Nestled in the southern Colorado foothills of the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Trinidad Lake State Park offers over 2,900 acres of serene beauty and outdoor fun.
Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Trinidad Lake and its dam provide flood control, irrigation, and recreational opportunities to the Purgatoire River Valley.
One of the park’s big claims to fame: It’s home to the KT Boundary, the geological line marking the end of the Mesozoic era of dinosaurs and the dawn of the Cenozoic period. Beneath younger sandstone and coal layers, a thin layer of rock contains shocked quartz and iridium – evidence of the asteroid impact that changed life on Earth.
Hike, jog, bike, or horseback ride on 10 miles of trails, where you’ll encounter native plants, lush vegetation, and in some spots, Indian ruins and mining relics. Your trail companions might include mule deer, elk, cottontail rabbits, broad-tailed hummingbirds, and even great blue herons.
Trinidad Lake is ideal for boating, waterskiing, and other watersports. Anglers can cast for rainbow and brown trout, bass, channel catfish, walleye, saugeye, crappie, bluegill, perch, and wipers. Practice at the archery range, or during legal seasons, hunt in posted areas of the park.
When you’re ready to unwind, two campgrounds offer RV and trailer hookups, tent campsites, and basic amenities. Primitive camping sites are also available for a more rustic experience.
