The parks of Pagosa Springs run the gamut from the wild and natural pine forest on Reservoir Hill to the well-manicured fields of Yamaguchi Park. What follows is a list of each park and a description of what it has to offer.
Reservoir Hill — The most prominent physical feature of the downtown area, Reservoir Hill towers over the south bank of the San Juan River and is distinguished by the large green water tank visible from U.S. 160.
The park is accessible from three trailheads — located across the highway from the River Center, behind the Healing Waters Spa and next to the U.S. Post Office — and offers miles of hiking and biking trails ranging from gentle and peaceful to steep and technical.
A large meadow right next to the water tank is the home to the Four Corners Folk Festival over Labor Day weekend. A large wooden gazebo in the festival meadow is available to rent for special occasions such as weddings or reunions.
Located one-fourth of a mile east of the gazebo is an overlook that allows one to overlook the town and see stunning views.
Reservoir Hill is also home to one of the best disc golf courses in the region, featuring 18 baskets, 18 regular tee boxes and 18 alternative tee boxes for those experts looking for a bit more challenging game.
There are restrooms available on the hill.
Centennial Park — Centennial Park stretches along the river and includes several tables for enjoying a nice family picnic while watching the activities in the river and the hot springs beyond. A pedestrian bridge provides a continuous connection for the Riverwalk that winds through the wetlands behind Town Hall and the Ross Aragon Community Center. A pedestrian bridge at the other end of the park connects to The Springs Resort and Spa.
Town Park — On the southeast corner of the U.S. 160/Hot Springs Boulevard intersection, Town Park connects to Centennial Park via the Riverwalk and contains a wind harp, bathrooms, a drinking fountain, picnic tables, barbecue grills, a Pirate ship-themed playground, climbing boulders, two special-event 200-amp electrical services and a white-water feature in the adjacent river.
The park and the athletic field across Hermosa Street host several events throughout the year.
Yamaguchi Park — Located on South 5th Street between Pagosa Springs High School and the river, Yamaguchi Park is home to a favorite hangout for local kids — the Pagosa Skate Park. The Skaters Coalition for Concrete, a local grassroots organization formed over a decade ago, raised funds and added a full-sized bowl to the 4,500-square-foot concrete terrain at the park.
The park was designed to appeal to skaters of all ability levels and includes several plaza elements and a bowl feature.
The park is open from dawn to dusk throughout the year, provided the skating surface is free of ice and snow in the winter months.
Another amenity of Yamaguchi Park is the kayak/raft launching facility and two whitewater features, complemented by the paved Riverwalk to facilitate viewing activities on the river.
A heated year-round restroom, drinking fountain, picnic tables, barbecue grills and picnic shelter allow for family gatherings, while a state-of-the-art playground, climbing boulder, an outdoor basketball court, a pump track for bicycle use and beautiful soccer and softball fields give plenty of room for the kids to play. An events and performance venue with electrical service is also available.
Yamaguchi Park South — Yamaguchi Park South is located just south of Yamaguchi Park on South 5th Street. There are 12 acres of park and open space for development. Eight outdoor pickleball courts were complieted in 2023.
Mary Fisher Park — Along the south bank of the San Juan River directly across from Town Park, and connected to it by another pedestrian bridge, Mary Fisher Park contains several picnic tables, as well as a changing screen for kayakers and inner tubers to use before hitting another one of the whitewater river features. It also has a heated, year-round restroom.
River Center Park — Nestled behind the River Center shops on the east end of town (from U.S. 160 go behind the River Center buildings), the River Center Park contains two small fishing ponds with a handicap-accessible pier and access to the river for launching rafts and kayaks. The park also offers a playground climbing structure for kids.
South Pagosa Park — A true neighborhood park located on the south side of town on Apache Street between 7th and 8th streets, South Pagosa Park has bathrooms, a drinking fountain, picnic tables, barbecue grills, a picnic shelter, horseshoe pits and a playground. An ice rink is available during the winter months.
Cotton Hole Park — Located east of Town Park at the end of Hermosa Street, a concrete trail runs through the park. This park invites a relaxing environment and the San Juan River is accessible from this park for tubing and kayaking. This park will continue to have a natural setting and will not be over developed.
Cloman Park — Located northwest of Pagosa Springs off Piedra Road, at the end of Cloman Boulevard, Cloman Park features an 18-hole disc golf course, hiking and biking trails, and, in the winter, groomed cross-country ski trails.
Veterans Memorial Park — Developed by a local nonprofit over the course of a decade, Veterans Memorial Park, located near U.S. 160 off of Vista Boulevard, features multiple memorials honoring past, present and future service members. The park also features a walking trail.