Lathrop State Park
State Park in Walsenburg, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office/Visitor Center and Drive Up Window: Daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
70 County Road 502
Walsenburg, CO 81089
United States
Lathrop State Park
State Park in Walsenburg, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office/Visitor Center and Drive Up Window: Daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
70 County Road 502
Walsenburg, CO 81089
United States
Navigate to:
Park Highlight
Explore the Lakes
Lathrop’s two lakes offer something for every water recreationist, from the power boater and canoeist to the sailor, swimmer and angler. Because of Lathrop’s location in southern Colorado between the foothills and plains, the lakes’ water is often warmer than most mountain lakes and reservoirs at higher elevations, averaging 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
Martin Lake
The 180-surface-acre lake offers a swim beach, water-skiing, fishing, power and sail boating and windsurfing.
Horseshoe Lake
Horseshoe Lake, a 150-surface-acre lake, offers sailing, boating at wakeless speeds, wind surfing as well as fishing. The smaller, wakeless lake makes it a perfect haven for kayakers and canoeists.
Lake Facilities
Facilities
There is one boat ramp at Martin Lake and one boat ramp on the north side of Horseshoe Lake. An accessible kayak/canoe launch is located on the southside of Horseshoe Reservoir.
Martin Lake has a buoyed area near the boat ramp where boats towing skiers and water toys may safely take off and return to shore. The ski beach shoreline is a grassy area with 4 covered picnic tables and stand up grills. Pets, glass and fishing are prohibited in this area.
An accessible fishing access area is available at the west side of Martin Lake.
A fishing pond for children under 16 years old is located near the Martin Lake Dam. The pond is stocked with small, easy-to-catch fish so children can have a good time and learn about fishing. Fishing clinics for kids are sometimes held at the pond. The swim and ski beach, Martin Lake Dam, boat docks and boat ramps are closed to fishing.
Swimming is permitted only in the designated swim beach area and is done so at the individual's own risk. The swim beach is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and has covered picnic tables and grills. Pets, fishing and glass are not permitted at the swim beach area. Children 12 and under must be supervised by an adult.
Boating and Fishing
Boating
Boating is limited to hand launched boats from October 15 to March 15 each year, unless otherwise posted. Horseshoe Lake is closed to boating November 1 through January. The lake's water is often warmer than most mountain lakes and reservoirs at higher elevations, averaging 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
Fishing
Martin and Horseshoe Lakes are stocked with rainbow trout, channel catfish, bass, walleye, blue gill, crappie and wipers. Both lakes are open and fishing has been very good for trout and northern pike. Martin Lake is known for northern pike and saugeye.
Fish Species and Bag Limits
See the Fishing Atlas for fishable species at this location and the Fishing Brochure (PDF) for daily bag limits.
Fishing Awards and Records for Lathrop
Colorado Parks and Wildlife awards anglers who catch big fish. Visit the Fishing Awards and Records page for more records. The biggest muskie caught here was 46 inches long and weighed 25 pounds.
Bring the Brochures with You
Fishing Brochure
Read up on the location you want to fish before you head out.
Download the BrochureLand and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the BrochureAquatic Nuisance Species at Lathrop
To boat on the lakes, a pre-launch boat inspection for aquatic nuisance species (ANS) at the marina, an ANS stamp and a current boat registration are required.
Inspection Hours
Contact the park for inspection hours and location.
Zebra Mussels
Stop the Spread of Zebra MusselsWater Activities
Jet Skiing
Bring your jet ski and enjoy Martin Lake on a hot summer day.
Kayaking and Canoeing
The smaller, wakeless Horseshoe Lake makes it a perfect haven for kayakers and canoeists.
Water Skiing
Martin Lake provides a great water skiing experience on hot summer days.
Swimming
Swimming is permitted only in the designated swim beach area and is done so at the individual's own risk. Children 12 and under must be supervised by an adult.