Western Colorado is getting a brand new state park - and it looks absolutely gorgeous.

National Forest Acquires Sweetwater Ranch

Recently, the White River National Forest acquired the 488-acre Sweetwater Ranch in northeast Garfield county, and this week Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced a management partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service, and Eagle Valley Land Trust to create the 43rd state park in Colorado.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Sweetwater area was one of the top 10 priority Land and Water Conservation purchases across the nation to "increase public recreation opportunities as well as to protect the area's important wildlife habitat."

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Improvements and Increased Infrastructure On the Way

As you can see from the photos below, the new state park at Sweetwater Lake is beautiful, but there's work to be done to make it useable and accessible for the public. There isn't much infrastructure currently in place that would make it conducive to public recreation. However, improved facilities will be forthcoming, including a new boat launch that should be ready to use by next summer.

Parks and Wildlife Director Dan Prenzlow says they will modernize the facilities, provide updated and sustainable recreational services, improve access to the property and "conserve" the unique character of the area.

Stunning Images of Colorado's New Sweetwater Lake State Park

Sweetwater Lake will become Colorado's 43rd state park, providing new recreational opportunities on the western slope including camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. Here is a look at what you can expect to find at the new state park in northeast Garfield County. 

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