Colorado

The easternmost state park in Colorado - sometimes called a sapphire on the plains - is the John Martin Reservoir State Park 18 miles west of Lamar, CO in southeastern Colorado. Visitors come mainly for the water sports recreation opportunities including boating, fishing, waterskiing, etc. There are also opportunities for camping and wildlife viewing, but no hunting is allowed in the boundaries of the State Park itself. There's not a lot of opportunity for hikers in this park with the exception of the lone 4-mile Red Shin Trail - named after a legendary local Cheyenne warrior named Red Shin who stood his ground in battle on a rock formation just north of Lake Hasty Campground. This is a fee area.

When Open? Area Acres Operated By
Year-round; 5AM to 10PM except camping, boating and fishing (24 hours) 1,706 acres Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Dogs Allowed? Miles of Trail Max/Min Elev (ft)
Dogs allowed on leash 4 3,750ft - 3,900ft

John Martin Reservoir State Park Trail and Map Finder

Area Hiking Trails:
Area Trailheads:
1 - Lake Hasty Trailhead
2 - Red Shin South Trailhead
3 - Red Shin Trailhead
Area Campgrounds:
1 - Lake Hasty Campground
2 - The Point (Overflow) Campground