Trinidad Lake - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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. 

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.

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.

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.
    

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.
    

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

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. 

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

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