Lake Recreation Year-round near SE Colorado Properties

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.


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Know Lamar’s Farming Communities Farming is a big part of everyday life in the Arkansas River Valley. If you visit a farming community near Lamar, you’ll notice that life moves at a slower pace. People wave as you drive by, and children play outside without worrying about busy streets. Many families own land or work in agriculture, growing crops like wheat, corn, and sorghum, or raising cattle. These communities often come together to help each other during planting and harvesting seasons, making it easy to feel like you are part of a big family. Options for Young Families Southern Colorado farming communities offer many opportunities for families with young children. Families can buy homes with plenty of space for children to run and play. Some families even own small farms themselves, where their kids can learn about animals, gardening, and responsibility. For starters, housing is usually more affordable compared to big cities. If you search for houses in Prowers County, you’ll find a variety of options, from cozy homes in town to properties with large yards and open land. Safety is another big advantage in Prowers County. With less traffic and fewer strangers, parents feel comfortable letting their children explore outside. Neighborhoods are close-knit, and people look out for each other. It’s common for neighbors to become lifelong friends, and for families to gather for picnics, barbecues, and local festivals. For parents who want their children to grow up surrounded by nature, Lamar is a wonderful choice. Kids can help plant gardens, ride horses, or fish in nearby lakes. There are also many community events, like county fairs and farmers’ markets, where families can meet others and learn more about local traditions. Learning and Growing Together Children in Lamar’s farming communities have the chance to learn important life skills from an early age. They can help with chores on the farm, such as feeding animals, planting seeds, or picking vegetables. These experiences teach responsibility, teamwork, and the value of demanding work. Parents say their kids become more independent and confident because of the firsthand learning they get every day. Schools in the area offer programs that focus on agriculture, science, and technology, preparing children for a variety of future careers. Many students get involved in 4-H clubs and Future Farmers of America, where they can learn about leadership and community service. These programs also give children the chance to compete in local contests and show their projects at fairs. Community Support and Activities Farming communities around Lamar are known for their staunch support systems. Churches, schools, community centers, and local organizations often organize events for families, such as pancake breakfasts, holiday celebrations, and sports tournaments. 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How to Prep Farms & Ranches for Sale and Profits

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How to Prep Farms & Ranches for Sale and Profits If you are thinking of marketing ag properties and need to prep farms & ranches for sale in Colorado, Kansas, or nearby states, there’s good news. Demand for agricultural properties is strong. But getting top dollars for your farm or ranch isn’t automatic. To achieve profitable sales, agricultural real estate needs to be prepared. It’s essential to make your ag property market-ready, whether you’re selling a family legacy or pivoting your business. Here’s how to set the stage for successful, profitable sales. 1. First Impressions Matter: Clean & Declutter Start with the basics. Clean up your agricultural property. Buyers want to envision themselves running their own operations, not cleaning up someone else’s mess. Take a step back and look over your acreage and improvements. Clear out old equipment, tools, and trash. Organize barns, sheds, and shop areas. Mow fields, bale the hay, and trim up the overgrown trees and brush. 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