TRINIDAD LAKE STATE PARK
Trinidad Lake State Park, nestled in the Southern Colorado foothills of the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, is a 2,700-acre park filled with wildlife and natural beauty. At an average elevation of 6,300 feet, the lake, forest, hills and wetlands of the park offer a wide variety of recreational activities.
Ten miles of trails wander through the pinon and juniper forests at the park, which is part of the Purgatoire River Valley. Te parks 800-acre lake provides ample opportunities for boating and fishing while individual and group picnic facilities make getting together with family and friends a memorable experience.
The Carpios Ridge Campground provides modern facilities for overnight stops and longer stays for those exploring nearby Fishers Peak State Park, Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. Te park is bordered by the Scenic Highway of Legends and the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. Four of Southern Colorados finest museum complexes are located in Trinidad just three miles east. Te U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the dam that created Trinidad Lake as an irrigation and food-control project in 1978. Te park has been managed by Colorado State Parks since 1980.
Located in Las Animas County, Colorado, the park was established in 1980. It encompasses over 2,700 acres and includes Trinidad Lake. The lake is a reservoir created by the Trinidad Dam which was completed in 1979 as part of an irrigation project for local agriculture.
The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times with evidence of Native American cultures found throughout it. In more recent history, coal mining played a significant role economically until its decline after World War II.
Today it offers recreational activities such as fishing and boating on the lake or hiking along nature trails that provide panoramic views across southern Colorado's high plains.
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.
Te 63-site Carpios Ridge Campground accommodates RVs, trailers or tents and includes shared water taps, electrical hook-up, laundry, showers and flush toilets. Full hook-up and 10 basic sites are available seasonally. It is illegal to dump waste and sewage, including dishwater, anywhere except into the dump station so please use the facility conveniently located near the Carpios Ridge Campground entrance.
Anglers can enjoy year-round fishing in the lake, targeting species like rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, catfish, and walleye. Shoreline spots offer easy access for casting lines; boat ramps are available for those preferring to fish from watercraft. Ice fishing is popular during winter months when conditions permit safe ice formation on the lake's surface. The park also provides a special area designated for children under 16 years old to fish without competition from adults.
Trinidad Lake State Park is located near Trinidad
Picnicking is permitted throughout the park with individual picnic shelters offered on a first-come, first served basis. Group picnic and camping facilities are available for a fee and must be reserved. You may call the Visitor Center at 719 846-6951 for information, to request a free brochure or to make a group area reservation.
When considering cycling in the area, it's important to note that options are somewhat limited. The South Shore Trail is a primary path for cyclists; however, riders should be aware of its mixed-use nature and potentially encounter hikers or wildlife.
The Reilly Canyon Trail offers more challenging terrain suitable for mountain biking enthusiasts but requires caution due to steep sections and loose surfaces.
Cyclists must always wear helmets and ensure their bikes are well-maintained before tackling these trails. Weather conditions can change rapidly so staying informed about forecasts is crucial for safety.
Lastly, all park rules regarding trail use need to be strictly followed to preserve both personal safety and the natural environment around you.
- Long's Canyon Trail: A 2.4-mile moderately trafficked loop trail, offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels.
- Reilly Canyon Trail: This out-and-back trail spans approximately 5 miles, featuring a river and offering opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Levsa Canyon Loop: Approximately 1 mile long; this easy-level hiking path provides beautiful wildflower sightings during the spring season.
- South Shoreline Trail: An easy-rated hike of about .75 miles that follows along the south shore of Trinidad Lake with lake view points throughout its course.
-Carpios Ridge Campground Trails - These trails are short in length (less than half a mile), but offer stunning panoramic views over Trinidad Lake from Carpios Ridge campground area.
-West LakeshoreTrail :This moderate difficulty level trail extends around three-quarters of a mile on west side shoreline providing picturesque water vistas
-East LakeshoreTrail : Similar to West lakeside counterpart ,this eastside route also measures roughly three-quarter-miles showcasing serene waterscape scenes .
-Piedmont Nature Trails - Comprising several small loops totaling less than one-half-mile combined distance these paths wind through Piedmont picnic area revealing diverse flora fauna species native to park region .
-Viejo Pass Road Hiking Path- Formerly an old road now converted into multi-use pathway stretching nearly two-miles suitable both hikers bikers alike traversing varied landscapes including meadows forests hillsides
Birding enthusiasts can enjoy diverse habitats, including riparian areas and pinon-juniper woodlands. Common sightings include waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. Species such as the American Kestrel, Bald Eagle, and migratory warblers are often spotted around the lake area. The park's location on a migration route means seasonal variety in bird species is high.
Spring brings colorful migrants like orioles; summer offers breeding birds like blue grosbeaks. Fall sees an influx of different ducks while winter attracts bald eagles to open waters.
Trails offer prime viewing spots for birdwatchers with binoculars ready for action at dawn or dusk when activity peaks.
Directions from Denver, Colorado:
- Start on I-25 S towards Trinidad.
- Continue for approximately 200 miles.
- Take exit 13B to merge onto CO12 W toward Cokedale/Trinidad Historic District.
From Albuquerque, New Mexico:
- Begin your journey by getting on I40 E/I25 N
- Follow US85N and then take the right lane to continue with Raton Pass into Colorado State Route.
Colorado Springs Directions:
- Get started at Interstate Highway (I) - 25 Southbound in direction of Pueblo City Center.
- Proceed southwards until you reach Exit number #11 which is marked as Kit Carson Trail Roadway.
Pueblo directions:
- Head out via highway route numbered fifty eastwardly till Fowler Town junction point occurs after about thirty-five miles drive distance.
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