Fishers Peak State Park is definitely an underrated park in Colorado. Tucked just outside the town of Trinidad, Colorado, Fishers Peak State Park is one of the state’s most exciting new additions to the state park scene. While the entire 19,200-acre property is still being developed, visitors can now explore the first 1,000 acres open to the public. With more than 13 miles of trails and wide-open landscapes, this park is already making a name for itself among hikers, bikers, and nature lovers alike.
We were lucky enough to go twice on our way to Colorado Springs. The first time, we did a short hike and I knew if timing allowed, I wanted to come back.
Before going to Fishers Peak State Park, I had a few questions:
Can you hike to the top of Fishers Peak?
Some trails at Fishers Peak State Park are closed seasonally to protect nesting raptors. The Peak Approach, Stone Guard, and Summit Loop trails are closed annually from March 15 through July 31 due to peregrine falcon nesting. Additionally, from December 15 through July 15, visitors must stay at least half a mile away from posted golden eagle nesting sites to help preserve wildlife habitats.
Is Fishers Peak State Park open?
Yes, it opened in 2020.
What is the largest state park in Colorado?
State Forest State Park.
Where is Fishers Peak located?
Fishers Peak stands tall at 9,633 feet and rises just over five miles southeast of Trinidad in Las Animas County, Colorado. It’s not only the highest point in the park—it’s actually higher than any other spot in the U.S. east of its longitude, making it a standout summit in the region.
Quick Facts About Fishers Peak State Park
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Open Hours: Daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Entry Fees: $10 per vehicle | $4 per person (on foot)
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Trail Access: Over 13 miles available for hiking and biking
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Pets: Dogs allowed if leashed; service animals permitted
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Camping: Not permitted at this time
About Fishers Peak State Park
Fishers Peak State Park Address: Santa Fe Trail, Trinidad, CO 81082
Just a few miles south of Trinidad, Colorado, Fishers Peak State Park is one of the newest additions to the state park system. Officially opened in October 2020, the park is still in progress. As mentioned, you can explore over 13 miles of trails on 1,000 open acres, with more to come.
The land was once part of the Crazy French Ranch before being purchased in 2019 through a joint effort between Great Outdoors Colorado, The Nature Conservancy, and The Trust for Public Land. Now, it’s home to wildlife like elk, black bears, mountain lions, and bobcats.
At 9,633 feet, Fishers Peak is the tallest point on Raton Mesa and higher than anywhere else in the U.S. east of its longitude. The terrain ranges from rolling grasslands to rugged foothills and forested ridges.
It’s also part of a larger protected region, connecting with nearby wildlife areas and New Mexico’s Sugarite Canyon State Park to create over 36,000 acres of public land.
What Can You Do at Fishers Peak State Park?
Hiking & Biking:
Enjoy trails of varying difficulty, clearly marked for bikes, hikers or both. Keep an eye out for signage to stay on designated paths. I appreciate that there are well-marked trails for hikers and mountain bikers and not many for both.
To note, there aren’t a ton of mountain bike trails yet, so if you come looking to ride miles and miles, don’t be surprised when you have to do some loops.
Wildlife Viewing:
The park is a wildlife corridor, so don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of large mammals or soaring raptors.
Picnicking:
Several picnic areas are available with sweeping views of the surrounding terrain. You don’t need to hike far.
Photography & Birding:
With open skies and diverse habitats, it’s a paradise for birders and nature photographers.
Know Before You Go
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Stay on Trail: All visitors must stick to designated trails to help protect natural and cultural resources.
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No Camping or Off-Road Vehicles: This is a day-use-only park with no camping allowed. Snowmobiles and OHVs are not permitted.
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Trails are New: Since the park only opened in 2020, some trails may not be as packed down. Watch your footing.
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Seasonal Trail Closures: The Stone Guard, Peak Approach, and Summit Loop trails are closed from March 15 to July 31 for peregrine falcon nesting. Golden eagle nesting closures run from December 15 to July 15.
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Respect Wildlife Buffers: Posted closures around nesting and sensitive areas must be observed.
My Experience at Fishers Peak State Park
Gear Used:
We noticed the park was right off the highway and we needed a break from driving. We did a short 45-minute hike up Lower Cub Road and I loved the trail. It was peaceful and had great views. I knew I wanted to come back and try running as well.
We stopped by the first time on our way to Colorado Springs. At the Fishers Peak State Park trailhead, there is a parking lot with plenty of parking (it looked like it could fit at least 30 cars), two sets of bathrooms and a pay station. It costs $10 per vehicle at Fishers Peak State Park.
We opted to come back to Fishers Peak State Park on our way back west. I am notoriously bad at reading trail maps and thought if we took the Goldenrod Trail, it would be a nice 5-mile loop.
Narrator: it was about 6.2 because you needed an additional trail to get down. I saw the Goldenrod was 4.7 and thought it just connected back to the Fishers Peak State Park trailhead (it did not).
Oh well, it was beautiful. The terrain at Fishers Peak State Park is less stable than many other state parks because the trails are still new and being broken in. I suggest you have decent trail shoes when using them.
Before researching, we actually heavily considered hiking to the top of Fishers Peak, but it is closed until July to protect the falcons. I would love to try and hike to the peak when we are able. It’s prominent and beautiful.
Fishers Peak State Park Conclusion
Fishers Peak State Park might be one of Colorado’s newest parks, but it’s already proving to be a hidden gem in the state’s growing network of public lands. With great views, emerging trail systems, and a strong focus on preserving wildlife and natural spaces, it’s a nice stop whether you’re passing through southern Colorado or planning a dedicated outdoor getaway.
Who Should Travel to Fishers Peak State Park
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Hikers and bikers looking for scenic, uncrowded trails
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Wildlife enthusiasts hoping to spot elk, black bears, or mountain lions
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Visitors who enjoy quiet, developing parks without heavy foot traffic
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Photographers and nature lovers seeking wide-open landscapes and mesa views
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People passing through southern Colorado looking for a worthwhile detour
Who Should Not Travel to Fishers Peak State Park
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Campers…there’s no overnight camping allowed at this time
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People needing full amenities like visitor centers, shops, or cafes (facilities are minimal)
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Mountain bikers wanting hours of riding…trails are still being developed
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Off-roaders or snowmobilers…no OHV use is permitted in the park
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Visitors looking for peak access during raptor nesting closures (some trails are seasonally off-limits)
You can Strava here and more hikes and trail runs here.
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Questions for you:
What is your favorite state park?
Have you been to Fishers Peak State Park?