Trinidad Lake State Park
Aliases: Longs Canyon Watchable Wildlife Area
This is a state park and fee area with miles of hiking trails. Some waterbirds show up here in migration. Generally the best part of the lake is the shallower west side. Small flocks of both diving and dabbling ducks can usually be found, along with pelicans, gulls, and the occasional loon. When the water level is low, look for shorebirds on the resulting mudflats. On the south side of the reservoir is Long’s Canyon Watchable Wildlife Area, which is also part of the state park fee area. Here you will find a one-and-a-quarter mile trail through a wide pinyon-juniper canyon with a few cottonwoods along the bottom. Bird blinds look out over a marshy area where you are likely to spot muskrats, frogs and turtles in addition to marsh birds. An interpretive site along the trail interprets the K-T Boundary, the geological feature that marks the boundary between the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras.
Restrictions: Obey park rules and regulations
County: Las Animas
Attractions: Boating, fishing, historic Penitente Village
Directions: From the center of Trinidad, head west on CO-12 for 3 miles to the east entrance (Boat Ramp and South Shore) of the State Park. To get to the inlet of the reservoir, head west from the center of Trinidad for 7 miles to the town of Cokedale, and head south (County Rd 57.7) at the State Park sign to the inlet (Reilly Canyon). To get to Long's Canyon, head east a further 1.5 miles to CR 18.3 and head south. Follow CR 18.3 for 3 miles and take a left at the 'T'. You will shortly reach a parking lot and a short trail to the wildlife area.
Alternate Directions: Follow CO 12 for 3 miles west of Trinidad, to the entrance to the south. For Long's Canyon, follow CO 12 for for 8.5 miles from Trinidad, turn south on CR 18, and go for 3 miles to a 'T'. Turn left and drive to the parking lot.
Habitat: Reservoir, Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Lowland Riparian
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours:
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission or Fees: State Parks Pass
Parking: Parking lots
Lodging: Tent Camping/RV hookups in other areas of the State Park
Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: Good access to lake and viewing points; poor access to trails
Delorme: 93 C6-D6
ROC: 153 F3, 154 A3
Latitude: 37.14471
Longitude: -104.55666