Lathrop Lake

70 County Road 502, Walsenburg, CO. 81089  (MAP) – Southeastern State Park – fees & reservations

About Lathrop Lake Park

Lathrop Lake State Park lies at a crossroads of early Colorado history and has a panoramic view of the Spanish Peaks. The two peaks ride high above the prairie and were prominent landmarks for Native Americans, settlers, trappers, and explorers. Lathrop, established in 1962, was Colorado’s first state park. The lakes are great for fishing and stocked with trout, catfish, muskie, bass, walleye, bluegill, and crappie. Plus, kids will enjoy the youth fishing pond. Martin Lake is the place for jet and water skiing, power boating, and paddle boating. There is a warm water beach for swimmers. Designated as a no-wake lake, Horseshoe Lake is perfect for canoeists, kayakers, sailors, and other low-speed boaters and anglers looking for the elusive tiger muskie. — Back to all State Parks.

Golf at Lathrop Lake

Lathrop’s nine-hole golf course is the only course in a Colorado state park. Plus a miniature golf course.

Other Attractions at Lathrop Lake Park

There’s also an archery practice range, 13 geocache sites, and an equestrian trail. Hikers will enjoy the views of Spanish Peaks and Greenhorn Mountain from the park trails. The Hogback Trail is for hikers only, but cyclists can peddle the Cuerno Verde Trail. Picnic tables are all located lakeside! Lathrop has 103 campsites with either basic or electric campsites. Bird and wildlife watchers can see a variety of species in the park’s wetland, riparian, grassland, and piñon-juniper habitats. Waterfowl and small-game hunting is allowed in designated areas. If you pass through Walsenburg, the park is only 4.4 miles west. It’s worth a stop.