Trinidad Lake

Trinidad Lake State Park

State Park in Trinidad, CO

Hours:

Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 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

Contact:

719-846-6951

[email protected]

Trinidad Lake and shoreline with mountains in the distance.

Trinidad Lake State Park

State Park in Trinidad, CO

Trinidad Lake and shoreline with mountains in the distance.

Hours:

Park: Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 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

Contact:

719-846-6951

[email protected]

Navigate to:

A kayaker on the lake

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.  The ramp is closed for the season and will reopen spring of 2025.
    When the ramp is open, all boats must be inspected before launch and when coming off the lake. 

    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 (both closed until spring 2025)

      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 will be inspected before launch and when coming off the lake. Colored seals will be attached to inspected boats leaving the lake. This should simplify the inspection process upon return.

      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. 

      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.

      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

      Aquatic Nuisance Species at Trinidad Lake

      To boat on the reservoir, a pre-launch boat inspection for aquatic nuisance species (ANS) at the boat ramp, an ANS stamp and a current boat registration are required. New Zealand Mudsnails are present at Trinidad Lake.

      Non-motorized, hand-launched kayaks, canoes, rafts, belly boats, float tubes, paddle boards and foldable boats do not need to be inspected.

      Inspection icon

      Inspection and Decontamination Hours

      ANS inspections and decontaminations will resume spring 2025 when the boat ramp opens for the season.

      Trees and water icon

      New Zealand Mudsnail

      New Zealand mudsnails 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

      Water Activities

      A jet skiier

      Jet Skiing

      Jet skis are allowed at Trinidad Lake. Remember to travel counter-clockwise.

      Two people on a paddle board

      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!

      A motor boat on the lake

      Water Skiing

      Water skiing is allowed only in a counter-clockwise direction.

      A person windsurfing

      Windsurfing

      Windsurfing is allowed on the lake.

      A covered picnic table with a fire pit next to the water

      Picnicking

      Covered lakeside picnic tables with grills are available.