Experience the Hidden Colorado Gem of Trinidad Lake with Modern Camping Amenities

Explore southeastern Colorado’s hidden gem. Between Fishers Peak mesa and the Spanish Peaks, at the edge of the Rockies, you’ll find a rare trifecta of historical landmarks, a vibrant arts and architecture hub, and unparalleled outdoor recreation. This blend wasn’t built overnight. It’s been forged by centuries of cultures and characters – from Native American Utes and early settlers to coal miners and creatives. Nestled in the southern Colorado foothills of the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Trinidad Lake State Park offers over 2,900 acres of serene beauty and outdoor fun.

Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Trinidad Lake and its dam provide flood control, irrigation, and recreational opportunities to the Purgatoire River Valley. One of the park’s big claims to fame: It’s home to the KT Boundary, the geological line marking the end of the Mesozoic era of dinosaurs and the dawn of the Cenozoic period.

Hike, jog, bike, or horseback ride on 10 miles of trails, where you’ll encounter native plants, lush vegetation, and in some spots, Indian ruins and mining relics. Your trail companions might include mule deer, elk, cottontail rabbits, broad-tailed hummingbirds, and even great blue herons.

Trinidad Lake is ideal for boating, waterskiing, and other watersports. Anglers can cast for rainbow and brown trout, bass, channel catfish, walleye, saugeye, crappie, bluegill, perch, and wipers. Practice at the archery range, or during legal seasons, hunt in posted areas of the park.

Volunteers will complete trail maintenance, restoration, and rerouting/building of two short sections of new trail. Common tools on the crew are shovels, rakes, McLouds, pick-adze, loppers, handsaws, and tampers. Volunteers will hike two miles in uneven terrain with 20lbs at an elevation of 6300′, and perform manual labor in variable, semi-arid weather conditions.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

Avg. Temperature:

Typical weather for this area during this season has highs of around 75–80°F and lows of 45–50°F. Mid-September in southern Colorado at this elevation brings warm days, cool nights, and generally light, infrequent showers.

Sample Schedule:

Day 1: Arrival

Typically meet in the afternoon for check in, introductions, orientation, and camp setup. (Time/place TBD)

Day 2: Work Day

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, pack lunches, and be on the trail between 8 AM and 9 AM

Lunch and plenty of other breaks will be included.

Wrap up the work day in the late afternoon and head back to camp and enjoy a few hours of daylight for free time.

Reconvene at a chosen time for dinner.

After dinner has been cleaned up, evenings offer plenty of  time to relax, sit around the campfire and get to know your fellow crew members, or enjoy more free time.

Day 3: Work Day

Day 4: Rest Day (Specific Day on Trip Will Be Confirmed By Host)

Your choice! Explore the area, take a recreational hike,  tour local attractions, or hang out at camp. Group excursions can be planned or set-out on your own.

Day 5: Work Day

Day 6: Work Day

Day 7: Departure

Pack up and clean up, celebrate your accomplishments, wish each other a fond farewell, and depart. Please note: This schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Any updates will be communicated to the group.

Land Acknowledgement:

AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Lipan Apache, Comanche, Ute, and Jicarilla Apache people past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded these islands and mountain landscapes for countless generations, and those who continue this stewardship today. This acknowledgement is one step in our ongoing commitment to uplift Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to learn about, support, and stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples whose lands we live, work, and recreate on.