Historic flooding along the San Juan River has left a deep scar on Pagosa Springs, Colorado. The town’s beloved Pagosa Springs RV Park & Cabins, a family‑run business since 1995, is now half submerged, and nearby homes are facing an uncertain future.
Family legacy under water
Josh Trujillo, who inherited the park from his wife’s grandparents, described the scene: “Last week we saw historic levels, and this week it was worse.” The property has been a multigenerational legacy – Josh’s wife’s siblings help run it, and the Trujillo children are already involved. “We’re four generations deep,” he said, underscoring how the flood strikes at the heart of a family’s livelihood.
Water, mud and debris have ripped electrical and water lines from the ground, collapsed structures, and turned sections of the San Juan Riverwalk into a broken shoreline. Yet, despite the loss, the Trujillos stress that they still have a roof over their heads, food, water, and each other – “that’s really all that matters at this point.”
Neighbors also hit hard
Just next door, Austin Warner, Josh’s brother‑in‑law, and his wife are confronting their own challenges. They purchased their home only weeks before the floods hit. “It started looking repairable. Not really sure what we’re looking at now, though,” Warner said, noting that the floodwaters have again swept away what seemed salvageable. With a baby on the way and winter looming, the Warner family hopes to salvage their home before the season’s harsh weather sets in.
Community and emergency response
Local emergency crews responded quickly, rescuing stranded residents by air and land. Incident Public Information Officer Vicki Shaffer reported that helicopters returned to the airfield with people who could not evacuate the night before. All roads leading into town have now reopened after thorough bridge inspections on Highway 160, though evacuation orders remain in effect for the most vulnerable areas.
Residents and volunteers have rallied around the affected families, offering meals, temporary shelter, and donations of building supplies. Faith‑based groups in the area have organized prayer services and material assistance, reflecting the community’s strong Christian values and commitment to helping one another in times of crisis.
Looking ahead
Josh Trujillo acknowledges that the road to recovery will be long, costly, and labor‑intensive. “It’s never going to look the same,” he said. “We’re taking one day at a time.” The family plans to rebuild the park with a focus on safety and resilience, aiming to restore the beloved destination for tourists and locals alike.
As Pagosa Springs begins the arduous task of rebuilding, the story of the Trujillo and Warner families serves as a reminder of the strength found in faith, family, and community when disaster strikes.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
