The rivers here invite paddlers to tackle everything from calm, reflective stretches to adrenaline-pumping Class IV rapids.

And after a day on the water, skip the hassle of a rental tent — Mesa Verde Motel provides the perfect place to unwind and recharge for your next adventure

About Four Corners’ Rapids and Waters

Water is the ultimate vehicle for exploring the Four Corners, offering a dynamic blend of adventure and relaxation, from peaceful lakes to exhilarating rapids. Navajo and Vallecito Lakes are perfect for fishing, paddleboarding, or cruising across calm waters framed by stunning mountain backdrops. 

In contrast, rivers like the San Juan and Green are ideal for paddlers seeking variety — meandering stretches for quiet reflection and whitewater rapids that test your mettle. Rapids here span Class I and II, great for beginners, up to Class III and IV, where swift currents and technical challenges await seasoned adventurers.

For those craving whitewater excitement, these rivers provide the ultimate thrill, with fast-moving currents and heart-racing drops that offer a rush like no other. Take in the stunning surrounding landscapes from a unique vantage point, gliding through canyon-carved waters or cresting waves in fast-moving currents. 

Each Four Corners rafting, boating, and floating journey reveals a different facet of the region, where every lake and river is an open invitation to surround yourself in the region’s beauty and excitement.

Choosing the Perfect Watercraft for Your Adventure

The Four Corners offers a wide range of watercraft to match your style of exploring, whether you’re seeking calm waters or tackling thrilling rapids. Each vessel type is suited for specific lakes or rivers, giving you the tools to explore the region’s diverse waterways with style.

For Rivers

If you’re heading to whitewater destinations like the San Juan, Green, or Animas Rivers, kayaks and rafts are the go-to options.

Whitewater Kayak

Available in solo and tandem kayaks, these are ideal for maneuvering through rapids, with inflatable options for portability and ease of use.

Rafts

Choose a paddle raft for teamwork and excitement, or an expedition raft setup for multi-day journeys with room for gear. Multi-day rentals are available for those embarking on longer trips, allowing adventurers to take on the San Juan’s mix of calm waters and Class II rapids, or the more challenging Class III and IV sections of the Animas and Green Rivers.

For Lakes

When exploring tranquil waters like Navajo Lake or Vallecito Lake, motorized and non-motorized options abound.

Stand-Up Paddle Boards (SUPs) 

These versatile boards offer a peaceful way to navigate lakes and take in the surrounding scenery from a unique vantage point.

Kayaks 

Pedal-drive kayaks are perfect for fishing enthusiasts, while standard kayaks provide a quiet and relaxing way to paddle across calm waters.

Boats 

Rent a fishing boat to cast your line in well-stocked lakes, a pontoon for group outings, or a ski boat for high-speed thrills and watersports. Multi-day rentals are also available at some lakes, allowing you to enjoy extended adventures on the water.

Choose Your River or Lake

The rivers and lakes of the Four Corners region flow through striking landscapes, providing endless ways to enjoy its natural wonders. Each waterway offers a distinctive perspective on this captivating region.

Colorado River

The Colorado River, stretching 1,450 miles from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of California, offers a variety of sections perfect for water-based adventures. While it’s not possible to navigate the entire river due to impassable areas, popular segments cater to a range of skill levels.

The Grand Canyon is a favorite for rafters, featuring a mix of moderate Class III rapids and more challenging Class IV+ sections like Lava Falls and Crystal Rapid. Cataract Canyon near Moab also draws thrill-seekers with its Class III and IV rapids, while Westwater Canyon provides similarly intense whitewater amidst stunning scenery.

Watercraft options vary by section, with solo or tandem kayaks offering agility for navigating both calm stretches and technical rapids, while paddle and oar rafts accommodate groups and multi-day trips. 

Partnering with an outfitter ensures safety and access to the right equipment, whether you’re embarking on a serene float or tackling adrenaline-pumping rapids. 

Green River

The 730-mile Green River begins in Wyoming, flows into Utah, dips briefly into Colorado, and merges with the Colorado River near Canyonlands National Park. Its journey showcases dramatic desert landscapes, including the striking canyons of Dinosaur National Monument and the remote beauty of Canyonlands.

