John Martin Reservoir State Park

· Plover

John Martin Reservoir State Park

John Martin Reservoir

Aliases: Hasty, Lake Hasty, Caddoa

The largest reservoir in SE Colorado. This state park has something to offer everyone, with shorebirds and waterbirds on the reservoir itself, passerines in the large riparian area below the dam, and grassland species on the grasslands just south of the park. A blind overlooks the Santa Fe Trail slough just west of the Visitor Center. To scan the reservoir, walk out along the dam road, or scan from the overlooks on the north side near the visitor’s center. The south shore, which is state wildlife area, can be scanned year round, but during the summer portions may be closed to protect Piping Plovers and Least Terns. Below the dam, the Lake Hasty Campground has an excellent riparian area, and Lake Hasty can be good as well. The thickets along the outlet are worth a look. Just south of the reservoir are some excellent yucca grasslands with Cassin’s Sparrows and Ferruginous Hawks, among others. Deer and rabbits can be common in the area. Please stay on established roads. In February the reservoir hosts the High Plains Snow Goose Festival and in May they host the Bent on Birding festival. Contact the reservoir at 719-829-1801 for more information.

County: Bent

Attractions: Bent's Old Fort, Boggsville

Habitat: Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Marsh, Hedgerow/Shelterbelt, Grassland/Prairie, Tamarisk

Directions: The John Martin Reservoir complex is south of US 50 between the towns of Las Animas and Lamar. To get to the dam, head east on US 50 from Las Animas to the town of Hasty and go south about two miles to the dam. For more specific directions to sites, see the text above.

Delorme: 99 D6
Roads of Colorado: 125 E3

Dates of Access: Open year round
Hours: Visitor center 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission: State Park Pass in the State Park. A valid hunting/fishing license, or State Wildlife Area Pass is required to the State Wildlife Area

Restrictions: For closure information contact the reservoir at 719-829-1801

Parking: Various
Lodging: Camping

Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: Some car viewing and easy walking trails

Elevation: 3760

Latitude: 38.08393
Longitude: -102.95267

» Visit the website for John Martin Reservoir State Park

Image Gallery for John Martin Reservoir State Park

American White Pelican
Glossy Ibis
Burrowing Owl
Scaled Quail

Amenities

RestroomsYes
Drinking FountainYes
Gravel TrailsYes
Paved TrailsNo
Platform/BlindYes
BoardwalkNo
ConcessionNo
Visitor CenterYes
Gift ShopYes
PrimitiveNo
CampingYes
PicnicYes
HuntingNo
FishingYes
2023-08-15T13:45:07-06:00

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