Lathrop's two main trails, the Hogback Trail and the Cuerno Verde Trail, offer visitors exceptional views of the Spanish Peaks, Greenhorn Mountain and Pikes Peak. Yucca, prickly pear, cholla and claret cup cacti can be viewed from the trails as well as a variety of wildflowers that bloom from early spring through late autumn. The Hogback Trail is for hikers only. The Cuerno Verde Trail goes around Martin Lake and is open to bicyclists and hikers. View the Lathrop Area Map.
Hogback Nature Trail
Permitted uses: Foot
Miles paved: 0
Miles non-paved: 2.0
Total distance: 2.0
Usage: Low
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 6,442
ADA accessible: No
Pets: Yes
Comments: The trail winds through sandstone formations and then climbs up the rocky Hogback Ridge that forms the park's northern boundary. As the trail follows the top of the ridge, majestic views of the Spanish Peaks, Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountain Ranges can be enjoyed. Along the two-mile trail, marker posts have been installed to accompany a self-guided brochure containing information about the area's plant and animal life and its history. The brochures are complimentary and are available at the trailhead. Bicycles are prohibited on this designated nature trail.
William Henry Jackson Trail
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Permitted uses: Foot, Bike, Pets
Miles paved: 0 Miles
Miles non-paved: .1 Miles
Total distance: 1.2 Miles
Usage: Low
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 6,442 Feet
ADA accessible: No
Pets: Yes
Comments: To reach the William Henry Jackson Trail, proceed on the Hogback Trail west from the trailhead approximately 0.5 miles. This spur trail connects the park’s popular two-mile Hogback Trail to where, in 1885, famed photographer William Henry Jackson took this historic photo. The original photo shows the area where the future Lathrop State Park would sit, as well as a view of the Cuchara River Valley, and the Spanish Peaks. The exact spot where Jackson took his original photo remained a mystery until Jon Sudar, a local Lathrop State Park Volunteer, became determined to find the spot. He used a compass bearing on a permanent exposed large boulder in Horseshoe Lake and a gorge on the east ridge of the East Spanish Peak, to find the exact spot.
Lathrop State Park installed an interpretive sign at this photo location a couple years ago, but all that remained was building a spur trail from the main Hogback Trail to access it. That is where Andrew Massarotti, of Troop 269 in Trinidad, came into play. Andrew and his troop spent two eight-hour days on Aug. 17 and Aug. 18 2012 building the spur trail through the steep, rocky and cactus-smattered hogback hillside to reach the photo point. Lathrop State Park now invites park visitors and local residents to rediscover the Hogback Trail with the addition of this spur trail, and reconnect with their history.
Cuerno Verde Trail
Permitted uses: Foot, Bike
Miles paved: 3.0
Miles non-paved: 0
Total distance: 3.0
Usage: Medium
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 6,440
ADA accessible: Yes
Pets: Yes
Comments: This exceptionally scenic multi-use non-motorized asphalt trail encircles Martin Lake. The 3-mile trail is a closed loop trail. This handicap accessible trail is popular with the bicyclists as well as walkers and is within walking distance from both campgrounds. All motorized use is prohibited the trail has restrooms along the way and runs parallel to lake.