For those seeking an easy float, sections with Class I waters are ideal for relaxation, while areas like Desolation Canyon add excitement with over 60 Class II and III rapids, perfect for intermediate adventurers. 

Popular stretches include Labyrinth Canyon on the lower Green River, a serene 68-mile route from Green River to Mineral Bottom, suitable for kayaks, rafts, canoes, and even motorized boats. 

This multi-day trip, taking three to four days, immerses you in a wilderness setting with no services, so self-sufficiency is essential. Rental rafts are perfect for tackling the more challenging sections, offering space for gear and the chance to navigate the waters with a group.

Access points like Ruby Ranch offer a shorter 45-mile option to Mineral Bottom, though adventurers should prepare for the steep switchbacks of the Mineral Bottom Road. Outfitters are available to provide permits, shuttles, and expert guidance, ensuring a safe and memorable trip through one of the Southwest’s most captivating waterways.

Rio Grande

The Rio Grande, stretching over 1,800 miles from Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico, is a river with changing moods. In its northern reaches, it offers thrilling whitewater excitement, while further downstream, it slows to a gentle pace, particularly in sections below dams like Elephant Butte in New Mexico.

This versatility makes it a favorite for both adrenaline seekers and those looking for a leisurely outing.

The river’s northern stretch near Taos, New Mexico, is particularly popular for kayaking and rafting. The Rio Grande Gorge and Taos Box Canyon feature exhilarating Class III and IV rapids, perfect for seasoned paddlers in kayaks or rafts. 

For beginners or those seeking a milder ride, the Racecourse section offers a mix of Class II and III rapids. Canoes and inflatable kayaks are also great choices for calmer sections further south.

Outfitters in the area can help you choose the best watercraft and section of the river for your skill level, ensuring a safe and exciting way to connect with the diverse landscapes and waters of this iconic river.

Rio Chama

The Rio Chama starts in south-central Colorado and ends near Española, New Mexico. A 31-mile stretch from El Vado Ranch to Chavez Canyon is designated as a Wild and Scenic River, managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Santa Fe National Forest. 

This section offers a mix of calmer waters ideal for fishing and more challenging rapids perfect for kayaking and rafting.

Towering sandstone canyon walls rise 1,500 feet above the river, creating a stunning landscape that inspired Georgia O’Keeffe. With mostly Class II rapids, the Rio Chama is ideal for kayaks, rafts, and inflatable kayaks. 

Permits are required for overnight trips above the Christ in the Desert monastery, but the scenic stretch below can be floated without one. Outfitters offer guided full-day and multi-day trips, making it easy to enjoy both the peaceful and thrilling aspects of this beautiful river.

San Juan River

The San Juan River spans 383 miles, flowing through southeastern Utah and northwestern New Mexico before joining the Colorado River at Lake Powell. Along its journey, the river traces the path of the Continental Divide, enhancing the area’s rugged terrain and unique landscapes. 

It offers two popular sections for exploration: the Upper San Juan, a 27-mile stretch from San Island near Bluff to Mexican Hat, and the Lower San Juan, a 57-mile section from Mexican Hat to Clay Hills near Lake Powell.

The Upper San Juan is a great choice for a two- to three-day float, where you can immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty. Kayaks, canoes, and rafts are ideal for this stretch, which features gentle Class I to II rapids, making it a perfect option for beginners and those seeking a more relaxed adventure.

The Lower San Juan takes rafters through a rich landscape filled with archaeological sites and stunning geological features, requiring four to five days to navigate. This section has Class II to III rapids, providing more excitement and challenge, particularly for those experienced with rafting.

Access to the river is regulated, with permits required from the Bureau of Land Management and the Navajo Nation. Alternatively, outfitters provide guided trips, making it easy to experience the San Juan’s peaceful waters, historical wonders, and thrilling rapids.

Animas River

This river originates in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains and offers a wide range of experiences for paddlers, from thrilling whitewater to family-friendly floats. 

