navajo State Park
Not only are there plenty of trails to hike along within Navajo State Park, but the park is also interconnected to several other hiking trails that branch into other areas of Colorado. The dedicated hiker will find ascents suited to their tastes, while those looking for a casual stroll along the shoreline of Navajo Reservoir will find themselves captivated by the incredible views. There are plenty of trails to choose from, and dogs are allowed on all trails, so long as they are properly leashed and cleaned up after. Here are some of the trails at Navajo State Park:
- Rosa Trail – A short dirt trail that circles the Rosa campground, hikers can take in views of both the lake and the marina as they stroll. Length: about 0.5 mile Degree of Difficulty: easy
- Sambrito Wetlands Trail – This trail circles the Sambriot Wetlands area of the park, and allows hikers to view the San Juan River Valley, as well as parts of the lake. Keep in mind that this trail can range from easy to moderate depending on the pace. Length: about 0.5 miles Degree of Difficulty: moderate
- Piedra Trail – This trail is one of the longer trails in the park, and has some areas that are steeper, especially for mountain bikers. Hikers can use this trail to access the Windsurf Beach primitive campground, as well as the Arboles Point primitive campground. Length: about 1 mile Degree of Difficulty: challenging
Fishing At Navajo State Park
With 15,000 acres of water, it’s no surprise Navajo Reservoir is a fishing paradise. Catfish, crappie, large- and small-mouth bass, and more can be found in the shallow areas, while northern pike, trout, and more make their home in the deeper areas of the reservoir. Keep in mind that all licenses both state and local area required when fishing, and respect all bag limits. It is a good idea to check the current conditions on the state park page before setting out for the day, as weather can change suddenly in Colorado.
Horseback Riding At Navajo State Park
Horseback riding is only allowed along the San Juan River. Horseback riders should stay in the area off Country Road 500 and should be aware that parking space for horse trailers can be difficult to find on busy weekends and during holidays.
Winter Activities At Navajo State Park
While there are no OHV (off-highway vehicles) allowed in the park, there’s still plenty of winter wonderland to explore on foot. Navajo State Park is open to cross-country skiing, wildlife watching, and even open water fishing during the winter months. It is worth noting that the reservoir rarely freezes, meaning there is no ice skating or ice fishing in the park. However, snowshoeing is an allowed activity, and there is winter camping available at specified campsites.
Pets At Navajo State Park
Dogs are allowed in the park, so long as they are kept on a 6-foot or shorter leash, their waste is disposed of, and they are attended at all times. If a dog is left in a motor home or other enclosed space, be sure there is proper water and air conditioning available, and do not leave your pets for extended periods of time. Horses are allowed specifically along the approved horseback riding trail, and when being transported to and from trailers. Keep in mind there are no horses allowed on the paved paths in the park.
Camping At Navajo State Park
Navajo State Park has 118 campsites, as well as two full cabins available for campers. There is a wide range of amenities available during the on-season, including coin-operated showers and vault toilets. Keep in mind that all campsites must be reserved in advance, including winter camping in the primitive campsite locations. For more information, check out the Navajo State Park website.
Park Location
Navajo State Park 1526 County Rd 982 Arboles CO 81121 Phone: 970.883.2208 Website Reservations
Map
Video
Here is a brief YouTube video showcasing different things to do at Navajo State Park:
Explore More Colorado State Parks
Navajo State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Colorado. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Colorado guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Mancos State Park (elsewhere in the state) or Lone Mesa State Park (elsewhere in the state).
⛺ Camping at Navajo State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 142 sites — 142 sites/5 campgrounds: Rosa (full-hookup RV + 8 walk-in tent), Carracas (electric-only RV), Tiffany (basic RV + 6 walk-in tent), Windsurf Beach (15 primitive), Arboles Point (4 double primitive sites, up to 12 people each). 16 accessible sites. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 3 rustic 2-bedroom cabins sleep up to 6; restrooms with showers, heating, cooling, kitchen utensils, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave. Towels/linens and specialty cookware NOT provided. Cabin 3 wheelchair accessible; pets allowed in cabins 1 and 3 only ($10/night). |
| Pets | Leashed pets, max 6-ft leash, not left unattended; allowed in camping areas and pet-friendly cabins 1 & 3 only. |
| Reservations | cpwshop.com or 1-800-244-5613; up to 6 months in advance; min 2-night cabin stay; max 14-day site stay within 28 days. |
| Special sites | 8 walk-in tent sites at Rosa, 6 walk-in tent sites at Tiffany; no group, equestrian, or boat-in sites mentioned. |
| Season notes | Winter (Sept 16-Apr 14): Carracas campground closes, camper services/restrooms in developed campgrounds close, limited plowing; cabins available year-round. |
Camping questions about Navajo State Park
Can you camp at Navajo State Park?
Yes. Navajo State Park has 142 campsites. 142 sites/5 campgrounds: Rosa (full-hookup RV + 8 walk-in tent), Carracas (electric-only RV), Tiffany (basic RV + 6 walk-in tent), Windsurf Beach (15 primitive), Arboles Point (4 double primitive sites, up to 12 people each). 16 accessible sites.
How do you reserve a campsite at Navajo State Park?
cpwshop.com or 1-800-244-5613; up to 6 months in advance; min 2-night cabin stay; max 14-day site stay within 28 days.
Are there cabins at Navajo State Park?
3 rustic 2-bedroom cabins sleep up to 6; restrooms with showers, heating, cooling, kitchen utensils, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave. Towels/linens and specialty cookware NOT provided. Cabin 3 wheelchair accessible; pets allowed in cabins 1 and 3 only ($10/night).
Are pets allowed at the Navajo State Park campground?
Leashed pets, max 6-ft leash, not left unattended; allowed in camping areas and pet-friendly cabins 1 & 3 only.
Source: cpw.state.co.us (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Navajo State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are welcome at Colorado state parks and most trails and campgrounds when kept on a leash, though some trails restrict dogs.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 6 feet required at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- It is unlawful to allow a dog or other pet within any area used as a swimming or water-ski beach.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Some parks offer pet-friendly cabins and yurts (e.g. Golden Gate Canyon, State Forest, Mancos and Ridgway yurts) for a $10 per night pet fee.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $10 per night pet fee in participating pet-friendly cabins/yurts.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated off-leash dog areas at Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks (registration/fee applies).
Are dogs allowed at Navajo State Park?
Dogs are welcome at Colorado state parks and most trails and campgrounds when kept on a leash, though some trails restrict dogs. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via cpw.state.co.us. More: Colorado state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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