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Colorado
66

Colorado State Parks

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USA Parks
Colorado
Central Region
Paonia State Park
Picnic Table © stateparks.com
It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
Afternoon Hike © stateparks.com
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PAONIA STATE PARK
PAONIA STATE PARK
Somerset, Colorado   81434
(lat:38.983 lon:-107.3456) map location

Phone: 970-921-5721
Plunge deep into nature at this narrow lake park. Steep mountainsides, pristine water, alpine scenery and peaceful environment make Paonia a haven for water and nature lovers.

Camp near a babbling stream, water-ski on a mountain reservoir, have a picnic, observe wildlife, all in view of the majestic Ragged Mountains. The park's natural beauty and abundance of wildflowers make it a must see for photographers and nature lovers.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife, in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, recently rehabilitated several areas of the park. Visitors can relax here for one day or for several.

Nature of the Area
Paonia features a 334 surface-acre reservoir filled primarily by Muddy Creek flows. The park is situated in a deep, narrow canyon between the Ruby Range, Raggeds Wilderness and Grand Mesa. Two major geologic formations, Mesa Verde and Fort Union are visible and were deposited in the Cretaceous and Paleocene periods. Fossilized palm fronds and willow and elm leaf imprints are visible in canyon boulders.
Passes
All Colorado State Parks have entrance fees. All vehicles are required to have an entrance pass and some parks have walk-in fees. Visit the Colorado Park Entrance Pass web page.
Camping
There are primitive campsites located in two separate campgrounds. All campsites have a picnic table, a fire ring and nearby vault toilets.
In Park Availability Calendars
PRIMITIVE (Units Available For Upcoming Weekends)
March 2025
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9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
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April 2025
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May 2025
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45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
June 2025
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891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930-----
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing in the reservoir, which is known for rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon. Shoreline access available.


Location
Paonia State Park is

Picnicking
Paonia State Park offers scenic picnic areas with tables and grills overlooking the reservoir amidst mountainous landscapes.
Trails
Even though there arent any hiking trails at Paonia, horseback riders and cross-country skiers can access the park on an informal basis along the shore of the lake.

Cross-country ski are welcome, but there are no groomed trails. Hikers may want to visit the trail systems in the Ragged Wilderness Area nearby.

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Area Campgrounds
Kebler Corner
30682 County Road 12
Somerset, CO
970-929-5029
Nearby Hotels
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Colorado
66

Colorado State Parks

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