The Upper Animas River, known for its intense Class IV and V rapids, is one of the most challenging commercially run rivers in the U.S., featuring over 100 rapids that test even seasoned rafters and kayakers. This section requires technical skill and is best navigated with a guided group.

In contrast, the Lower Animas near Durango is much more accessible, with gentle waters and Class I and II rapids suitable for families, including young children (with proper life jackets).

Canoes, inflatable kayaks, and rafts are ideal for this stretch, offering a calmer way to take in the breathtaking scenery of towering peaks and the occasional sight of the historic Durango-Silverton train. 

Lake Nighthorse

Located just minutes from Durango, CO, Lake Nighthorse is a weather-dependent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with warm-weather activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming taking center stage during the summer months, while colder seasons limit access to its waters. 

Surrounded by gently sloping hills and breathtaking views of the nearby San Juan Mountains, this reservoir provides a peaceful escape for recreation. Boaters can take advantage of the public boat ramp to launch motorboats, kayaks, or paddleboards, while anglers will find the lake teeming with trout, kokanee salmon, and bass.

For swimmers, designated areas invite you to cool off during the summer months, making it a family-friendly destination. The calm waters and open spaces are perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking, offering a chance to connect with nature at your own pace. 

Navajo Lake

Navajo Reservoir, the second-largest body of water in New Mexico, serves as both a critical water storage facility and heaven for outdoor recreation. Spanning New Mexico and southern Colorado, it offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. On the Colorado side, Navajo State Park features 2,100 acres of amenities, including motorized boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, alongside 138 campsites, cabins, and winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

In New Mexico, Navajo Lake State Park boasts two marinas, two boat docks, and space for activities like camping, water skiing, paddleboarding, and leisurely kayaking. 

Anglers will find a variety of fishing opportunities: shallow waters teem with bass and catfish, while deeper areas are home to trout, kokanee salmon, and northern pike. 

Navajo Lake also offers multi-day rentals of boats, so you can extend your adventure when camping at one of its many campsites, many located lakeside for easy access to the water.

Wrap up your day at Navajo Lake with a stay at the Mesa Verde Motel, located just a short drive away, where comfort and convenience await to make your getaway even better.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, spanning 1.25 million acres from Lee’s Ferry in Arizona to Utah’s Orange Cliffs, offers unparalleled opportunities for boating and water-based exploration. At the heart of this vast expanse is Lake Powell, a hub for motorboating, houseboating, and kayaking. 

Visitors can rent motorboats or houseboats from local concessioners or launch their own craft to traverse the lake’s serene waters and dramatic canyons. Paddle board enthusiasts will find plenty to love on Lake Powell, while kayakers can explore the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam or the scenic Escalante River.

Fishermen can enjoy catching rainbow trout and other species, with added incentives for reducing non-native brown trout in designated areas. Campers are equally well-catered to, with a mix of National Park Service and concessioner-operated campgrounds throughout the recreation area.

Vallecito Lake

Located 20 miles from Durango, Colorado, Vallecito Lake is surrounded by the Weminuche Wilderness and San Juan National Forest, offering a scenic escape in a high-altitude setting. With 12 miles of shoreline, this reservoir on the Pine River provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation.

Boating enthusiasts will find a public ramp open from May through October, ideal for launching motorboats, pontoon boats, or kayaks. 

For quieter excursions, kayaks and canoes can be launched from various points around the lake, making it easy to explore the shoreline and admire the surrounding forests and mountains. 

Fishing is also popular here, with the lake stocked with trout, pike, and kokanee salmon.

Embrace the Call of the Water

The Four Corners region offers a unique way to experience its breathtaking landscapes — through its lakes, rivers, and rapids. Water here isn’t just a feature of the terrain; it’s an invitation to adventure, exploration, and discovery. 

No matter your watercraft of choice — be it a kayak, paddleboard, pontoon boat, or raft — these lakes and rivers cater to adventurers of all levels. 

After a day on the water, relax and unwind at the Mesa Verde Motel, a comfortable and convenient retreat to recharge before another day of exploration. From the serene expanses of mountain lakes to the fast-moving waters of iconic rivers, the Four Corners promises endless opportunities for excitement and adventure.