Trinidad Lake State Park is nestled in the foothills of the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado. The 2,500-acre park provides a spectacular backdrop for a variety of recreational activities.
Nine miles of trails traverse the piñon and juniper forests at the park. Trinidad's 800-acre lake offers opportunities for boating and fishing, and individual and group picnic facilities are available.
The park is bordered by the Scenic Highway of Legends and the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. Four museum complexes are located in Trinidad, three miles east of the park.
The dam which created Trinidad Lake was built as an irrigation and flood-control project the by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1978. Colorado State Parks has managed the area since 1980.
Camping
The park's 62 sites can accommodate recreational vehicles, trailers or tents. Facilities include centrally located water hydrants, a coin-operated laundry, electrical hookups, showers and toilets.
Campsites may be reserved in advance by call (303) 470-1144 in the Denver metro area, or toll-free at (800) 678-CAMP.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted anywhere on the lake except in the boat launching and docking area. Species caught at Trinidad Lake include rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, crappie and bluegill. See fishing tips.
Boating and water sports
Boaters must observe the Colorado boating statutes and regulations, which are available in pamphlet form at the visitors center and park entrances.
All boats must observe wakeless speeds around the boat launch area, within 150 feet of shore, fishermen and as buoyed. Boats are not allowed within 200 feet of the dam or the intake structure, or as buoyed.
The water level at Trinidad Lake can fluctuate. Boaters are warned to be especially alert to submerged hazards.
Swimming
Swim