How do I access John Martin State Wildlife Area?

John Martin State Wildlife Area is a public boat ramp in Colorado. There is no entrance fee.

What activities are available at John Martin State Wildlife Area?

John Martin State Wildlife Area supports kayaking, canoeing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.

What amenities are at John Martin State Wildlife Area?

On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.

When is the best time to visit John Martin State Wildlife Area?

The best time to paddle at John Martin State Wildlife Area is during spring and summer and fall. March through November

What are the water conditions at John Martin State Wildlife Area?

Water conditions at John Martin State Wildlife Area include mild current.

Is John Martin State Wildlife Area good for beginners?

Yes, John Martin State Wildlife Area is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Gentle moving water with mild current. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable with basic paddle strokes and steering.

a group of people riding on top of a raft down a river

Photo by Jackalope West on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingBeginner

Conditions

RiverMild Current

Amenities

Boat RampParking

Best Time to Visit

Spring Summer Fall

John Martin State Wildlife Area

Hasty, CO · Boat Ramp · Public

John Martin State Wildlife Area is a public boat ramp on Arkansas River near Hasty, Colorado. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing. Amenities include boat ramp, parking. Best visited in spring and summer and fall.

At a Glance

Water Body

River

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Limited

Gentle moving water with mild current. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable with basic paddle strokes and steering.

About This Location

John Martin State Wildlife Area offers river paddling on Arkansas River in Colorado. Located near Hasty.

Located in Colorado, John Martin State Wildlife Area puts you on Arkansas River with room to explore upstream or downstream from the launch.

Kayaking is the most popular activity here, with the water conditions supporting a range of skill levels. Canoeists can enjoy the calmer sections for a relaxed paddle. Mountain waterways in the Rockies run cold and clear, fed by snowmelt and alpine runoff.

Expect mild current conditions on the water. The best time to visit is March through November. Facilities include boat ramp and parking.

John Martin State Wildlife Area sits about 10 min from Hasty, making it a convenient option for local and visiting paddlers.

Paddling Tips

•Know where your take-out is and how long the run takes before launching.
•Scout downstream from the launch before committing to your paddle.
•Always face upstream when entering or exiting your boat at the ramp.
•River levels change with rainfall — check the USGS gauge before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access John Martin State Wildlife Area?: John Martin State Wildlife Area is a public boat ramp in Colorado. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at John Martin State Wildlife Area?: John Martin State Wildlife Area supports kayaking, canoeing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at John Martin State Wildlife Area?: On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit John Martin State Wildlife Area?: The best time to paddle at John Martin State Wildlife Area is during spring and summer and fall. March through November
What are the water conditions at John Martin State Wildlife Area?: Water conditions at John Martin State Wildlife Area include mild current.
Is John Martin State Wildlife Area good for beginners?: Yes, John Martin State Wildlife Area is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Gentle moving water with mild current. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable with basic paddle strokes and steering.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 38.0932, -103.0541