This has been an unusual weather year in Pagosa Country. Following several years of drought, due to low southwest moisture, this year has seen heavy snow in the high country along with rain as conditions warmed. The waterways are still running deep and fast. This makes them dangerous for recreation. The river flow is now dropping day by day and soon the water will clear and Pagosa’s downtown water park will jump into activity.
The following is from The Journal archives and is intended to show the reader the free fun to be found downtown Pagosa Springs.
Norm
The San Juan River through town is a huge resource for Pagosa Springs. After the 1911 flood the citizens realized that whole trees had washed down the river and were collected by boulders in town damming the water flow. The rising water was sent into neighborhoods. Later the men started hauling the boulders out of the river. This left a channel through town about the same width and depth and without features. A story below relates how this was reversed into the spectacular water park of today. The project manager said the features put in the river would not dam the river and, so far, he has been right. We have seen whole trees pass through town without problem.
Looking up stream from The Spring Resort one can see that the river is the other side of main street! How many mountain towns can you think of with this layout?
Looking the other way one sees Pagosa Beach on the right side of the river. This small semi sandy beach is the take out spot for most people floating down the river. The foot bridge is one of three connecting parks.
When the southwest area temperatures rise above 100 degrees we see a lot of visitors coming to Pagosa for milder temps and the cool, refreshing and free water park. Days spent playing in the river is great fun and often prompts family bonding.
Located just under the traffic bridge is the “Hippy Dip”, a free public hot spring pool.
In the park south of the river shade is sometimes at a premium. And, it keeps moving!
Bathing suits and tubes are common sights in Pagosa as some people walk the few blocks to the east side of town to several river put-in places. Unaware motorists are dumbfounded and seen taking photos. Some decide to stop and jump in!
This poor fellow finally realized there was no end to it, a plastic and flesh train rolling down the river. I don’t think he knew there was a bus taking them back up river for another run so, it seemed endless. Truth is, when the folks are floating is not the best time to fish. Check with one of our fishing shops for tips. This scene IS in town, just east of Town Park.
I caught… mom! This scene is behind the River Center shopping mall in east Pagosa Springs. Two ponds there allow fishing.
At this time of year folks can’t help but realize that this is a mountain town of a different nature. What other mountain town has hordes of people in bathing suits on main street and along the highway into town? They are all carrying colorful inter tubes and walking east to one of several accesses to the river. On a busy day there may be dozens of folks floating at the same time. Tubing, kayaking, rafting and just swimming has become a major attraction during the hot summer months in Pagosa Springs. Naturally, when the river project was proposed this play activity was part of the proposal but the thrust of the proposal and grants was for fish and waterfowl habitat. Turned out fish and waterfowl habitat is the same habitat for kids and the young at heart looking to cool down and have fun. Back in the day we didn’t have a clue it would turn into the spectacular amenity of today. After the original project, the river was continuously under construction building waves and other formations to enhance the experience for all.
S0me people don’t float, they just swim and play. Oh, what a beautiful day!
