Animas River Recreation
Kayaking, tubing, trails, and wildlife along the river that runs through the heart of Farmington
The Animas River flows south from the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, through Durango and Aztec, and into Farmington where it joins the San Juan River. In Farmington, the city has transformed the riverbanks into a vibrant greenway with paved and unpaved multi-use paths, parks, and access points for kayaking, tubing, and swimming. The Animas River Greenway is just 5 minutes from Sundowner Mobile Home & RV Park at 219 Airport Dr — making it the closest water recreation to our guests and a perfect spot for a morning walk, an afternoon float, or an evening of wildlife viewing.
The Animas River Greenway
Miles of paved and unpaved trails along the river
The Animas River Trail is a multi-use path that follows the river through Farmington, connecting parks, neighborhoods, and recreation areas along its course. The paved sections are popular with cyclists, joggers, and families with strollers, while unpaved side trails offer a more natural experience for hikers and mountain bikers. The greenway provides a rare riparian corridor in the high desert — a ribbon of cottonwoods, willows, and native vegetation that stays green and cool even during Farmington's warmest months.
Several parks and access points along the greenway provide benches, shade structures, restrooms, and parking. The trail is flat and accessible, making it suitable for visitors of all fitness levels. A morning walk or ride along the Animas River Trail is one of the most pleasant ways to start a day in Farmington, and many of our guests at Sundowner Park make it part of their daily routine during extended stays.
The greenway also connects to Farmington's broader trail network, including routes that lead toward Berg Park, Animas Park, and the River Reach area. Cycling the full length of the paved trail and back is a solid 8- to 12-mile ride depending on your turnaround point — enough for a meaningful workout with river scenery the entire way.
Kayaking & Tubing on the Animas River
A beloved Farmington summer tradition
Tubing on the Animas River is one of Farmington's most popular summer activities and a genuine local tradition. When temperatures climb into the 90s in June, July, and August, residents and visitors alike grab inner tubes — purchased at local sporting goods stores or big-box retailers — and float sections of the river through town. The experience is relaxed and social: you drift with the current, splash through gentle riffles, and cool off in the deeper pools. Most float runs take 1 to 2 hours depending on water levels and where you put in and take out.
Kayaking on the Animas River offers a more active experience. The river through Farmington features primarily Class I and II water — gentle riffles, small waves, and easy-to-navigate channels that are appropriate for beginners and recreational paddlers. During spring runoff (typically April through early June), water levels rise and the current picks up, creating more dynamic conditions that experienced kayakers enjoy. By midsummer, flows moderate and the river becomes ideal for casual paddling.
The Animas River Water Park area near Boyd Park is a popular put-in and take-out point, and it includes features designed to create standing waves and play spots for kayakers. The area is also a gathering spot for families who come to wade, splash, and enjoy the riverbank during warm weather.
Safety note: always wear a personal flotation device when kayaking or tubing, regardless of experience level. Water levels on the Animas River can change due to upstream releases and weather conditions. Check current flow rates before heading out, and never tube or kayak alone.
Wildlife Viewing & Community River Events
The Animas River is a habitat, a gathering place, and a source of community pride
The riparian corridor along the Animas River supports a rich population of birds and wildlife. Great blue herons are a common sight, standing motionless in the shallows as they hunt for fish. Red-tailed hawks circle above the cottonwoods, and during migration seasons, you may spot bald eagles, ospreys, and a variety of waterfowl. The riverbanks are home to mule deer, beavers, and the occasional river otter. For bird-watchers and nature photographers, the Animas River Greenway is one of the best accessible locations in San Juan County.
The Animas River is also a focal point for community events and environmental stewardship in Farmington. The River Reach Foundation and other local organizations coordinate river cleanup events, educational programs, and community float trips throughout the year. These events bring together volunteers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts to celebrate and protect the river that gives Farmington so much of its character. Participating in a river cleanup or a community float is a great way for visiting RVers to connect with the local community and give back to the places they enjoy.
Annual events along the Animas River include organized float trips, fishing derbies, and riverside festivals that celebrate Farmington's outdoor culture. Check with the Farmington Convention and Visitors Bureau or the City of Farmington Parks and Recreation Department for current event schedules during your stay.
Getting to the Animas River from Sundowner Park
The closest water recreation to your RV site
The Animas River Greenway trailheads and river access points are approximately 5 minutes by car from Sundowner Mobile Home & RV Park. You can also reach the greenway by bicycle in about 10 to 15 minutes, making it an easy add-on to a morning ride or an evening stroll.
For tubing and kayaking, the best put-in and take-out points include Boyd Park, Animas Park, and the River Reach area. Parking is available at all locations. If you plan to float a section of the river, you will need to arrange a shuttle or have a second vehicle at your take-out point. Some local outfitters offer shuttle services during peak summer months.
The Animas River is a wonderful complement to the other water recreation destinations near Farmington. Spend a morning fly fishing the San Juan River Quality Waters, an afternoon boating on Navajo Lake, or a full day at Lake Farmington — and then cap off your evening with a sunset walk along the Animas River Greenway, just minutes from your site at Sundowner Park. View our RV spaces and amenities or contact us to reserve.