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Note on current conditions for kayaking - March/April of 2024

The Pagosa Springs area is still receiving snow. The weather is warming, lakes are melting and the San Juan river through town is beginning to flow.

The water is extremely cold and presents a hazard to boaters. Cold Water Immersion can trigger involuntary gasping, rapid breathing or hyperventilating due to the “shock” of sudden immersion. This uncontrolled rapid breathing can quickly create a drowning emergency if you inhale water and cannot stay afloat.  Wear a PFD (life jacket) at all times while on the water. A dry suit is necessary for running the river and is highly recommended for all boaters.

Relaxing on the lake while taking in gorgeous mountain views or for the experienced paddler, navigating the river - there is no better way to enjoy a day in Pagosa Springs than paddling an inflatable kayak!  Our inflatable kayaks are stable with comfortable seat backs and room for kids/gear/pets. We have models for paddling with a friend or for solo excursions!  Pagosa Mountain Sports will get you ready for the water.

Our staff will happily suggest a paddling spot if you are not familiar with the area!

.  Inflatable kayak (Set up solo or tandem)
.  Paddle(s)
.  PFD(s) (Personal Flotation Device - required by law)
.  Pump (If needed)
.  Helmet(s) (Required for high water river trips)

Please feel free to bring your own paddle, PFD and helmet.

There are many great places to paddle in the Pagosa Springs area!

Open this Google Map created by Pagosa Mountain Sports for directions to all the lakes mentioned below.

Lakes:

  • Big Meadows Reservoir
    • Pack a lunch and make a day of the experience!
    • Big mountain views surround this high altitude, deep mountain lake with 1.5+ miles of shoreline
    • Plan to paddle early in the day as afternoon winds and quick thunderstorms are not unusual
    • Popular for fishing
    • Great 2 mile hiking trail surrounds the lake
    • Fee camping, boat ramp, small pier and pit toilets available
    • 1 hour drive on Highway 160 west of Pagosa Mountain Sports just over Wolf Creek Pass
  • Alberta Park Reservoir
    • Pack a lunch and make a day of the experience!
    • Within the Wolf Creek Ski Area property, this narrow, high altitude lake is nestled in the mountains below Alberta Peak
    • Plan to paddle early in the day as afternoon winds and quick thunderstorms are not unusual
    • Popular for fishing
    • Partially walk-able shoreline, boat ramp, small pier with dock available
    • 50 minute drive on Highway 160 west of Pagosa Mountain Sports just over Wolf Creek Pass
  • Colorado Recreation Area Lakes
    • PLEASE NOTE - Paddling on the below reservoirs requires a Colorado Fishing License or Colorado Recreation License for anyone over the age of 16
      • Can be purchased in person at Ace, City Market, Walmart, etc.
      • Can be purchased online via the Colorado Parks and Wildlife site
        • Site Link
        • Choose State Wildlife Area Pass
        • Type in Age and Residency - GO
        • Choose Land & Trails on the left hand side
        • Purchase
    • Williams Creek Reservoir
      • Pack a lunch and make a day of the experience!
      • Breathtaking views surround this large, high altitude, deep mountain lake with 2+ miles of shoreline
      • Plan to paddle early in the day as afternoon winds and quick thunderstorms are not unusual
      • Popular for fishing
      • Partially walk-able shoreline, fee and disbursed camping, boat ramp, small pier and pit toilets available
      • 45 minute drive from Pagosa Mountain Sports on Piedra Road (good gravel road) off Highway 160
  • PLPOA (Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association) Area Lakes
    • PLEASE NOTE - Paddling on the below reservoirs requires the paddler be staying at a PLPOA property (resident, guest or vacation renter) or at the Club Wyndham Pagosa
    • Pagosa Lake
      • Beautiful views of Pagosa Peak and the surrounding San Juan mountains
      • Most shoreline of all the PLPOA lakes with two fingers to explore
      • Boat ramp, small pier and port-o-potty available
    • Forest Lake
      • Beautiful views of Pagosa Peak and the surrounding San Juan mountains
      • Smallest of the PLPOA lakes with ~1 mile of shoreline
      • Boat ramp, small pier and port-o-potty available
    • Village Lake
      • Beautiful views of Pagosa Peak and the surrounding San Juan mountains
      • Lake is more narrow and snakes which makes it the best local lake for windy conditions
      • Abuts one hole of the Pagosa Springs Golf Course and some of the Club Wyndham Pagosa properties
      • Boat ramp, small pier and port-o-potty available
    • Hatcher Lake
      • Closest local lake to the San Juan mountains
      • Largest of the PLPOA lakes. Oval shaped and can get rough with afternoon winds
      • Boat ramp, small pier and port-o-potty available

(Single/Tandem)

$50/$60
Same Day: Maximum rental time is shop open until 1/2 hour before shop close

$65/$75
24 Hour: Maximum rental time is from reservation start time until the same time the next day

10% discount automatically given for rentals of 3 days or more

Rental kayaks are available only from Pagosa Mountain Sports’ downtown location.

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