Canoeing/Rafting/Kayaking

Forming in the San Juan Mountains of San Juan County, Colorado, the Animas River is a free-flowing, cold-water stream running north to south through Southwestern Colorado and down into New Mexico.

In it's upper reaches, this beautiful river offers great whitewater and excellent fishing opportunities. Heavy run-off from snowmelt and summer rains usually continues until mid-June, though the water may not be clear until well into July.

Within Farmington's River Corridor, the Animas is generally calm, although it can be clouded by sediments. The Animas may remain navigable to canoes, rafts, and tubes into late August or early September, depending upon snowpack and summer rains.

Due to the generally cold nature of the river, wetsuits, drysuits or layered water-repelling garments should be worn to protect against hypothermia anytime the combination of air temperature and water temperature is below 100° F.

Hard-soled river boots are strongly recommended to protect feet from rocks in the river and along the banks. Gore-Tex or wool socks should be worn for added dryness and warmt