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Trinidad Lake - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Lake/ River/ Ponds
1 Day Treks
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About Trinidad Lake

Trinidad Lake is a man-made reservoir in Las Animas County, which was created in 1968 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the purpose of flood control and recreation. Trinidad Lake State Park is located on the shores of the lake and offers camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and picnicking opportunities. It is a popular destination for anglers from all over the state. In addition to fishing, visitors to the lake can enjoy swimming, water skiing, sailing, and windsurfing.
Address : Trinidad Lake, Colorado 81082, USA

Hotels near Trinidad Lake


Things to Do at Trinidad Lake

The park offers stunning views of the Southern Rockies, as well as opportunities for fishing, hiking, and camping. There are also several hiking trails that wind through the park, offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Camping is available at both the lakeside campground and the South Shore Campground. In the winter, the lake is a popular spot for cross-country skiing and ice fishing. 


Top Activities Near Trinidad Lake

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History of Trinidad Lake

The lake was formed by the damming of the Purgatoire River in 1973. The resulting reservoir has a capacity of 73,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 2,200 acres. 

In addition to its recreational uses, the lake also provides water for the city of Trinidad and surrounding agricultural areas. The Purgatoire River Valley has been inhabited for centuries, and the lake itself has a long history. Prior to its damming, the river was used for irrigation by local farmers. The first European settlers in the area arrived in the 1840s, and homesteading began in earnest in the 1860s. The town of Trinidad was founded in 1876, and the valley soon became an important center for ranching and coal mining. Today, Trinidad Lake is an important part of both the natural and cultural heritage of Las Animas County.


Best Time to Visit Trinidad Lake

The best time to visit Trinidad Lake is from June to September, when the weather is warm and the scenery is at its best. during this time, the lake is teeming with fish and wildlife, and the hiking trails are perfect for exploring the surrounding area.


Tips for Visiting Trinidad Lake

  1. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid wildlife encounters. Bears are known to frequent the area, so it is important to store food properly and be bear aware.
  2. Camp only in designated areas and follow all fire regulations. Do not leave campfires unattended and make sure they are completely extinguished before leaving the area.
  3. Use caution when swimming or boating on Trinidad Lake as there are no lifeguards on duty. Take heed of posted warnings and obey all water safety rules.
  4.  Respect private property rights and do not trespass. Remember that although the lake is open to the public, the land around it may not be.
  5.  Purchase a fishing license if you plan on fishing in Trinidad Lake.
  6. The lake is also a great place to stargaze - on clear nights, you can see millions of stars overhead.
     

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Trinidad Lake

  1. The lake has a surface area of 1,100 acres.
  2. The maximum depth of the lake is 65 feet.
  3. There are two boat ramps on the lake that provide access for boaters and fishermen.
  4. The lake is also home to a population of beavers, which can often be seen building their dams along the shoreline.
  5. The park also features a Visitor Center with exhibits on the history and ecology of the area.
  6.  The lake is part of the Lost Creek Watershed and provides irrigation water for farmers in the area.
     

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Trinidad Lake

The maximum stay at Trinidad Lake is three nights. This allows campers to enjoy the scenic views and abundant wildlife without impacting the environment.

However, visitors should be aware that the maximum time that they are allowed to stay in the lake is six hours. This is to ensure that everyone has a chance to enjoy the lake


How to Reach Trinidad Lake

To reach Trinidad Lake State Park, take I-25 north from Trinidad to Exit 27. Head west on state Highway 12 for about 9 miles to the village of Aguilar. In Aguilar, turn north onto Las Animas County Road 35 and drive about 8 miles to the park entrance. The camping sites are located just a short walk from the parking area. 


Entrance Fee of Trinidad Lake

The Trinidad Lake  entrance fee is $7 per vehicle for a day pass. 


Opening Hours of Trinidad Lake

The Trinidad Lake and its amenities are open from 8:00am to sunset. 


Attractions Near Trinidad Lake

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Trinidad History MuseumThe Trinidad History Museum is a collection of buildings, gardens, and exhibits that make up one full block in Colorado's historic Trinidad area.It features a number of attractions on one block in the historic district of Trinidad. These include historic homes, gardens, and local treasures. The museum includes the Santa Fe Trail in its remit since the trail passes through the southeast corner of Colorado.
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Penitente CanyonPenitente Canyon is a canyon located in Las Animas County, Colorado. The canyon is approximately 10 miles long and 2,000 feet deep. It is home to a variety of plants and animals, as well as a number of prehistoric archaeological sites. The canyon was first inhabited by the Ute Indians, who used it as a hunting ground. In the 1800s, the canyon was settled by Hispanic farmers and ranchers. Today, the canyon is a popular recreation area, with hiking, camping, and rock climbing opportunities.
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Spanish Peaks WildernessThe Spanish Peaks Wilderness is a 19,226 acres wilderness area in Huerfano County. The wilderness area is only around 19,000 acres wide and is contained entirely in Colorado. It is managed by the US Forest Service. The Peaks have traditional and religious significance to American Indian tribes including the Apache, Comanche, and Ute.
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Tombstone HillTombstone Hill is a prominent hill on the north side of Edisto Glacier in the Admiralty Mountains, Victoria Land.Its summit is littered with slabs of hard sedimentary rock, many of which are steeply tilted on end to give the appearance of a field of tombstones. It is a good trekking destination and also there are so many things to see and do here.
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Cordova PassCordova Pass is a 11,260 foot mountain pass just outside of the Spanish Peaks Wilderness. It is reached via the Apishapa Road, a leg of the Scenic Highway of Legends. Most of the time, the pass may be traversed by passenger vehicles, although it is not accessible from mid-November to late May.There are vault toilets, several picnic tables and a couple of primitive campsites in the summit area. This is a "Fee Area".
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Cucharas PassCucharas Pass is a high mountain pass located on the boundary of Huerfano and Las Animas counties, in south central Colorado in the United States. The road winds its way through Cuchara, where you will begin to see the old volcanic dykes of Stonewall, Colorado. The Cuchara river will accompany you through most of your Northern journey. The region gets its name from the spoon-like shape of the valley, with "cuchara" being the Spanish word for "spoon."

Discover More Attractions in Las Animas County, Home of Trinidad Lake

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Las Animas County
Las Animas County is one of the 64 counties in the U.S. state of Colorado. The county takes its name from the Mexican Spanish name of the Purgatoire River, originally called El Río de las Ánimas Perdidas en el Purgatorio, which means "River of the Lost Souls in Purgatory."

Location of Trinidad Lake


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