Trails at Trinidad Lake State Park
There’s so much to see on Trinidad's trails! Several trails reward eager explorers wanting to learn, exercise or conduct nature study. Sights range from open vistas, to grasslands, forests, cliffs and ponds.
The Long's Canyon trail provides one of the best examples of the geologic K-T Boundary anywhere in the country, attracting geologists from afar.
Levsa Canyon Self-Guided Trail A moderate one-mile, self-guided walk that loops back to the campground area. With its varied terrain and numerous views of mountains, lake, and wooded coves, it's perfect for a short, informative hike. Pets: Yes Permitted uses: Foot and bike Miles paved: 0 Miles non-paved: 1.0 Total distance: 1.0 Usage: Low Degree of difficulty: Moderate Elevation: 6,200 ADA accessible: No
Reilly Canyon Trail For the hiking enthusiast, the trail branches off from Levsa, continuing four miles farther west toward the Reilly Canyon entrance and the historic town of Cokedale. Across the lake, the 2.5-mile South Shore Trail takes hikers along the southern rim of the park to Long's Canyon and seldom explored areas of the park. Pets: Yes Permitted uses: Foot and bike Miles paved: 0 Miles non-paved: 4.0 Total distance: 4.0 Usage: Low Degree of difficulty: Moderate Elevation: 6,200 ADA accessible: No
Sunset Point Trail Our newest trail on the South Shore is handicapped-accessible and leads to a shaded picnic area and overlook with a panoramic view of the lake. Pets: Yes Permitted uses: Foot, bike, wheelchair and handicap motorized units Miles paved: 1.0 Miles non-paved: 0 Total distance: 1.00 Usage: Medium Degree of difficulty: Easy Elevation: 6,200 ADA accessible: Yes South Shore Trail The trail follows the South Shore of the lake and leads to seldom explored areas of the park.
Pets: Yes Permitted uses: Foot, horse and mountain bike Miles paved: 0 Miles non-paved: 2.5 Total distance: 2.5 Usage: Low Degree of difficulty: Moderate Elevation: 6,200 ADA accessible: No
Long’s Canyon Trail This is a relaxing 3/4 mile (one way) self-guided hike through a variety of forest lands, meadows, and riparian environments. Viewing blinds above the ponds offer a secluded space for watching the abundant wildlife of the area—ducks, geese, herons, beaver, deer, elk and other wild animals. Pets: Yes Permitted uses: Foot and bike Miles paved: 0 Miles non-paved: 0.75 Total distance: 0.75 Usage: Low Degree of difficulty: Moderate Elevation: 6,200 ADA accessible: No
Carpios Cove Trail This moderately challenging, steep, half-mile trail leads hikers from the Carpios Ridge picnic area down to Trinidad Lake and connects the Carpios Ridge area with Carpios Cove. Pets: Yes Permitted uses: Foot and bike Miles paved: 0 Miles non-paved: 0.5 Total distance: 0.5 Usage: Low Degree of difficulty: Moderate Elevation: 6,200 ADA accessible: No
Visitor Center Trail Connects interpretive features that include an overlook, Native American archeological site, an horno, a watchable wildlife kiosk and a wayside exhibit on the Santa Fe Trail. Pets: Yes Permitted uses: Foot and bike Miles paved: 0.75 Miles non-paved: 0 Total distance: 0.75 Usage: Medium Degree of difficulty: Easy Elevation: 6,200 ADA accessible: Yes