Fishers Peak offers a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails for all ability levels, with the crown jewel being a lengthy hike to the summit that takes visitors through several distinct biomes with jaw-dropping views.
Hikers wishing to reach Fishers Peak should come prepared for over 3,000 feet of vertical over a minimum of 15 miles.
Discovery Loop Trail
(250 feet) - Hiking only. The short and easy trail is the perfect place for a quiet picnic not far from the parking lot. An easy loop around a small meadow is lined with interpretive signs that encourage visitors to learn about the habitat around them through the five senses.
Fishers Peak Trail - Challenge Hill Section
(1.4 miles) - Hiking only. Following an abandoned ranch road, this steep, difficult trail quickly climbs the ridgeline to meet the mid-mountain trail hub (top of the Challenge Hill Section) and surrounding views.
Fishers Peak Trail - Osita Ridge Section
(2.3 miles) - Open to hikers and mountain bikes in both directions. From the mid-mountain trail hub this trail continues up the ridge, snaking through oak communities, dramatic rock outcrops, and towering ponderosa pines to reach the upper saddle below Osita Point, with views of Fishers Peak towering overhead.
Osita Point Trail
(0.3 miles) - Hiking only. A short, rocky trail reaches Osita Point (8,125’), which provides commanding, panoramic views of the entire park, the open plains to the east, and the Spanish Peaks and Sangre de Cristo range to the west.
Fishers Peak Trail - Shady Forest Section
(1.9 miles) - Open to hiking and mountain biking in both directions. From the junction for Osita Point, the Fishers Peak Trail continues on towards the mesa, traversing deep old growth pine forest. This section ends at the seasonal closure gate for the Peak, beyond which bikes are not allowed. The gate at the top of Shady Forest is closed March 15 - July 31 for peregrine falcon nesting.
Fishers Peak Trail - Stone Guard Section
(0.7 miles) - Hiker only. Closed March 15 - July 31 for peregrine falcon nesting. This section of trail follows some of the old ranch roads and grows quite steep, crossing through the burn scar from a forest fire in 2013. Dramatic rock structures including the trail namesake stone Guard loom over the trail.
Fishers Peak Trail - Peak Approach Section
(0.8 miles) - Hiker only. Closed March 15 - July 31 for peregrine falcon nesting. The Peak Approach returns to singletrack after the doubletrack of Stone Guard. Similarly steep and featuring numerous rock stairs, this segment crosses some private property. Please be sure to stay the trail to avoid trespassing and to maintain the integrity of the trails by not cutting switchbacks.
Fishers Peak Trail - Summit Loop
(0.5 miles) - Hiker only. Closed March 15 - July 31 for peregrine falcon nesting. To reach the summit, hikers should be prepared for a brief rock scramble. Once on top, they are welcomed by 360 degree views of the plains, Sangre de Cristo mountains, Spanish Peaks, and Raton Mesa.
Poison Canyon Mountain Bike Downhill Trail
(1.7 miles) - Bikes only, one-way downhill only. For mountain bikers, this trail provides an exciting and playful descent that flows through pinon juniper forests and rocky canyons back down to the trailhead. Built with early-intermediate riders in mind, this trail provides opportunities for fun and challenge as they hone their skills on advanced optional features. Bikers access this trail from Lower Lone Cub Trail.
Lower Lone Cub Trail
(1.6 miles) - Open to hikers and mountain bikes in both directions. Serving as the gateway into the trail system, this trail gently meanders through a series of canyons and forested slopes to reach the crest of the first ridge south of the trailhead.
Upper Lone Cub Trail
(1.2 miles) - Open to hikers and mountain bikes in both directions. Following the south ridge, this rugged and twisty trail explores the rocky, south-facing cliffs, passing through a dramatic notch to reach the mid-mountain trail hub.
Goldenrod Trail
(4.7 miles) - Hiking only. This trail explores the long ridgeline south of the trailhead, through a series of tight twists and turns to reach the expansive views of Trinidad and the eastern plains. This long route circles the crest of the valley, connecting back to the mid-mountain trail hub.
