Trinidad Lake

About Trinidad Lake

The nearby city of Trinidad, with its rich history, completes a visit to the lake, which has something for everyone. Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in southeastern Colorado, Trinidad Lake is a great place to boating, sailing, fishing and enjoy nature.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers controls the Trinidad Dam and the resulting lake, which was completed in 1977. It was built for flood control, irrigation and recreation and is the largest dam in the US with a capacity of 1.5 million cubic feet per second.

The water level of the lake can vary considerably depending on irrigation requirements, although bathing in the lake is prohibited. The lake's water level continues to support good boating and fishing, but visitors should be aware of fluctuations.

Trinidad Lake hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year, and both beginners and experienced anglers will find plenty of fish to challenge themselves.

The Colorado Division of Wildlife catches more than 50,000 trout in the lake each year, and fishermen can fish from the shore or in boats. Rainbow and brown trout are the most common trout species in Lake Trinidad and the largest in the state.

Waterskiing and jet skiing are popular recreational activities on the lake, and there is a public boat ramp. There is also a lot to discover in the landscape around Lake Trinidad, such as the Santa Fe Trail and Highway Legends. In the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Trinidad State Park borders the Santa Fe Trail and the Highway of Legends to the north and south.

Visitors to the park can explore it on foot, on horseback or by bike, and a nine-kilometer trail is bordered by the Santa Fe Trail and the Highway of Legends and the Sangre de Cristo Trail. Although not prepared for winter, the trails are open for cross-country skiers, but not for skiing.

There is a visitor center for tents, and in 2006 it was voted one of the 10 most popular tented destinations in the United States.

Especially along the southern shore trail you can see duck blinds and many water birds. This provides a great opportunity to
observe the birds, as well as the lake itself, the water and even the river itself.

Geologists from around the world are drawn to Trinidad Lake, Colorado, the largest lake in the United States and one of the oldest lakes in North America. The Purgatiore River, which formed Lake Trinidad, was drained by the Great Colorado River and its tributary Colorado and Colorado Springs.

Although geologically young, Trinidad, founded in 1861, is a true border town, and even an inexperienced geologist can see the K-T border that marks the boundaries between the Mesozoic and the Chezoic. There are rocks that mark the boundaries between "K" and "T," as well as some other rocks along the Colorado River.

The charming city has beautifully restored architecture, cobbled streets and a charming historic district. The Trinidad Trolley travels through the old town, where visitors can explore the past with a visit to the Trinidad Museum of Natural History.

The museum consists of several houses, including the home of the cattle baron John C. Barrington and his family, as well as several other historic buildings. In nearby Cokedale, visitors can explore the historic ruins of coal mining and admire Kit Carson's deerskin coat at the Santa Fe Trail Museum. Trinidad Lake, with its picturesque views of the Colorado River and the beautiful mountain range, is the perfect destination for a visit.