The San Juan, La Plata, and Animas Rivers have been a source of life and livelihood in the Four Corners region since before the towns had names.
Farmington, New Mexico, sits at the confluence of three rivers that both provided its early name (Totah, or “Among the Waters” in Navajo) as well as its first industry.
Beyond mere geographical features, the three rivers of Farmington, comprised of La Plata to the west, San Juan to the south, and the Animas, which flows through the city, creating the Farmington Peninsula, have life-giving properties that continue to shape Farmington’s identity and economic opportunities.
Where Does All that Water Come From?
The largest of the three is the San Juan River, a Colorado River tributary. It starts in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado and flows through New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona until it joins the Colorado River at Glen Canyon and Lake Powell Reservoir.
The Animas and La Plata Rivers are tributaries of the San Juan, meeting in Farmington, New Mexico. The Animas also starts in the San Juan Mountains before entering New Mexico, while La Plata is a 70-mile river that starts in the La Plata Mountains northwest of Durango.
The 3 Rivers Put the Farm in Farmington, New Mexico
Farmington’s first industry was farming, which was made possible by the three rivers. Irrigation ditches provided water for apple orchards, and apple harvesting soon became the region’s primary economic driver. At one point, an estimated 53,000 apple trees representing 65 varieties grew on 2,000 acres of farmland.
Today, the rivers irrigate over 150,000 acres of land in San Juan County, and about 40% of all the surface water in New Mexico flows through them, providing life to farms and people far beyond the Farmington city limits.
The 3 Rivers Bring Beauty and Tranquility to the Present
Is work stressing you out? Go for a walk or a run along the more than eight miles of Animas River Trails. Need to feel even closer to nature? Try catch-and-release trout fishing in the Quality Waters of the San Juan River near the Navajo Dam.
Were you looking for some adventure to go along with your nature? There are multiple dedicated mountain biking trails in and around Farmington, or you can try kayaking or rafting along the Animas or San Juan Rivers.
All these opportunities to reconnect with nature on a daily basis infuse life in Farmington and the Four Corners region with a feeling of tranquility not found in many places.
The 3 Rivers as Key to Farmington’s Future
While Farmington locals know how beautiful, diverse, and awe-inspiring the Four Corners region is, the city is looking to promote these qualities to a broader audience in an effort to expand its economic base. The goal is to draw new visitors interested in outdoor recreation to the area, and keep them coming back.
Local partners provided a portion of the $1.2 million funding needed to create the newly-opened Among the Waters Trails, which connects the paths from the west side of Farmington to the trails to the east along the San Juan and Animas Rivers.
These public-private partnerships allow for new opportunities for economic development, introducing outdoor enthusiasts to a part of the Four Corners that they may have heard of but have yet to consider as a travel destination.
Farmington 3 Rivers FAQ
Why is Farmington called “Among the Waters”?
The Navajo name for Farmington, Totah, translates to “Among the Waters,” referring to the city’s location at the confluence of the San Juan, Animas, and La Plata Rivers.
Where do the three rivers in Farmington come from?
The San Juan River begins in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains and flows into New Mexico before joining the Colorado River. The Animas also starts in the San Juans, while the La Plata River originates in the La Plata Mountains near Durango.
What outdoor activities can you do on Farmington’s rivers?
Visitors enjoy fly fishing on the San Juan’s Quality Waters, kayaking and rafting on the Animas, and hiking or biking the scenic Animas River Trails. The rivers also provide access to mountain biking and wildlife viewing.
How important are the three rivers to Farmington’s history?
The rivers made early farming possible, supporting apple orchards that once dominated the local economy. Today, they still irrigate more than 150,000 acres across San Juan County.
What is Among the Waters Trail in Farmington?
Among the Waters Trail is a new system connecting paths along the San Juan and Animas Rivers. It highlights the city’s natural beauty and offers residents and visitors easy access to outdoor recreation.
Discover Farmington “Among the Waters”
The confluence of the San Juan, Animas, and La Plata Rivers is more than a landmark — it’s the heartbeat of Farmington, New Mexico. These waterways have sustained life for centuries, shaping agriculture, culture, and recreation in the Four Corners.
Today, they provide both tranquility and adventure, from peaceful fishing along the San Juan to hiking and biking the Animas River Trails. As Farmington looks to the future, the three rivers remain central to its identity, offering endless opportunities for exploration and growth. Plan your visit and see why Farmington truly thrives “Among the Waters.”
