Contact Info
Trinidad, CO 81082
- Phone:
- 719-846-6951
Basics
- Length:
- .5 - 4 miles round trip
- Difficulty:
- Beginner
Description
The park, 3 miles west of Trinidad on Highway 12, has eleven miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife watching. Visitors can choose a short walk, interpreted nature trails, or eight-mile hikes into primitive backcountry areas. Daypacks that include binoculars and field guides are available at the visitor center. These trails are open to pets on a leash. Distances given are round-trip.
Levsa Canyon Trial, 1 mile, moderate, loops back to the campground area. Before you go, pick up a brochure at the visitor center that points out some of the area’s history through specific native plants and significant landmarks.
Reilly Canyon Trail, 4 miles, branches off Levsa Trail and terminates near historic Cokedale.
Carpios Cove Trail, 0.5 miles, moderate (steep), offers views of the reservoir and Fisher’s Peak.
South Shore Trail, 2.5 miles, takes hikers to the Long’s Canyon watchable wildlife area.
Long’s Canyon Trail (southwest area of the park), 1.25 miles, leads to two observation blinds overlooking a wetland area and offers a rare view of the K/T (Cretaceous/Tertiary) boundary, a significant geological feaure showing the volcanic ash layer associated with the demise of the dinosaurs.
Visitor Center Trail, 0.75 miles, easy (ADA accessible), connects interpretive features that include an overlook, a native American archaeological site, an horno, a watchable wildlife kiosk, and a wayside exhibit on the Santa Fe Trail.