Copyright: Colorado State Parks Trinidad Lake State Park

Description - Trinidad Lake State Park lies in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of southeastern Colorado. The lake is a few miles west of Interstate 25. The biggest attraction to this state park is 700 surface-acre Trinidad Lake. The entire park encompasses 2,300 acres.

Attractions - .P>The facilities at Trinidad Lake include a campground with 62 modern sites. Each site has a table, grill and access to water, toilets, laundry facilities and showers. Electrical hookups are available at 49 sites in the campground. There are also picnic grounds on the northern and southern shores of the lake. Two group picnic grounds, that accommodate 50 people each, are available for reservations. The eastern entrance to the park from State Highway 12 provides access to the boat ramp. The next entrance traveling west on 12 accesses the ranger station, the campground, a picnic ground and the dump station. The Reilly Canyon and Levsa Canyon Nature Trail lie on the northern shore of the lake. The southern shore provides fishing access, picnicking facilities and trail access to Longs Canyon.

Recreation - Most visitors to Trinidad Lake State Park come to participate in water sports. Boating, water skiing, sailboarding and jet skiing, are permitted on Trinidad Lake. Fishing is popular and the lake is stocked with rainbow and brook trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, crapie, bluegill and wipers. Several maintained trails within the park provide terrain for hikers, walkers and mountain bikers. Interpretive programs are provided throughout the summer months. During the winter visitors can enjoy ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

Climate - Climate conditions in Colorado should be taken seriously throughout the state. Snow and ice are common on roads and trails from mid-October through late April. In the summer months, snow is still possible but less common. Varying conditions throughout a given day can be expected throughout the year. Remember that summer days can typically have beautiful sunny mornings and short sudden thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Southern Colorado's summer temperatures frequently reach triple digits. This heat combined with the relatively high elevation provides a great climate for severe sunburn and dehydration. Be sure to take extra amounts of sunscreen and plenty of water for everyone in your party.

Location - Trinidad Lake State Park is located three miles west of Interstate 25. The Highway of Legends Scenic Byway leads along the northern shore entrances to the park. The lake lies on, and is fed by, the Purgatory River.

LAT: 37.144464
LONG: -104.5519312