Things to do / Travel Guide
Your best bet for finding ideal places and times to rent canoes in the region is to call the New Mexico State Tourism Agency or the Colorado State Tourism Agency. While the biggest draw for canoeing in this region would be the whitewater runs along the Rio Grande River, more leisurely canoeing opportunities abound elsewhere. The region's tall mountains mean that each Spring snowmelt feeds the rivers and tributaries. Visitors wishing to take in the canyons and mountain vistas while gently paddling through the clear, ice-cold mountain waters will find many ideal spots.
Kayaking and Paddling the Rio Chama
This river, a tributary of the Rio Grande, has a much slower pace while still retaining the amazing scenery of a river-bound canoe ride on the Rio Grande. Beauty and a relaxing pace are the selling points for this waterway, recently named a national “Wild and Scenic River” by Congress. A permit is needed to paddle these waters and can be easily obtained at launch points near the Abiquiu Reservoir, or in nearby towns.
Kayaking and Paddling the Conejos River
The sections of this river outside of Antonito, Colorado offer ample opportunities for paddling, wrapped in the scenery of the nearby San Juan Mountains. Less-crowded than other areas, with beautiful pine forests and secluded wilderness areas to take in on the slower, wider sections, the Conejos River is a great place to stick your oars in the water.
Kayaking and Paddling on the Heron and El Vado Lakes, New Mexico
Located about 15 miles south of Chama, New Mexico, these twin lakes are situated in a picturesque setting amongst tall pines at an elevation of over 7,000 feet, just east of the Continental Divide. Heron Lake is the more attractive of the two for those looking to go paddling; it is a no-wake lake (which means heavy restriction on boat speeds), which attracts many anglers and sailboat enthusiasts. El Vado Lake has no restrictions on motorboat speeds and attracts lots of water-skiers in the summer months.
Kayaking and Paddling on the Smith Reservoir, Colorado
Simply put, the view of Mt. Blanca from the Smith Reservoir is stunning. This lake requires no fee and is very popular in the summer months with both campers and anglers looking for rainbow trout. It's located just 4 miles south of Blanca, and well worth the visit.
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