Meeker Office Closure
The Meeker office is closed until further notice due to the Lee Fire. Please view the news release for additional details and alternative office information.
Trinidad Lake State Park
State Park in Trinidad, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
32610 Highway 12
Trinidad, CO 81082
United States
Trinidad Lake State Park
State Park in Trinidad, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
32610 Highway 12
Trinidad, CO 81082
United States
Navigate to:
A kayaker on the lake
Park Highlight
Explore Trinidad Lake
The 800-surface-acre lake has summer water temperatures around 70 degrees and holds many opportunities for all types of water lovers.
Lake Facilities
Facilities
Trinidad Lake has one boat ramp located on the northeast side of the lake and accessed from Highway 12.
Boat Inspections -All boats must be inspected for aquatic nuisance species before launching. Exit inspections are also recommended. See hours and more information below under the Mandatory Boat Inspections section.
Lakeside tables along the south shore line are available for great fishing access.
Boating and Fishing
Boating
Boating is allowed at Trinidad Lake State Park, which has a dedicated seasonal boat ramp and one seasonal dock.
Boaters must observe wakeless speeds around the boat launch area and within 150 feet of shore fishermen. Boats are not allowed around the outlet structure or buoyed areas.
Boat Inspections
All boats must be inspected for aquatic nuisance species before launching. Exit inspections are also recommended. See hours and more information below under the Mandatory Boat Inspections section.
Fishing
Visitors from boat or shore can reel in warmwater or coldwater fish. Fishing is permitted anywhere on the lake except in the boat launching and docking area. The lake is stocked with an amazing 50,000 trout each year. With this kind of variety, Trinidad Lake hosts a number of fishing tournaments each year.
Fish habitat was placed in shallow and deep waters around Trinidad Lake.
Fish Habitats
Shallow Water Fish Habitats (marked with buoys)
- Carpios Cove 1: 37.14648, -104.56337
- Carpios Cove 2: 37.14627, -104.56344
- Carpios Cove 3: 37.1443, -104.56474
- Levsa Cove 1: 37.14199, -104.57747
- Levsa Cove 2: 37.14195, -104.57715
Fish Habitats
Deep Water Fish Habitats
- Carpios Cove: 37.14258, -104.55939
- Dam: 37.14257, -104.55374
- Boat Ramp Overlook Cliffs: 37.14276, -104.55565
- South Shore: 37.13636, -104.57054
Walleye and Saugeye Consumption Advisory
The Colorado Health Department has issued a consumption advisory for walleye and saugeye over 18 inches at Trinidad Lake. Due to the possible presence of mercury in these fish, pregnant women, women who are nursing or who plan to become pregnant, and children under six years of age should not consume walleye or saugeye over 18 inches in length. Others should not consume more than one 8 oz serving per month of walleye or saugeye over 18 inches.
Fish Species and Bag Limits
See the Fishing Atlas for fishable species at this location and the Fishing Brochure (PDF) for daily bag limits.
Fishing Awards and Records for Trinidad
Colorado Parks and Wildlife awards anglers who catch big fish. Visit the Fishing Awards and Records page for more records.
Clean Your Gear: Fishing
Help Protect Colorado Waters
Clean Your Gear
Cleaning your gear before and after use helps protect our water from aquatic nuisance species. Check out these videos to learn how to clean your fishing gear.
Reservoir Water Level
The water level fluctuates throughout the year. Boaters are warned to be especially alert to submerged hazards, and must observe the Colorado boating statutes and regulations, available at the park office and entrances.
Swimming
Swimming is permitted at Trinidad Lake State Park. Because of the changing water levels, there is no designated swim area.
Bring the Brochures with You
Fishing Brochure
Read up on the location you want to fish before you head out.
Download the BrochureLand and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the BrochureMandatory Boat Inspections for ANS at Trinidad
To boat on the reservoir, an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp, current boat registration and a pre-launch boat inspection at the boat ramp is required.
Vessels and other floating devices that are both hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from mandatory ANS inspections. Although, the public is strongly encouraged to self-inspect their watercrafts, boots, waders, and fishing equipment by making sure that all equipment is clean, drained, and dry. For instructions, see Clean Your Gear.
Learn more about aquatic nuisance species.
Inspection and Decontamination Hours
All motorized vessels must receive an ANS inspection before launching.
Boat inspection hours are from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Decontamination hours are from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Exit inspections are also recommended. Colored seals will be attached to inspected boats leaving the lake. This should simplify the inspection process upon return.
New Zealand Mudsnail
New Zealand Mudsnails are present at Trinidad Lake. They are small invasive freshwater snails that outcompete native fish and snails, eating much of the available food. Learn more about New Zealand mudsnails and how you can help.
Help Stop the Spread of MudsnailsOh, SHELL NO
Be a Pain in the ANS
We can keep Colorado’s peaches sweet, juicy and thriving by preventing the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS). Clean, drain and dry all paddling, fishing and boating gear after each use and Be a Pain in the ANS!
ANS are non-native species that can harm bodies of water, ecosystems and even industries. Several kinds of invasive species can cause clogs in irrigation pipes — this could interrupt water delivery for agricultural producers. Clogs could be formed by non-native zebra, quagga and golden mussels, which can attach themselves to the insides of pipes.
Water Activities
Jet Skiing
Jet skis are allowed at Trinidad Lake. Remember to travel counter-clockwise.
Paddle Boarding
The wakeless zones for paddle sports are located by Carpios Cove and Sunset Point on the northeast side of the lake. Remember your life jacket!
Water Skiing
Water skiing is allowed only in a counter-clockwise direction.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing is allowed on the lake.
Picnicking
Covered lakeside picnic tables with grills are available.