The diverse habitat of this park makes it the best place in Huerfano County to find the widest variety of birds. Martin and Horseshoe Lakes are good-sized bodies of water where Pacific Loons & scoters have been seen. Swans have also been seen here, and one summer a Brown Pelican graced the lakes for several days. Riparian habitat abounds for good passerines. There are two good hikes. A fairly long one (up to 1.5 miles) begins at North Martin Inlet parking area on the north side of this lake. Walk north along the paved trail through dense riparian habitat. Northern Waterthrushes and even an Alder Flycatcher have been seen in this area. At the picnic ground (1/4 mile) with canopy covered tables, take a paved left fork off the main trail to the paved road between Martin & Horseshoe Lakes. Take the road north a short distance to the dam parking area. From here there is a trail south through dense riparian habitat, a cattail pond, and public viewing area at the pond. It's great for both Sora & Virginia Rails, more easily heard than seen. South of the pond the trail gets a little rougher but is still easily walked below Horseshoe Lake Dam. It's a good idea to walk into the riparian area on the left (east) where there is access. Summer Tanagers, American Redstarts, and Black & White Warblers have all been found below the dam. As you approach its south end, there are several trails going left (east) back to the paved road and North Martin Inlet parking area.

A shorter walk (about 1/2 mile) starts at the south end of Horseshoe Lake. From the dam parking area at the southeast end of the lake, drive west a short distance to the next parking area with a masonry restroom on the right. A pond (a marsh if dry) is on the left. Check it and then walk a short distance (about 100+ yards) west to the Horseshoe Lake intake ditch. Walk above the east side of the ditch to the lake through excellent riparian habitat. At the lake turn east through more riparian habitat until it's too dense to walk. Climb up the small berm and walk east back to the parking area. You may want to go back to the dam's south end and walk a short distance where Green Herons and Great-tailed Grackles are sometimes found, if you missed them on the hikes described above.

Dryland birds can also be found on either side of the lakes. On the north side, scan the hogback ridge for Greater Roadrunners & Pinyon Jays. There is a parking area and trail to the ridge on the north side of the park. On the south side of the lakes, there are good stands of yucca where Ladder-backed Woodpeckers can sometimes be found.

There are many other areas, both wet and dry, in the park too numerous to describe. It's a great place to enjoy and explore.

Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Lowland Reservoir, Marsh, Yucca

Directions: Lathrop State Park is about three miles southwest of Walsenburg along US 160.

Acknowledgments: Hotspot information was originally compiled on Birding Colorado, a service of Colorado Field Ornithologists. CFO thanks all the original contributors.