Paonia State Park

Paonia State Park is a state recreation area in Colorado featuring a 334-acre mountain lake surrounded by forests and shrublands across nearly 1,900 acres of land. The reservoir sits at approximately 6,500 feet elevation and provides the centerpiece for the entire park landscape.

The dam was completed in 1960, creating the reservoir, and the state established the park in 1964 to serve as a public recreation destination. Before that date, the area saw limited recreational use.

The park provides a connection to Colorado's natural heritage through its geological formations from Mesa Verde and Fort Union dating to Cretaceous periods.

The park has 13 campsites without electrical hookups and two picnic areas positioned around the grounds. Water activities like boating, fishing, and water skiing are available year-round, though conditions change with the seasons.

The park houses observable fossilized remains within its geological structures while supporting diverse wildlife populations of raptors, waterfowl, mule deer, and elk.

Location: Colorado

Inception: 1964

Website: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/paonia

GPS coordinates: 38.98280,-107.34600

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:06