Set near the base of southern Colorado’s Spanish Peaks, Lathrop State Park was Colorado’s first state park. The park features 1,451 acres for guests to enjoy, as well as two lakes that offer excellent boating and angling opportunities.

History of the park:

Lathrop State Park was established as Colorado’s first state park in 1962. It was named after Harold W. Lathrop, the first Director of the state parks and recreation board from 1957-1961.

What recreation it’s known for:

Lathrop has two lakes, Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake, which offer boating, water-skiing, fishing, swimming, and more. Because of the park’s location in southern Colorado between foothills and plains, the lakes are usually warmer than other mountain lakes and reservoirs at higher elevations, averaging 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer.

Popular camping/lodging options:

Lathrop has two campgrounds that include 103 sites accommodating motor homes, trailers, and tents.

Popular trails:

Cuerno Verde Trail – 3 miles

Hogback Nature Trail – 2 miles

William Henry Jackson Trail – 528 feet

North Side Trails – 4.5 miles

Other things to know:

Boating is limited to hand launched boats from Oct. 15 to March 15 every year. Horseshoe Lake is closed to boating Nov. 1 through January.

Boaters will also need an aquatic nuisance species stamp, current boat registration, and a pre-launch boat inspection to enjoy the water. Vessels and other floating devices that are hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from mandatory ANS inspections.

Where to eat:

Gub Gub’s – Located in nearby Walsenburg, this restaurant serves up pizza.

George’s Drive Inn – also located in Walsenburg, visitors can get breakfast and comfort food here.

TC’s Diner – another Walsenburg spot, TC’s Diner serves breakfast foods, burgers, and Mexican favorites.

Plan your visit here.

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