Lake Recreation Year-round near SE Colorado Properties
Lamar, Colorado sits in the Lower Arkansas River Valley. In 25 minutes, our residents can be picnicking at the John Martin Reservoir State Park and Wilderness Area. We can enjoy watersports, swimming, fishing, and year-round recreation there.
Since opening in 1948, word has gotten out. People from southeastern Colorado properties meet tourists here—all basking in the fresh air, sunshine, and peaceful waters. It’s a fun retreat. John Martin Reservoir next to Lake Hasty, too, adding more natural resources. During any season, John Martin Reservoir State Park stands as one of the best Colorado state parks.
Size and Scope of John Martin Reservoir
Set along the Arkansas River, the average depth of the reservoir is 5-10 feet. However, the maximum depth is sixty feet. It includes over 11,658 surface acres. The reservoir is used for flood control, irrigation, and recreation.
In this area of the High Desert Prairie, the water’s elevation measures 3852 feet. High rocky bluffs and short prairie grasses form the John Martin Reservoir State Park. The dry habitat encourages a large variety of flora and fauna. Note the Yucca used by Native American tribes in previous eras. Interested parties could identify the sagebrush, prickly pear cactus, Buffalo grasses, and trees.
Recreation at John Martin Reservoir 
Below find a list of enjoyable activities available at John Martin Reservoir State Park. Think of quiet activities. Places outside the park welcome hunting and OHVing.
Picnics: Available on a first-come-first-served basis, picnic tables offer shaded spaces for meals. Be sure to make reservations for large picnic areas if needed. Call the Visitor Center
Boating: Water sport enthusiasts come with all kinds of watercraft. Water skiers, jet skiers, and others enjoy the water for most of the year. Only hand-launched vessels like canoes and kayaks, sailboats, and small motorboats can roam Lake Hasty.
Fishing: Fish from the shoreline or by boat at John Martin Reservoir State Park. Lake Hasty is stocked. Anglers discover a variety of fish species from the Arkansas River.
Swimming: On summer days, people head to the beach at blue-watered Lake Hasty for a dip. Swim wherever the signs guide you. Nearby facilities to accommodate your swim group. Swimmers at John Martin Reservoir must wear lifejackets.
Birding: Birders consider this a top place in Colorado to watch: the birds. There are 373 cataloged species, including endangered and threatened birds.
Hiking: An extensive trail system leads to viewing wildlife and ancient native rock carvings. Visit the Red Shin Trail, a 4.5-mile meandering path through the Prairie grass and wetlands around Lake Hasty. On the north side of the reservoir, the short Santa Fe Trail passes historic canals and rock carvings. Wildlife, such as dear rabbits and antelope, frequent the area– along with coyotes, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, and prairie dogs. Please keep pets on six-foot leashes.
Biking: Cyclists enjoy the roads that pass through the grounds of the park during any time of the year.
Disc Golf: On the east side of Lake Hastie sits a nine-hole disc golf course. The course map is available at the Visitor Center.
Geocaching: If you know how to participate, join people of all ages using hand-held GPS units to discover one of the caches hidden throughout John Martin Reservoir State Park by Eagle Scout. Anyone new to this hobby can contact the park’s office to rent a GPS device.
Camping: John Martin Reservoir State Park offers reservations camping at La Junta KOA (50-amp service for rigs), The Point Campground (104 basic campsites), Lake Hasty Campground (109 campsites).
History
John Martin, a US representative from Colorado, successfully advocated for legislation to approve the building of the reservoir on the Arkansas River. The US Army Corps of Engineers flooded the lake in January 1943 before opening in 1948. The communities of Caddoa, Hasty, and Las animus were most affected. To achieve the goal, the government obtained extensive lands and relocated twenty-one miles of track built by Santa Fe Railway.
Adjunct activities and historic studies: Explore the area’s historical landmarks. The first trading history is presented at Bent’s Old Fort. The site of the Sand Creek Massacre reminds us of more somber times. The Legend of Red Shin, a Cheyenne warrior from 1833 got in a fight over an Indian maid. For the occasion, the Dakota Stand stone formation became Red Shin Standing Ground.
Real Estate Agents – SE Colorado Properties
Before you head to John Martin Reservoir State Park or the Wildlife Area, please call (719) 829-1801 for current conditions. If you like a quieter, small-town atmosphere, find out about properties for sale to fit your goals.
Call Gene Cruikshank, Broker/President, and the team at Cruikshank Realty (719) 336-7802. Schedule an appointment or stop in at 20 S. Main Street, Lamar, CO 81052.