Known for its hot springs, endless outdoor activities, and proximity to the San Juan River, Pagosa Springs has something for everyone. A trip to our award winning Pagosa Springs Hotel wouldn’t be complete without participating in at least one or two of the various water adventures the area has to offer. From the thrill of white water rafting, to the lazy drifting down the river on an innertube, you will find the ideal setting to cool off and explore, all while taking in the beauty of nature.
A Playground for Water Enthusiasts
Pagosa has a bit of everything, from water activities that’ll get your heart pumping to those that offer a peaceful escape. So, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a laid-back explorer, there’s sure to be something here for you. Some of the water activities you’ll find include whitewater rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, tubing, boating, and swimming in the hot springs. Paddleboarding has become increasingly popular in Pagosa Springs over the last several years, with paddleboard rentals regularly being high in demand. What makes this watersport unique compared to the others? Not only is it an activity built for all age and skill levels, but you can do it almost anywhere. If you’re a beginner, you might start out on one of the areas many lakes, and then move to a river when you feel more confident.
Paddleboarding 101: Rentals and Tips
Whether you’re traveling to Pagosa Springs to paddleboard for the hundredth time or you’re thinking about giving it a try for the first time, you’ll want to know where to go to rent your equipment. Multiple outfitters provide paddleboard rentals and are within walking distance from our hotel, including Pagosa Outside Adventures, Pagosa Mountain Sports, and Ski and Bow Rack. Each of these outfitters offers affordable equipment, with rates ranging from just $45 to $50 to rent the paddleboard for the entire day. All of the paddleboards are purchased from top-of-the-line watersport retailers and are well-maintained to ensure a high-quality experience for each person who rents one. Paddleboard rentals come with a life jacket and paddle at no additional cost. Some shops may even give you a board bag to keep your belongings in. It’s important to keep your life jacket on at all times, particularly if you’re not a strong swimmer. Before setting out on your paddle boarding journey, check the weather conditions to make sure it’s safe to be out on the water, and scope out your route to avoid potential hazards. Never go paddleboarding alone and remember to always keep your leash attached to your ankle. Stay close to the water’s shore so that it’s easy to get back on land whenever you need to. Once you’re standing on your board, make sure to look ahead instead of down. This will help you keep your balance and prevent you from straining your back. Additionally, do your best to keep your legs and knees straight, and use your core muscles to paddle more effectively. The more you practice, the better skilled you can grow. Pagosa Springs has several locations that are safe and easy to access whenever you’d like to paddleboard. The first is the San Juan River, which flows directly through the downtown area of the city. While the route is somewhat challenging, it’s a favorite among adventure seekers. A little more than a 10-minute drive from Pagosa, you’ll also find the Echo Canyon Reservoir. This calm and quiet man-made body of water is perfect for beginners and surrounded by lush forest and diverse wildlife.
Must-Visit Water Destinations in Pagosa
There’s a lot to see and do in Pagosa, but we highly recommend adding a few prominent locations to your list, all of which offer different water activities for the adventurous spirit. The town may be most well-known for its natural hot springs, many of which are located inside world-class spas less than a mile from our Pagosa Springs hotel;. Step out from the lobby onto the riverwalk and arrive at three different hot spring locations in just 10-15 minutes— all while admiring the San Juan river along the way. There’s nothing quite like soaking in a hot spring, where the warm mineral water will leave you feeling rejuvenated and soothed.
The San Juan National Forest is also close by and stands as a popular spot for paddle boarding due to the Piedra River flowing through. Both this river and the San Juan River are ripe with other water activities like fly fishing, tubing, kayaking, and canoeing, meaning you’ll never find yourself bored!
Catch You on the Water! (and at Breakfast)
If you’re seeking an adventure, look no further than Pagosa Springs, where you won’t have to travel far to find something exciting to do. With water activities at every turn and the whole town at your fingertips, the possibilities for your trip are endless. Whether you’re paddleboarding on the San Juan River, fly fishing at the back of our hotel, or losing track of time at a hot spring spa, we understand why our guests never want to leave.
At RiverWalk Inn, we’re here to help you experience the best of Pagosa, taking care of all the little details so that your only worry is hoping you and the kids can reapply your sunscreen fast enough. While you’re busy planning your getaway, we’ll be preparing for your unforgettable stay. So, come be a local with us for as long as your journey allows, and we’ll make sure you feel right at home while you explore ours.
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